01/05/2005 - The opening
of the drought and wildlife garden on Monday
at the Environment Agency, Central Area Office
at Brampton will coincide with World Environment
Day, which is on Sunday 5 June.
The garden fulfils one of the World Environment
Day aims to reduce the amount of water wasted.
Climate change is causing our weather patterns
to change and with summers predicted to be
warmer and drier we need to take water efficiency
seriously.
Drought gardens contain plants that can survive
dry summers yet still thrive to provide an
attractive feature.
The drought garden outside the reception
area will show the range of plants that can
be grown in a dry environment and is the winning
design from a staff competition won by John
Careless.
Plants have been kindly donated by Frosts
Garden Limited, who are located in Brampton.
This benevolent gesture affirms the importance
of local partnerships between organisations
for the benefit of the Environment Agency
staff and visitors.
Keith Stonell, the Agency’s Central Area
Manager said: " We have produced a conservation
plan for the Brampton site that will benefit
wildlife by creating and enhancing a number
of habitats.
"The new drought garden, highlights
the diverse range of plants that can be used
to create an attractive feature within a dry
environment. We hope the area will raise the
awareness to staff and visitors about wildlife
and water conservation in their gardens."
The Brampton offices are surrounded by meadows
that are mown to benefit wild flowers and
surveys have shown these areas are home to
mice, shrews, bank and field voles. More than
40 species of bird have been viewed from the
site, including buzzard and greater spotted
woodpecker.
Other ways to conserve water in the garden
include:
watering in early morning or evening helps
reduce evaporation losses
if established plants and shrubs are watered
too often they will remain shallow rooted,
weakening the plant. Leave them alone until
they show signs of wilting.
use a watering can to water plants with rainwater
collected in water-butts. If you prefer to
use a hosepipe, fit a trigger nozzle to control
the flow.
careful weeding and hoeing ensures that watering
helps plants and not weeds.
plant flowers and shrubs that can cope with
hot and dry conditions and suit your particular
garden soil conditions
mulches such as wood chips, bark and gravel
help to prevent water evaporation and also
suppress weed growth, saving you both water
and time spent weeding.
garden sprinklers can use as much water in
an hour as a family of four uses in a day.
If you use a sprinkler, many water companies
require you to have a water meter fitted.
Other ways to support World Environment Day
and help to protect the places we live, work
and play is to make a pledge on line.
Small lifestyle changes will make a big difference
to our environment. Log on to www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wed
