Brits urged to prepare for summer water shortages now

Green fingered Britons are being urged to prepare for summer water shortages now to avoid a repeat of last year’s parched and dying plants.

Gardening expert Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk says last year’s unprecedented weather with record high temperatures and water shortages could be seen again this year if current rainfall levels are anything to go by.

Already experts are talking about drought conditions. A recent meeting of the National Drought Group noted 63% of rivers are currently below normal levels for this time of year.

Rainfall over the next three months will be vital in reducing the drought risk for the summer.

Now gardeners are being encouraged to think about what they plant and opt for drought tolerant varieties to keep their garden looking healthy.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Last year was unlike any summer I’ve ever seen and these intense periods of heat and lack of rainfall are likely to become more prevalent.

“Gardeners need to adapt and think about what they can grow that’s tolerant of these difficult conditions. There are lots of options from favourites like lavender to more unusual plants like passion flowers.

“There’s also other things gardeners can be doing now like installing water butts to collect rainwater to water their garden.”

Here is GardeningExpress.co.uk‘s suggestions for drought tolerant plants:

Lavender

Lavender is a staple in a UK garden with the beautiful blue flowers and the distinctive fragrance. It’s also a good drought tolerant plant. Try planting close to a path or in a garden border to fully enjoy the scent. Lavender also works well in planters on the patio or deck. And the added bonus? Beneficial insects like bees and butterflies love them.

Passion Flower

This exotic climber copes with a lack of rain well and thrives during hot summers. This is a show stopper in the garden. The white flowers with central rings of purple, blue and white spiky filaments are in full bloom from July to September, followed by egg-shaped, orange-yellow fruit. These are perfect for a tropical garden but look stunning whatever your garden theme.

Cordyline Australis

Drought tolerant, cordyline creates a statement in the garden with its upright, palm like appearance and green, sword like leaves. These hardy plants flourish in full sun. Mature plants have fragrant, white blooms in clusters which appear during late spring.

Hebe

Drought tolerant Hebes are the ultimate foliage plants providing interest all year round. These evergreen shrubs will add colour and texture to your outside space. The low growing domes of densely packed leaves can be plated just about everywhere. They’re virtually maintenance free, frost hardy, drought tolerant and tolerant of shade, sun and poor soil.

Perovskia

This drought tolerant small shrub is also known as Russian Sage. Its aromatic leaves and upright spikes of violet blue flowers make a lovely display in the garden. It flowers from late July through to September. Try planting alongside a path to fully enjoy the sage-like fragrance of its leaves.

Artemisia Powis Castle

The silver Artemisia Powis Castle is a wonderful plant that acts as the perfect foil for more showy flowers. Its finely cut foliage is what allows this plant to survive under drought conditions. 

Mediterranean garden styles tend to be drought tolerant, for more advice head over to Gardening Express’ garden guide.