With heatwave conditions gripping the UK this summer, gardeners may be concerned to see their green space struggling. An expert has shared advice on rearranging your garden to make it more resilient to extended periods of high temperatures and dry weather.
Improve soil for drought resilience
Luke Newnes, gardening expert at curtain and awnings shop Hilarys, said forward planning can make a big difference. He said: "A garden that's designed with drought resilience in mind will always cope better during hot weather."
Your first priority should be improving your soil. The outdoor specialist said: "Healthy soil holds moisture for longer. Adding organic matter and using mulch regularly can have a huge impact."
Choose Mediterranean plants
Once you have built this earthy foundation, you may wonder which plants will fare best. Mr Newnes said: "If you're looking for plants that can handle hot, dry conditions, I'd recommend varieties that naturally thrive in Mediterranean climates."
He recommended hardy plants that tolerate lengthy dry periods once established: lavender, rosemary, thyme, salvias, and sedums. He also suggested ornamental grasses, saying: "Many ornamental grasses are also surprisingly tough and can add movement and texture to the garden without demanding lots of water."
Choosing the right plants for the conditions is often much easier than constantly battling against the weather.
Group plants and create shade
You may also want to think about where you put your plants. Mr Newnes said: "I'd also encourage people to group plants with similar watering needs together. That way, you're using water much more efficiently."
Creating areas of shade, whether through trees, shrubs or structures, can also help protect more vulnerable plants from intense afternoon sun.
