13/04/2006
- The Environment Agency is calling on keen gardeners
to add drought tolerant plants to their shopping
baskets if heading to the garden centre this Easter
long weekend.
In what could be the most serious
drought to hit the south east of England in the
past 100 years, and with garden watering banned
in some areas under hosepipe bans, it makes sense
to think about what plants, trees and shrubs can
survive in drier conditions.
"We're a nation of gardeners,
but during hot weather, garden watering can account
for more than half of our total household water
use," Barbara Young, Chief Executive of the
Environment Agency, said today.
"We're all aware of the
seriousness of this drought in the south east,
and that's why hosepipe bans are a common sense
approach to reducing the amount of water we use.
We shouldn't be looking for loopholes in the hosepipe
and other bans. We should be finding ways to save
water and care for the environment irrespective
of what the regulations require of us.
"Although hosepipe and
sprinkler bans restrict watering gardens - including
plants in containers and hanging baskets - we
can still use water responsibly in the garden
by collecting rainwater in water butts or using
a watering can.
"But if we get a hot, dry
summer, this could be the worst drought in 100
years. By having plants and shrubs that are tolerant
to drought and laying mulches to help prevent
water evaporation and control weeds, it is possible
to keep gardens well-tended while reducing the
amount of water needed
"We all need to make an
effort to save water wherever possible, including
us keen gardeners, but it doesn't mean that our
gardens have to suffer," Barbara Young said.
Some plant flowers and shrubs
that thrive in hot and dry conditions and are
best suited for poor, free-draining soils include
lavender, buddleia (butterfly bush), Californian
poppy, red-hot poker, evening primrose and many
herbs.
Mulches such as wood chips,
bark and gravel help to prevent water evaporation
and also suppress weed growth, saving both water
and time spent weeding.
"Not having to water means
more time to relax and enjoy the garden,"
Barbara Young said.
If you don't have a garden,
there's no need to feel left out. Water saving
tips for the home can be found on the Environment
agency website.
