24 Aug Poplar Nurseries offers help for thirsty gardens
ESSEX GARDENERS have seen their prize blooms wilt in the sun this summer, but help is at hand.
With the UK gripped in one of the driest summers on record, some of the county’s most treasured outdoor spaces have been turned to dust and straw in the relentless temperatures. Hose pipe bans have been introduced across the UK and are widely anticipated to be implemented in Essex as the nation acts to reserve every drop of water.
Yet even in the blistering heat, there are still ways to help your garden flourish. Staff at Poplar Nurseries, just off the A120 in Marks Tey near Colchester, have been helping gardeners get the most from their gardens for generations. This summer the challenge has been coming up with some creative planting ideas to get the most of every bit of moisture in the ground.
Matthew Cowan, owner of Poplar Nurseries, explains: “We have always encouraged gardeners to fit a water butt to help retain as much rain water as possible, while gravel and bark chippings help to protect the soil from the scorching heat. Adding an irrigation system to your garden also makes sure you use your water as efficiently as possible in the garden.
“Planting is equally important too, and now more than ever there is a wide range of more hardy, drought-tolerant plants that will still look great even in these challenging conditions.
“Over recent years we have seen a greater influx of plants from the continent that adapt better to the warmer and drier weather we are seeing in the UK, and most particularly in Essex. Palms are increasing popular, such as the European Fan Palm or the Canary Island Date Palm, while olive trees are becoming regular fixtures in Essex gardens.
“That said, there are also native classics that will survive the heat as well. English Lavender adds not only colour but fragrance to the garden and is exceptionally tolerant to drought. While other herbs like Rosemary and Thyme will stand the test of a dry summer.”
