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[Spangles]

Garden is almost dead!
Tried to put some plants in yesterday but ground is like concrete!

[Joaniepat]

Are you not watering it at all? Mine would be like that if I didn't. It's only small though, so I don't feel too guilty. The lawn doesn't look too good, but it's had some 'grey' water and is just about surviving. I don't intend to let my plants die (sometimes they can do that without the help of adverse weather  ) so the newest ones get a slosh with the watering can most nights.
JP x

[CLKD]

I would never feel guilty about using a hose, washing up/bath water - we live on an Island.  Also the water Comapanies are getting fined huge amounts all year round for not mending leaks.  Watering in the early morning or late evening, particular underneath any leaves onto the root area helps.  Not a little but lots each time, our pots have lasted 2-3 days Between each watering. 

Neighbours have taken down a tree and tried to put 3 shrubs into the ground, well they haven't bulked it with anything that will feed the plants which will need watering 2/3 times a day  .  I would have left them in the pots, in the shade and watered as necessary until such time as the ground has had a very good soaking.

[Spangles]

Hi Ladies,
As for my garden, my pots and baskets get watered most evenings but my borders haven't had a drop for about ten weeks now, hence dead plants!
I had a very expensive garden makeover last year too.
People think I'm nuts having had so much work done and not watering, as a fully trained horticulturist and garden designer it does somewhat go against the grain.
However, the survivors will survive no matter what the weather and most of my stuff is herbaceous anyway so it will just go back into dormancy, I don't do annuals either, except for my hanging baskets.
My reason for not watering? I like to think I'm doing my bit and that there will always be enough water to go around. If everyone did this we wouldn't have to worry about bans, etc.
I'm sorry if this sound harsh but that's how I feel.
Love
Spangles
xXx

[Taz2]

I water each evening for the wildlife as much as for the plants. The blackbirds and robins are straight onto the soggy bits. The worms are so far down now!

Taz x

[Lanzalover]

We have had a few showers in the last few days and although I do water the boarders,pots,tubs and hanging baskets I haven't bothered with the lawn and it was looking completely scorched but I was amazed this morning to see that after those few showers both lawns now have patches of very green grass on them.
However the forecast is for very hot weather over the next few days so it may be short lived but it's certainly brightened my morning.

Lanzalover x

[Taz2]

It's amazing how quickly lawns do begin to recover. So pleased you've had a few showers Lanzalover. Bet it smelt wonderful!

Taz x

[CLKD]

Lawns have a very short root base.  Hence the quick recovery.

I have spent £thousands over the years and refuse to lose it.  I will use the hose as necessary.  Watering cans closer to the house.  It is cruel not to water when plants begin to wilt, they have feelings too!  I had a sensitive plant for a while but killed it by over-touching it, the grease on may fingers ruined it.   

I also try to keep one area really well watered, it's under some shrubs and the blackbirds soon find the cooler area.

[jillydoll]

Our acre tree has gone barmy since this hot weather. 

It's grown so big, too big in comparison to the size of our garden!
But I can't cut it yet can I.?

Don't like it that big....it's gonna have to be cut right back....

[Taz2]

Do you mean Acer tree?  You need to wait until the winter to give it a good cutback I think https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=126

Taz x

[CLKD]

Acers hail from Japan/Asia apparently and can take off ......... there are so many types!

Dry.  Ground cracking in places.  Put the 'can round where necessary B4 the sun moved round. 

[CLKD]

...... and?  So are we.  When it was fitted in the 1990s we got £62 back  .  I bath every night.  [shower is broken].  The dishwasher and laundry machines are on daily.  I used to wash up in a bowl to throw the water onto plants, must start again, thanks for the reminder of a bowl. Most plants look OK this morning will check again in the early evening.

[Taz2]

My dishwasher and washing machinr are only on two and three times a week! You must generate a lot of washing up and washing for just two of you? 🤔

Taz 😂

[jillydoll]

Yes Taz2.
That's what I mean, Acer.

It's gone mad...lol
We've really got to chop it right back come the winter...
They ‘bleed' don't they if you cut them now in the summer , and die ?

Oh well, I ent got the energy to do it now anyway...lol

[CLKD]

Time to browse the net - have a look-see at garden centres that specialise in Acers? there is one in Outwell not far from Wisbech.

Our garden will require watering if the forecast rain (yesterday) doesn't arrive!