Saving water

Drought is a fact of life these days in summer, and for the gardener that's a double whammy: water restrictions at a time when your plants are at their thirstiest.

There's no need to get caught short though: with forward planning you can save rainwater at times when there's a bit too much, to use when there's not quite enough. If your water supply is metered you'll also save money by using the free stuff that comes from the sky instead.

Water butts connected in to a down pipe save rainwater from the roof of the house, shed or greenhouse. We've got a wide variety in all sizes, shapes and colours in our garden centre, so take your pick. Buy the largest one you have room for, and link multiple water butts together with connector kits.

Use what water you have wisely: only water young plants and seedlings, containers and really thirsty plants like courgettes and pumpkins. You can avoid watering altogether if you garden with drought-tolerant plants. Those with silvery leaves often manage well with no water at all, and they include some beautiful and classy plants such as lavender, artemisia and olives.

Please ask the staff in our garden centre in Newcastle upon Tyne for more information about measures you can take to save water in the garden.