In the face of scorching heatwaves, the fate of our gardens hangs in the balance. As the UK endures its third heatwave of the summer, many of us are left wondering if our green spaces will ever recover from the parching sun. But fear not, dear readers, for amidst the desolation, there is hope. The resilient nature of grass and the proactive measures we can take offer a glimmer of light in these trying times. So, let's delve into the world of gardening in the heat, where knowledge is power and every drop of water counts.
The Grass is Greener on the Other Side
The lawn, a symbol of our green haven, may appear lifeless after a prolonged drought. But, as John Cushing, the proud owner of Goldstone Hall Hotel & Gardens in Shropshire, assures us, "Grass is remarkably resilient and won't die because of a period of drought." Darren Rudge, the Laughing Gardener, adds, "The roots are alive, it's totally OK and you do not need to worry about your lawn." So, while our lawns may be asleep, they are not dead. With the return of rain, they will spring back to life, a testament to nature's tenacity.
Do Nothing and Let Nature Heal
Cushing's advice is simple: do nothing. "If you have some wild grasses going to seed, you can trim the seed heads to prevent them spreading, but otherwise leave the lawn alone. Let nature take its course. Once the rain arrives, you'll be surprised how quickly your lawn recovers." This hands-off approach allows the lawn to heal naturally, a process that is both fascinating and efficient.
The Art of Scarifying
To aid the lawn's recovery, Daniel Puicar, the head gardener at Middleton Hall and Gardens, suggests scarifying. "Using a rake or scarifier in a criss-cross pattern across the lawn removes moss and dead grass and breaks up the soil crust." This process not only refreshes the lawn but also improves water retention, ensuring that the grass gets the moisture it needs to thrive.
Watering Wisely
While it may be tempting to douse our gardens in water, Jon Norman, a garden designer, advises caution. "Avoid applying fertiliser to dry or stressed grass, and wait until the lawn is growing nicely before mowing." Norman also recommends raising the mower blades slightly higher than usual to protect the grass and retain moisture. For new and young plants, Darren Rudge suggests using a watering can instead of a hosepipe to monitor water usage.
Flower Power
Our flower beds, too, are not immune to the heat. Marie and Tony Newton, the proud owners of the award-winning Four Seasons Garden in Walsall, offer valuable insights. They advise watering in the coolest part of the day, either late evening or early morning, to avoid scorching delicate foliage. Trimming perennials and deadheading blooming plants helps them retain their strength and bloom for longer. Additionally, they recommend avoiding transplanting during droughts and moving potted plants out of direct sun.
Fruit and Veg in the Heat
Maggie Bull, an allotment holder in Telford, shares her experience with growing fruit and vegetables. "It's a balancing act really, because you don't want to use or waste water, when we know we all should be cutting back a bit. But if we don't water these things [vegetables] they will die and our whole years' work will have gone, really. So I just water sparingly, where I think needs it." This delicate balance between conservation and survival is a testament to the resilience of nature.
Future-Proofing Our Gardens
As climate change makes heatwaves more common and summers hotter, it's time to future-proof our gardens. The Newtons suggest avoiding cutting the lawn too low and allowing the grass to grow longer during hot weather. Jon Norman, meanwhile, envisions future gardens with "greater resilience in mind, notably drought-resilient planting, the use of water conservation, and perhaps a less closely mown lawn." This shift in design philosophy reflects a broader conversation about creating more resilient gardens to face weather extremes.
In the end, our gardens are a reflection of our connection to nature, and in the face of adversity, they offer a reminder of our resilience. So, let's embrace the challenge, take proactive measures, and watch our gardens flourish once again. After all, with a little care and a lot of patience, even the driest of lawns can spring back to life, a testament to the power of nature's resilience.
