Millions of Britons heading abroad for a summer getaway could return to a disappointing garden, but Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has essential tips to minimise the impact.
The UK has endured a seemingly endless heatwave, leaving gardens deprived of rainfall and lawns, plants, trees and flowers already looking worse for wear. Factor in a fortnight without maintenance while travelling, and you could be greeted by a rather disappointing sight on your return.
Hosepipe restrictions across the UK
Making matters more challenging, millions of households across the UK are facing hosepipe restrictions as water companies urgently attempt to preserve supplies. From 8 August, South West Water imposed a hosepipe ban affecting 1.8 million households, encompassing those in Devon, Cornwall, sections of Dorset and Somerset. This comes on top of the restriction already implemented in Mid and East Devon.
Regions supplied by Affinity Water, covering Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and portions of London and Essex, are already subject to a hosepipe ban. Anglian Water has implemented one throughout its entire coverage area, alongside all territories served by Cambridge Water. In Wales, Mid and South Ceredigion, North Pembrokeshire, and North Carmarthenshire face restrictions imposed by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.
Essex and Suffolk Water has also introduced a ban across its entire area, while South East Water has imposed restrictions in Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Southern Water has brought in a ban covering Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, while Thames Water has enforced restrictions across its entire supply area, encompassing Greater London, the Thames Valley, Surrey, Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire.
Monty Don's advice
Writing on his blog, Monty outlined precisely what homeowners should do to ensure their garden remains in excellent condition. He said: "If you do get away prepare the garden so that it will still look good when you get back - especially if it will be left for two weeks."
He advised: "Mow the lawn, weed, and make sure plants are well supported. Pots are most likely to suffer in hot weather and an irrigation system is ideal, but at very least give them a good soak before you go. Ideally move smaller pots into the shade and group them together which will reduce evaporation."
He also suggested: "If you have sweet peas or vegetables ready to harvest ask friends or neighbours to come and pick them."
