Impact of Prolonged Heatwaves and Drought on Horticultural Practices
Sizzling Summer in the UK: Dealing with Drought and Garden Care
brace yourself, mate! 2022 saw England enduring its driest July since 1935, with a scorching heatwave hitting temperatures over 40°C. And it ain't over yet - the Met Office warns there's a 50/50 chance of seeing temperatures reach 40C again in the next 12 years. As a result, two regions in the UK - Yorkshire and the north-west of England - have declared official droughts.
Dire rainfall figures tell the tale. Yorkshire received only 66% of the long-term average May rainfall, and England has gone 132 years to experience a drier spring. Across England, rainfall during last month accounted for just 57% of the long-term average.
A Scorcher for the Garden
If the Ch ain't bothered, why should we be? think again, mate. The Environmental Agency announced Yorkshire's change of status on June 12 after declining river flows and groundwater levels, following the dry spell in March, April, and May.
No Hosepipe Ban Yet
But hey, no need to worry about 'osepipes just yet. No hosepipe bans have been announced in the UK as of now. But it's crucial to conserve water in these dry times to protect water supplies and the environment. Here are some tips to help you:
- Water wisely: opt for watering cans filled with water from a water butt, or reusing grey water instead of using hosepipes or sprinklers.
- Timing's everything: water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening, avoiding full sun when the water will quickly evaporate.
- No need to water the lawn: grasses are hardy plants that can endure dry spells and will bounce back once cooler, wetter weather returns.
Drought-Tolerant Plants to the Rescue
In need of a garden makeover to withstand the heat? look no further than drought-tolerant plants. Here are some astounding options:
- Mediterranean aesthetic: replace thirsty plants with drought-tolerant Mediterranean-style herbs like lavender, rosemary, and marjoram.
- Perennials: plants like yarrow, Phlomis, and euphorbias require minimal water and give your garden a stunning look.
- Bulbs, rhizomes, corms, and tubers: consider bulbs like daffodils, crocus, and cyclamen that naturally retreat underground during winter.
- Succulents: echeveria, pelargoniums, and other succulents are perfect for low-water-demand hanging baskets and pots.
Preparing for the Future
With Climate Change rearing its head, it's essential to prepare for drier, hotter summers and erratic rainfall in the UK. That's why it's crucial to choose plants that survive both water stress and winter freezing temperatures. Strive for plants native or adapted to drier Mediterranean or arid climates but yet hearty enough for UK winter chills.
Water-saving isn't just for summer - it's an all-year-round concern. So let's get ready for a future-proofed garden, mates!
- The extreme heat and drought in the UK during summer 2022, reminiscent of a Mediterranean climate, have emphasized the importance of understanding environmental science and making necessary adjustments in gardening practices to conserve water and protect plants.
- In response to the drought, many home and garden enthusiasts are turning to environmental-science concepts, seeking out plants that are climate-change resilient and drought-tolerant to further their gardening lifestyle.
- To adapt home gardens to the changing climate, incorporating drought-tolerant plants such as Mediterranean herbs, perennials, bulbs, and succulents can not only improve the aesthetic appeal but also ensure water conservation.
- By choosing plants like lavender, rosemary, yarrow, euphorbias, daffodils, and echeveria, gardeners can create a more sustainable garden, reducing their impact on the environment while still enjoying the beauty of plants.
- To maximize water conservation in the garden, it's crucial to implement water-saving strategies like using watering cans filled with water from a water butt, watering plants early in the morning or late in the evening, and avoiding watering the lawn during drought-like conditions.
- As climate-change-induced droughts and hotter summers become more common, a proactive and informed approach to gardening and home-and-garden management will be essential to creating sustainable, climate-resilient gardens for years to come.
