Blue Daisy Blog

The heatwave really is upon us and if the forecast is anything to go by it could last for a few more weeks yet.  If we're struggling and flagging in the heat just think about how our gardens are coping!  I'm not complaining because before we know it the summer will be over and we'll be into autumn, but it's important to plan for a heatwave next year as our climate is changing whether we like it or not.  

Here's a few ideas on how to heatwave proof your garden:

• Apply a mulch to your borders and containers in the spring, this will block out light and slow down how quickly the sun evaporates any moisture.
• Consider the use of water retaining chrystals and add them to your containers
• Begin buying drought tolerant plants so each year the reliance upon you to save and collect water is reduced
• Think about harvesting as much rainwater as you can whether that is from a water butt through to the big storage tanks that are buried under the garden or even under a raised decking area. 

That's what we can do for the future but what can we do right now:

• Move some of your containers into a shady spot especially those that are more needy like annuals, fruit or vegetables; the more sun they have the quicker any moisture in the soil will evaporate
• Whatever you water do it in the evening, if you water during the day the sun's heat will evaporate any moisture in the area and any wet leaves will scorch when the sun hits them
• Water slowly but thoroughly, think about watering to the depth of the plant's width and aim your watering can at the base of the plant not the foliage
• Water containers daily
• Water established borders every 4-5 days or a bit more often if you see them wilting
• Water newly planted trees, shrubs and/or perennials every 3-4 days and at least half a watering can per plant
• Established lawns can be left, even if they change colour as they are really tough and as soon as water is applied they will soon green up and will bounce back.
• Newly laid turf will need regular watering, slowly but thoroughly.
• Try to use greywater as much as possible - this is water that has already been used for example bath or shower water.  You can also use water saved from dish washing as long as the water isn't greasy or has lots of detergent in, this grey water can be used on established plants and lawns. 

So now that you have watered, pour yourself a glass or mug of something lovely and sit and enjoy the garden you have created so far!

When I’m designing gardens the subject of climate change sometimes crops up and I’m being asked whether it is possible to ‘drought proof’ a garden.   One garden that has succeeded famously at this is the Beth Chatto Gardens in Essex and her ‘Gravel Garden’ has been an inspiration to gardeners and designers alike.  Her gravel garden works with nature and does not fight against it, she used plants that will cope in dry conditions for example, Lavender, Cistus, Bergenia, Allium, Sedum and drought resistant grasses that have not been artificially watered since around 1992!

If you are thinking about having your garden designed and are starting with a blank canvass you could consider installing an underground rainwater harvesting system, a huge undertaking to be completed before the hard landscaping begins but well worth considering.  Harvested rainwater has many uses around the house for example flushing the toilet and washing machines but it can also be used to water the garden.  Today a lot of people have water butts - which are great - but they don’t last long during a period of drought which we all saw this April when we had no rain for most of the month!   It is also very important to choose your plants and the location of them carefully; you need to include plants that can cope with little water yet look good most of the year; after all you do want a beautiful garden.

I read an interesting article recently in the Society of Garden Designers Journal about deer. When we think of deer most of us think how mysterious, shy and cute they are but not for those who are plagued with the damage they can inflict on our precious gardens.

To keep these wonderful yet destructive creatures out whether you are designing or maintaining a garden consider building a fence around the entire perimeter of at least 1.5m in height. Deer are athletic jumpers but it is better to err on the side of caution and opt for 1.9m as this will keep the most energetic out. You can have mesh but the sections need to be no bigger than 75mm x 75mm.  Don’t stop there though, the bottom of the fence deer can slither under or even tunnel under! Wire needs to be taut, made of a strong material such as high-tensile steel, or have boards nailed along the bottom or a row of bricks under the fence and don’t forget the gate.

Some of our customers have dogs and they often ask us how they can avoid those dead patches that show up on their lawn after their dog has urinated.  Bitches create more damage as they tend to use the same spot over and over again, where as dogs tend to mark many spots.  So, we did some research and found some fairly routine solutions and some, well not quite so routine ... let's just call them a little bit different that work for some people.  See what you think....

Lawns generally are able to withstand periods of drought, however, some tips on what you can to do help your lawn are:

• Lift the cutting blades on the mower, this helps encourage deeper roots and reduces evaporation from the surface - this helps to keep its lush green appearance for longer
• Don't apply fertilser or other chemicals as this could put the lawn under stress
• Water the lawn when the heat of the sun has past, preferably in the evening this allows the lawn all evening to soak it up
• When water is available again light pricking with a fork will help water penetrate the surface
• Feed and treat your lawns well at other times of the year so that it is more resiliant to stressful conditions during the summer

If you live in Coventry and your lawn needs some tender loving care contact Blue Daisy here!