For many homeowners, this summer has been a frustrating one. Across large parts of the UK, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather have transformed once-lush lawns into dry, yellow, and brown patches. The Met Office has reported exceptionally dry conditions alongside repeated heatwaves. There have been warnings that parts of England are experiencing increasing pressure on water supplies. The bottom line: With no rain and extreme water restrictions, it’s fair to say that gardens can’t look anything but brown at the moment.
However, your garden doesn’t have to become a casualty every time temperatures soar. Instead of constantly trying to rescue scorched grasses and thirsty plants, it’s possible to make your outdoor space far more resilient. Here are some tips to create a garden that’s better equipped for Britain’s increasingly warm summers while remaining beautiful and enjoyable for the whole family.
Design Your Garden for Modern British Summers
The way a garden is designed has a huge impact on how well it copes with prolonged periods of hot weather. Gardens that rely heavily on large areas of exposed lawn and planting tend to struggle during dry spells. On the other hand, thoughtfully planned outdoor spaces are more likely to remain attractive with far less maintenance.
You may find it helpful to work with a professional garden designer who can ensure you create a garden that is fit for the climate we’re increasingly experiencing. Ultimately, British gardens need to evolve because the climate we have today is not the same as the one we used to have decades ago. A designer can consider how different areas of the garden receive sunlight throughout the day and how water drains through the soil, which can help suggest different planting choices.
Bear in mind that this will not eliminate the effects of a heatwave altogether. But it can significantly reduce the amount of damage your garden will experience.
Create More Outdoor Living Spaces
Not every part of your garden needs to be covered in grass. In fact, it can be a good idea to replace sections of lawn with attractive hard landscaping that can make your outdoor space more practical and far less demanding during hot weather.
That’s why decking, patios, and paved seating areas are popular. They require less maintenance than natural grass during a heatwave. They don’t need watering, mowing, or feeding, so they can continue looking smart regardless of how little rain has fallen.
Water Smarter
When temperatures rise, it’s tempting to reach out for the garden hose every evening. But traditional sprinklers and handheld watering tend to waste a lot of water through evaporation and runoff.
Smart watering systems offer a much more efficient alternative. You can use drip irrigation if you have a big garden. This is designed to slowly deliver water directly to plant roots where it’s needed most. Paired with programmable timers, you can ensure water takes place during the early morning when evaporation is at its lowest. You can even find watering systems that include soil moisture sensors so they only activate when your plants genuinely need water.
This is a great approach both for your plants and your water bills.
Collect Rainwater Before You Need it
One of the simplest ways to prepare for dry weather is to store water while it’s still freely available. Ultimately, the UK is not a dry country. Rain is plentiful throughout the year. You can use a rainwater tank to collect rainfall from your roof through the guttering system. The tank will store it for later use.
The stored reserves you make during wet weather can become incredibly valuable at a time like now, when rainfall disappears for several weeks, and hosepipe restrictions are introduced.
Rainwater is suitable for watering flowers, shrubs, vegetable beds and potted plants. Many gardeners even prefer using rainwater because it contains fewer minerals than treated tap water.
To keep stored water safe, you need to choose a tank with a secure lid, as this will prevent debris and insects from entering. It’s also a good idea to clean the tank regularly once it’s empty, as this will maintain water quality and prevent unpleasant smells from developing.
Remember: Rainwater is not safe for consumption!
Move Container Plants Inside
Plants growing in planters are the first casualties in a heatwave. They have limited soil surrounding their roots, which means the pots are more likely to dry out quickly.
But planters are also easy to protect. You can move them into partial shade during the hottest part of the day to reduce water loss. You can also move them to a protected and sheltered area, such as beneath pergolas, close to walls, or even directly inside the garage or the conservatory to prevent excessive stress.
Mulch Your Borders to Keep Moisture in the Soil
Mulching is one of the most effective and surprisingly inexpensive ways to help gardens cope with prolonged hot weather.
Combine a layer of bark chips, compost, leaf mould or even decorative gravel and place it around plants. This will act as insulation for the soil beneath. It reduces evaporation, which keeps the roots cooler. It also helps maintain more consistent moisture levels, even when the temperatures are rising.
Mulch is also particularly efficient against weeds, which means nothing is competing with your plants for water. For most gardens, this single improvement can make a big difference.
Switch to Artificial Grass for Problem Areas
Some gardens seem destined to struggle every summer, particularly those with poor soil or areas that are fully exposed to the sun throughout the day. If certain parts of your lawn regularly become brown despite your best efforts, it may be worth considering artificial grass.
Modern artificial turf has come a long way from the bright and unnatural-looking carpets. Many premium products feature varied blade lengths and multiple shades of green as well as realistic textures, so your lawn can look the part.
Some things to focus on when you pick artificial grass:
- Make sure it’s UV-resistant fibres
- Ensure an effective drainage solution
- Opt for a dense pile that has a more natural appearance underfoot
Unfortunately, warnings of climate warming are not going away, so it’s likely British weather will become hotter and drier. But you can prepare your garden to ensure it doesn’t have to suffer damage during the weather.
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