Digging deep for the natives
Extremes of weather have become commonplace in the UK – presenting new challenges to gardeners, says LOUISE MIDGLEY
IN JULY this year, the hottest day on record was documented at Cambridge University Botanic Garden.within days it was followed by torrential rain and flash floods in some central and northerly parts of the country.this pattern of extremes of weather makes it increasingly difficult to know which plants we should be growing in our gardens, drought tolerant ones or those that favour damp conditions.
A good starting point is to ensure that whatever you plant, it sits in soil that suits its needs. Sun-loving plants that require a free-draining medium to thrive will struggle when planted into heavy clay that gets waterlogged after a bout of heavy rainfall.
At the other extreme, you will lose plants that require a regular supply of moisture if they are planted into fiercely draining sandy soils.
That doesn’t mean you can’t include your favourite plants in your garden because all soil types can be improved. The addition of organic matter can beef up free-draining soils, helping it to retain moisture and heavy clay soil can have its particles separated by adding grit and a regular dose of garden compost.
Weather forecasters are already predicting a cold winter, so while the opportunity is there, take measures to give your plants the best chance of survival over the months ahead.
Tie in the stems of climbing roses and any other climbers to a solid framework and cut back overhanging tree branches from paths and buildings to prevent wind damage.
Reduce the height of leggy shrubs such as Buddlejas and Sambucus by at least a third, to avoid wind rock which will tug their roots from the earth on blustery days.these shrubs will need to be pruned again in early spring if they are mature specimens.
Raise pots off the ground with pot feet and ensure the drainage holes are not blocked. Excess water in a pot will expand when frozen, which may kill the roots of plants and will almost certainly break the pot if it is made of terracotta.
If you hadn’t already done so, move half-hardies to a frost-free environment, ideally a greenhouse. Protect tree ferns and banana plants against the cold with layers of fleece packed with straw.
Lift cannas, gladioli and begonias to store over the winter months in a frost-free environment.wash off any excess soil and leave them to dry out for a few days before putting them to bed in boxes or containers of dry compost. If dahlias are still flowering, dig them up as soon as frost blackens their foliage.