Hey everyone! I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed with my garden lately. It's a large space, maybe half an acre, and keeping everything alive has been a real struggle. It hasn't rained here in Buckinghamshire for ages—just a few misty days here and there since March. My lawn is completely brown; it feels like walking on straw. I invested a lot in new plants in the spring, but they're all dead now.
I set up six water butts, but they're still empty. Trying to save our wildlife pond has also been tough since it's now choked with algae. Gardening has become exhausting in this intense heat with no reprieve. Honestly, if this is the new norm, I feel like I should just quit and switch my garden to drought-tolerant plants instead. Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated!
3 Answers
I hear you on the frustration! This year feels like such a gamble. Last year was so wet, and now it’s barely rained. Don’t give up just yet; those plants you’ve planted this year will likely come back stronger once they establish good roots. I’d recommend focusing on one section of your garden at a time—get that flourishing, then move on to another area. Mulching and composting can really help with moisture, too. Trust me, the effort will pay off!
I totally understand what you're going through! This year’s been brutal for gardening with all the heat and little rain. To help retain moisture in your garden, try adding a thick layer of mulch around your plants—it can really help keep the soil damp. Also, don’t stress too much about your lawn; letting it grow longer and even mixing in some clover could make it healthier. Remember, you’re not alone in this; many are facing similar challenges due to climate change. Focus on drought-resistant plants going forward, like Salvias or Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, which have done really well for me despite the neglect! Oh, and for that pond, consider using barley straw; it works wonders against algae and is wildlife-friendly too. Hang in there!
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely look into the barley straw for the pond!
You're definitely not alone! It seems like so many gardeners are facing these tough conditions. I suggest focusing on native plants that are more resilient to dry spells. They not only handle the weather better but also support local wildlife! For your pond, keep the water moving if you can; it keeps algae under control. Also, do consider converting to more Mediterranean-style gardening—plants like lavenders are stunning and can survive through this drought. Take heart, next year could be different!
I’m all for planting more drought-resistant plants too! It sounds like a smart move given how unpredictable the weather has been.
Absolutely! It’s all about trial and error. I’ve learned a lot this year just by adjusting my approach as needed.