We use cookies on this website. To use the website as intended please accept cookies.

Tuesday March 19 , 2024

Blue Daisy Blog

Blue Daisy blog written by Nicki Jackson & Jules Clark - for news, views, garden design, gardening and plant observations and thoughts.

Subscribe to this list via RSS Blog posts tagged in watering

Preparing for Rain after a Heatwave

Posted by on in Gardening

catch-waterThe last two heatwaves and serious lack of rain has had severe consequences on water availability in many counties in the UK and our gardens have really suffered.  With reports of heavy rain and possible flash flooding in the next few days there are a few things we can all do to ready our gardens and not waste that very precious resource – water!

When soil is parched through lack of water it becomes compacted and the gaps between particles gets smaller and smaller, as such any rain that falls won’t be able to penetrate and be absorbed by the plants or grass that are desperately in need. Instead, it will just run off causing the flash flooding they have said is highly likely. 

 

Continue reading
Hits: 1088 0 Comments
0

Heatwave Proof Your Garden

Posted by on in Gardening

droughtresistentplantsThe 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!

Hits: 5217 0 Comments
0

Blog Categories

Tag Cloud

Kelmarsh Hall poppies April garden Rachel de Thame Chelsea Flower Show form Narcissus cottage garden show gardens Seed sowing Monty Don composting hydroponic elm National Gardening Week Birmingham Library vertical garden spring bulbs Great British Garden Revival structure rainwater harvesting snow Levens Hall Stoneleigh bulb display Matt James watering paving pests garden design tip alpines winter garden gardening on tv roof garden Alys Fowler grow your own RHS Tatton Park Events & Shows December garden drought Ilex Herb Gardeners World August garden garden traditional style February Taxus Capability Brown hard landscaping scented shrubs plant pots movement in the garden ash Briza maxima Euphorbia May garden contemporary bulbs Lantra January garden Horticulturalist garden focal points Sophie Raworth Alan Titchmarsh BBC reclaimed materials November garden RHS Hampton Court October garden gravel hosepipe productive garden Geranium topiary recycled materials Lawrence Johnston twitter James Wong water butt Cut flowers RHS Malvern Mrs Loudon birch NSALG Laurel Tom Hart-Dyke CorTen Garden Planning Moss Bank Park career in horticulture cyclamen pollinators Charlie Dimmock rock gardens Highgrove Futurescape Echinacea Kensington Roof Garden garden design trends build Absorb pollution John Massey surfaces September garden Joanna Lumley June garden Glasshouse roof gardens summer garden Cloches Nicki Jackson Spring shrubs Kew Gardens herbs HTA February garden sunflowers Horticultural Urban Heat Island Hidcote patio Achillea Daffodils Hosta pollinating insects Wisley timber herbaceous borders Malvern Hills pond Floating Paradise Gardens of London basil HNC stonemarket wild flowers spring garden water conservation Selfridges Roof Garden water feature women and work award Stone Lane Gardens acer Trees front garden Perennial sound in the garden GYO Berginia heatwave courtyard wildlife Shrubs London autumn garden Greenhouse house plants doddington hall eco-friendly Carol Klein Toby Buckland ha ha garden room grey water Joseph Banks CorTen steel Fleece RHS Chelsea terracota deer Prince Harry Chelsea Physic Garden Cambridge botanical garden winner Herb garden Cosmos astrosanguineus green spaces rococo bees Acuba unity garden advice at home saving water Horticulture lawn care Joe Swift National Trust watering can Urban Heat Island Effect Buxus Ashwood Nurseries sweat peas Phyllostachys nigra plants Jekka McVicar edible garden show cottage gardens planning your garden Crocus RHS Bamboo ornamental grasses colour in your garden kerb-side appeal Snowdrops Coastal plants water Chris Beardshaw July garden Berberis New York Highline kitchen garden legacy gift Winter shrubs Malvern Spring Show sorbus repetition Wildflowers blue garden design rosemary Blue Daisy Decking March garden

Welcome to Blue Daisy Blog



Our Promise

promiseWe work hard to keep our customers happy.  We work to a voluntary customer charter.

Peace of Mind

simplybusinessWe take our responsibilities seriously so we're insured through Simply Business.

Click on the logo for our Garden Design insurance details. For Gardening details see our gardening services page.

Proud Members Of...

landscapejuicen... The Landscape Juice Network where we interact with other professional gardeners, designers and landscapers.