Summer Gardening - Has your garden survived the heat?
Wow I can't believe how long it has been since I sent an email! I've been in a very fortunate position to have lots of projects to work on. along with some engineering contract work and the general lot of being a mum to three. Some balls have been dropped!
I hope all is going well in your garden. This last week has been a complete test on the resilience of plants to heat and drought. Plants are going to seed much earlier than before and grass is very crispy. A lot of my clients ask for low maintenance gardens. Where that used to mean less pruning, weeding etc now this is more and more about watering. For example I love Hydrangeas but they love water! I very rarely put anything into pots anymore as they need daily watering. I'm currently watering twice a week and it can take me a good 45mins to do it...
I wanted to share with you the success of my no dig front garden in these conditions...
I covered my front lawn last year in cardboard and a mulch of rotted horse manure. I've been gradually been planting this area up.
The top layer of compost has been dry but when I dig underneath the moisture has been retained- hurrah! The plants have all done well and I'm hopeful that next year I wont need to water this area at all.
I'm always recommending mulching to clients and now its really been proven out. So come Autumn I'll be putting more organic matter on all my planting beds and at my customers.
I've been getting into detail on the two projects above, specifying the planting plans. I love imaging the different textures and colours. There is a lot of research into getting the right plant in the right situation.
I've been helping this client plant up her garden. Its a circular contemporary garden. I can't wait to see it when its finished!
I've also been working with Pentland Homes on designing their show home garden. My first time working on a building site.
Hope you enjoy the summer in your Garden!
Catriona
If you would like to some design input into your garden get in touch and book a garden consultation
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