I recently returned from 3 weeks in France and a bit of an Odyssey around Burgundy and the Loire. One of the reasons for going was to check out which plants had survived and thrived their 7-month drought.
Perovskia (Russian sage), Gaura, Calamagrostis, Miscanthus (the smaller ones), Agapanthus, Verbena, Salvia, Lavendula, Alliums, Rosemarinus and even Helleborus corsica/augustifolia were all doing well in the exposed civic centres. Smaller, lower Pittisporums seemed to be unfazed too as were a number of more exotic trees and shrubs.
It was encouraging to see. Whatever the coming year may hold in store for us, we do have alternatives to the plants that have not coped with this year’s drought.
The big challenge will be to enhance our beds and borders so they can cope with potentially saturating winter weather. Most of the places I visited in France had soils and subsoils that were very good for drainage. The solution we have been using here in Hampshire has been to install land drains on very wet, heavy clay (perforated pipes that run 300mm under the surface to a drainage point) and to add a lot for sharp sand (grit) to borders. Or both!
And it seems to have worked. So far! If you are going to plant mediterranean-type plants then do consider adding a few bags of sharp sand and possible raising the plant pot slightly higher than the surrounding soil if you soil is particularly dense and prone to flooding.
When you are not planning your next trip to sunny climates, the following can be help get your garden in order:
• Tulips can be planted out this and the next month: sometimes they are best displayed in pots and are certainly easier to weed, lift and protect like this.
• Cut back herbaceous plants that have gone over keeping the ones that may be a source of food for the winter. This may be seed heads of ornamental grasses or perennials like Sedum, which also look great in the winter light, often with a ghostly sliver to them.
• Give your compost heap a good turning over. If the compost has rotted down well enough and has a high enough level of humus (the dark, nutrient rich essence that retains moisture and attracts trace elements), then autumn is a good time to spread it on the borders as a mulch.
• Rake the leaves off ornamental lawns to allow light and air to circulate and prevent patches of mildew developing.
• Lifting and dividing overgrown perennials that have lost their vigorous core.
• With the colder weather arriving, it is coming into the time when it is safe to lift and move trees and shrubs. Be careful not to allow the roots to dry out. Late October / November is a good time this year to move evergreens: it is usually all of October.
• Burn dead and diseased leaves and debris (if the neighbours are happy with this!). This basic garden hygiene will keep down the levels of blackspot and scab. Wait until November 5th if you need to!
Without wishing to go on about it, my advice would be to make a note of the plants that haven’t done well this year and begin to research species that tolerate drought.
Let’s face it -what is there to lose?