19-Apr-2006 - Easter weekend
is always a popular time for gardeners. Many people
will be heading to thegarden centre or planning
a visit to the Royal Horticultural Show in Cardiff
this weekend. Environment Agency Wales is calling
on keen gardeners to add drought tolerant plants
to their shopping baskets.
Even though reservoirs in Wales
are now full we need to take care of our water
resources. An exceptional shortage of rain over
the coming months could lead to problems for our
water supplies. We should all be finding ways
to save water and it makes sense to think about
what plants, trees and shrubs can survive in drier
conditions.
"We're a nation of gardeners,
but during hot weather, garden watering can account
for more than half of our total household water
use," Chris Mills, Director Environment Agency
Wales, said today.
"By having plants and shrubs
that are tolerant to drought and laying mulches
to help prevent water evaporation and control
weeds, it is possible to keep gardens well-tended
while reducing the amount of water needed.
"We all need to make an
effort to save water wherever possible, including
us keen gardeners, but it doesn't mean that our
gardens have to suffer," Chris Mills said.
Some plant flowers and shrubs
that thrive in hot and dry conditions and are
best suited for poor, free-draining soils include
lavender, buddleia (butterfly bush), Californian
poppy, redhot poker, evening primrose and many
herbs.
Mulches such as wood chips,
bark and gravel help to prevent water evaporation
and also suppress weed growth, saving both water
and time spent weeding.
"Not having to water means
more time to relax and enjoy the garden,"
Chris Mills said.
Information about the Royal
Horticultural Show can be found at http://www.rhs.org.uk/Cardiff/index.asp
If you don't have a garden,
there's no need to feel left out. Water saving
tips for the home can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk
