As our summers become increasingly hotter and drier here in the UK, looking after your garden’s water needs is more important than ever. Future-proofing your outdoor space for the changing climate will not only help your plants survive – it will keep your garden looking beautiful all year round, with minimal need for watering.

Here are our top watering tips to keep your garden healthy, while saving water at the same time:

Water Smart – The Best Way to Water Your Garden

The most effective way to water is slow and deep. Early mornings or evenings are the best times, when the sun is low and water has time to soak down into the roots instead of evaporating or rolling off the dry soil surface. Avoid sprinkling little and often, this will encourage shallow root growth. Instead, aim for fewer but deeper watering sessions. We find that the best way to do this is set a timer, say 10 minutes of watering per garden border, and stick to this just once a week. This way of watering will encourage your plants to grow a strong root system, deep in to the ground to search for their own water. Containers will need watering more often in drier spells, so keep a closer eye on them!

Save every drop

Water is precious, so make the most of it! Fit a water butt or an open galvanised trough to collect rainwater from your roof, shed, or greenhouse. It’s free, eco-friendly, and often better for plants than tap water. You can also use “grey water” (such as cooled vegetable cooking water) on plants to cut down on waste. You can even stand in a shallow bottom bucket in the shower to collect excess water! Fill your watering can up with this and you’re good to go, whilst helping save water.

Maintain ground moisture levels from the start

Help your soil hold onto water by adding mulch. Organic matter like compost, bark chippings, or even gravel. This not only improves soil structure and feeds those all important worms but also helps to keep the ground cool, prevent water evaporation, and reduces weeds that will compete for moisture.

Plant for the future – drought tolerant plant choices

One of the best ways to future-proof your garden is to choose plants that thrive in hot, dry conditions. Our Mediterranean Border is packed with drought-tolerant planting, designed to bring structure, colour, and resilience to your garden with minimal watering. If your garden is south facing and receives a lot of sun, this is the perfect option for you. Not to mention, it’ll bring a slice of that timeless Mediterranean aesthetic to your outdoor space, which is never a bad thing. 

Some of our favourite drought-tolerant plants include:

• Echinacea – bold and pollinator friendly with long lasting summer blooms
• Erigeron – soft daisy-like flowers that self-seed and spread happily
• Nepeta – aromatic, pollinator friendly, and perfect for edging
• Carex – ornamental grasses that add texture. movement and winter structure
• Geum – cheerful pops of colour that flower for months 

Future-proof your garden

With smart watering, water collection, and climate resilient planting, you’ll not only save time and resources, but also ensure your garden flourishes through hotter summers and unpredictable weather.

Explore our Mediterranean Border today – designed to thrive with less water, while filling your garden with year-round beauty.