| As temperatures are set to rise across the UK this week, and hosepipe bans come into force, now is the time to rethink how we design and care for our gardens. |
| With over 20 million people impacted by hosepipe bans across the South, Southeast, and parts of Wales, and a sustained period of dry weather, gardens across the UK are rapidly drying out, leaving many looking more like deserts rather than green spaces. To help homeowners navigate the effects of the dry weather, landscape experts at North Hill Gardens, have outlined five practical ways to take care of your garden without using a hosepipe. Why are hosepipe bans implemented? Water companies can enforce hosepipe bans when supplies run critically low, and right now, the warning signs are mounting. Environment Agency data shows 87% of UK catchments are below normal or ‘exceptionally low’, while the country has received just 3% of its average July rainfall. As a result, parts of East Anglia, the West Midlands, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are now on the brink of drought. Watering your garden – no hosepipe required Other forms of watering are still permitted and can be just as effective. Michael Dumanski at North Hill, said: “Although it can be more time-consuming, using watering cans and buckets can be just as effective, if not better at directing water where it’s needed most.” “Prioritise the driest areas of your lawn and flower beds. Water early in the morning, between 5 and 7am, to minimise evaporation. It’s also more effective to give your garden a thorough soak once or twice a week, rather than a light sprinkle every day.” Re-use grey water Using grey water such as leftover water from baths, washing up, or cooking can be a simple way to conserve water. Michael Dumanski added: “avoid using water that has any harsh chemicals in, such as bleach and harsh detergents.” “Re-using cooled pasta water is another simple option. “While it doesn’t provide nutrients, it will still help to hydrate your plants.” When the rain returns, consider installing a water butt. Harvesting rainwater from your roof not only reduces reliance on mains water during hosepipe bans, but also gives your plants a gentler, lower-pH water source to thrive on. Mow your lawn less often Mowing your lawn less frequently helps retain moisture and protect grass during dry conditions. “During warmer weather, I recommend mowing every 10 to 14 days. In extreme heat, it’s best to avoid mowing altogether to prevent further stress on the grass.” “When you do mow, raise the cutting height. It is best to leave your grass long enough so that it helps shade the soil and protect the roots.” Said Michael Dumanski Follow these rules for healthier grass: Stick to the one third rule – Never remove more than a third of the blade height. Mow the lawn during mid-morning or early evening. Avoid walking on the lawn too much, as repeated pressure on the grass can damage it. Avoid treating your grass with fertilisers and weed killers You may think that your lawn needs to be treated when its looking unhealthy, but chemical treatments can do more harm than good during dry periods. Michael Dumanski explains: “When grass is already stressed, applying fertilisers or weed killers can make the problem worse. These treatments can damage the soil and disrupt root health.” “It’s best to wait until the lawn has recovered before applying any products.” Adapting your garden for hot, dry weather Rather than constantly battling the effects of heatwaves, a more effective approach is to prepare your garden to withstand them. Thoughtful planting design plays a crucial role, with carefully planned schemes that help gardens retain moisture and stay resilient during prolonged dry spells. Michael Dumanski from North Hill Gardens adds “Layered, naturalistic planting, combining ground cover, perennials, shrubs and trees effectively shade the soil, cuts evaporation, and retains moisture far better than sparse, single-level borders.” “Deep-rooted perennials like Sanguisorba, Persicaria, and Rudbeckia cope well with the UK’s wet winters and dry summers, while grasses such as Molinia and Deschampsia help hold moisture at root level. Shrubs including Cornus and Viburnum provide canopy cover, while groundcover plants like Geranium and Epimedium lock in humidity and suppress weeds competing for water.” While hosepipe bans present a challenge, they also offer an opportunity to rethink how we care for our gardens. With a few smart adjustments, and careful planning, it’s still possible to maintain healthy, resilient outdoor spaces, even in the height of a heatwave. |
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