In reply to Jules.

Hi Jules,

I agree…I think if climate change continues to affect gardens, there’ll be no choice but to start altering plants over time.

In reply to Flâneur Gardener.

You’re lucky!! Actually, I have a similar thing with my allotment. It’s at the bottom of a hill and whilst it can be a little shady, it often fares far better in drier weather than my friends who have plots at the top of the hill.

And yes, mulching and soil enrichment are MUST-DOs to help with water retention 😀

Mind you, we all have to adapt to our circumstances, and I think that choosing the right plants for your particular circumstances is key in having an environmentally sound garden. In many ways I think it would be good if we introduced a year-round hosepipe ban here in Denmark, at least, since much of our water is pumped up from a very much dwindling supply of ground water. Naturally, this is less of a concern in areas where surface water is used and the reservoirs are topped up more quickly.

You did miss one other thing that can at least help mitigate the effects of a drought; soil improvement! Rich soil will retain more moisture for longer, and that should at least help the less drought-resistant plants a little. As should ground cover to eliminate evaporation from the ground.