Some plant flowers and shrubs that thrive in hot and dry conditions and are best suited to poor, free-draining soils include lavender, buddleia (butterfly bush), Californian poppy, red hot poker, evening primrose and many herbs.
Wood chips suppress weeds Mulches such as wood chips, bark and gravel help to prevent water evaporation and also suppress weeds, saving both water and time spent weeding. Baroness Young, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said 'We're a nation of gardeners but during hot weather, garden watering can account for more than half of our total household water use.
'We shouldn't be looking for loopholes in the hosepipe and other bans. We should be finding ways to save water and care for the environment irrespective of what the regulations require of us.'
Water companies warn of drought measures Water companies have already warned that supplies to thousands of homes across the south-east of England could be switched off this summer if the drought worsens and usage continues at the current rate.
Hosepipe and sprinkler bans are already in place in some areas, and many reservoirs and rivers are seriously depleted. Water companies say that standpipes or water tanks are a last resort in a serious drought and much will depend on how much rain falls in the next couple of months, how much water people use and how hot and dry it is this summer.
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 19th April 2006
Latest Posts
-
IEMA focus on skills, adaptation and nature-based solutions in CCC report
- 18th July 2024 -
Labour's plan for economic growth must mean green growth – but there is a green skills gap looming
- 5th July 2024 -
As Labour plans to “slash red tape” for economic growth, YouGov poll finds 3 in 5 people want to increase public involvement in planning system
- 28th June 2024 -
Medtronic agrees partnership with IEMA to accelerate skills and standards in sustainability
- 21st June 2024 -
Landmark climate impact ruling for fossil fuel projects, cites IEMA guidance
- 20th June 2024 -
IEMA sets out 18 policy asks for the next Government
- 3rd June 2024