Heatwave Showdown: Drought Champs and Chumps at RHS Wisley Garden

The Royal Horticultural Society's Wisley garden in Surrey is experiencing a long dry spell, with almost six weeks passing without any rain. The garden, known for its impressive glasshouse and wide variety of plants, is facing challenges as a fourth heatwave hits the South East of England. The experts at Wisley are sharing their advice on how to care for plants during this period of extreme heat and drought.

Tim Upson, the director of horticulture at Wisley, explained that the garden has adapted its planting strategies to cope with dry weather. Through their plant trials, they have discovered that some plants, like Persian roses and baptisia, are thriving despite the lack of rain. These plants are considered drought-tolerant, meaning they can survive with very little water. On the other hand, sweet peas have not fared well and are struggling in the heat. To conserve water, the garden has stopped irrigating many areas, focusing only on essential crops and plants that need it most. As a result, some trees, such as cherries, are starting to lose their leaves, but other plants like wild carrots and crape myrtles are still flourishing and even blooming.

Upson emphasized that Wisley has been preparing for these kinds of weather conditions by choosing plants that can handle heat and drought. This approach ensures that the garden remains colorful and attractive even during tough times. He encourages other gardeners to follow Wisley's example by selecting drought-resistant plants for their own gardens.

Guy Barter, the chief horticulturist at Wisley, offered additional tips for gardeners in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. He recommends prioritizing water for plants that truly need it and not wasting resources on those that are already beyond saving. Barter also suggests delaying the sowing of summer seeds to save water for existing plants. Looking ahead, he advises gardeners to think about what crops to grow in the coming years, especially those that are less available in stores and require less water. By making these smart choices, gardeners can make the most of their water supply until the weather cools down and plants become less thirsty.

The situation at Wisley highlights the importance of adapting gardening practices to changing weather patterns. By focusing on drought-tolerant plants and careful water management, both large gardens and home gardeners can keep their plants healthy during heatwaves. The experts at Wisley hope their experience will inspire others to make similar changes, ensuring gardens remain vibrant and sustainable even in challenging conditions.