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8/3/2019 UK; Gardening Matters: How Can Gardeners Save Water and Money
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WATER IN THE GARDENAre we draining our water supplies?
How can gardeners save water?
WATER SERIES
Gardening
Matters
SPONSORED BY
8/3/2019 UK; Gardening Matters: How Can Gardeners Save Water and Money
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WATER IN THE GARDEN2 FRONT GARDENS
WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE?Gardeners use about two-thirdsof the domestic water supplyduring dry spells. Discover whythis can be a problem for theenvironment and why hosepipe
bans were introduced insouthern England during 2006.
WISE WATERINGFrom sprinklers to wateringcans, there are many waysto water. But which makethe best use of water andhow often should plantsbe watered anyway?
HOW TO SAVE WATEREven in the smallest garden,it is possible to reduce theamount of tap water neededto keep plants thriving. Thesesimple solutions show you how.
SOME LIKE IT HOTGardeners can choose froma wide range of plants that
will tolerate dry conditions.Find out how to spot themat the garden centre.
CONTACTS AND RESOURCESWhere to buy and who tocontact for information.
JOIN THE RHS AND SAVE 5Enjoy the benefits of
membership for just 39.
14
13
12
9
6
2
CONTENTS
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WATER IN THE GARDEN 1
WelcomeMake every drop of water count
Up to 70 per cent of our domestic water supply is
poured and sprinkled on to our gardens during peak
summer periods. This huge demand is hard to sustain
in a drought. So after 16 months of less-than-average
rainfall, hosepipe bans were introduced into many
parts of southern England in 2006. Although irksome
to gardeners, hosepipe bans help reduce waterdemand and help prevent the introduction of more
stringent measures.
Even without using a hosepipe, it is still possible
to have a beautiful garden. Starting on page 2,
discover why plants actually need water and why
it is important to grow plants that arent too
demanding. From page 6, find out how to create
an attractive garden without draining mains watersupplies in hot weather.
Gardeners shouldapply water when it is
needed and in waysthat ensure every
drop countsGUY BARTER
Head of the RHS Advisory Services
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Every gardener knows that plants depend on water
and that without it they will suffer and die. This isbecause most plants consist of 90 per cent water,
and their roots have a constant battle to maintain this
level during hot spells. On a single sunny day, about
two litres of water are lost from every square metre
of vegetation whether grass, shrubs or even potatoes,
the water loss is similar. This is often replenished by
summer rainfall and just 25mm every five to ten days
is generally sufficient to keep plants growing well. But
in dry periods it has to come from reserves in the soilor from watering by a gardener.
Water, water, everywhere?Gardeners have been used to turning on the tap andcasually watering their plants, but can this continue?
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WATER IN THE GARDEN 3
Apart from preventing plants wilting, water is used to
make the food needed for growth. In a sun-powered
process called photosynthesis, water is combined withcarbon dioxide from the air to make sugars. The
carbon dioxide gas enters plants through pores called
stomata. These need to remain open in the day to
allow the plant to photosynthesise but, unfortunately,
this also allows water to evaporate freely. So, as water
becomes more scarce, the stomata close. This reduces
photosynthesis and, without food, growth slows too.
If the roots cant take up enough water, plants will wilt,
lose their foliage and finally die.
Luckily, most soils have an amazing ability to store
rainwater. Rain initially fills the spaces between the
soil particles, but there is usually a surplus in winter
that drains deeper into the ground and eventually into
rivers. These soil water reserves are usually drawn upon
by plants from May onwards, and by late summer they
will have used them up. This can often lead to wilting
and a reduction in growth.
This is not to say that watering is necessary for all
plants in late summer. Knowing which plants need
it most (see page 8) and which can be left to find
their own will save water. Plants are robust and have
developed techniques for surviving periods of drought.
For example, grass has dormant buds that remain
alive even when a lawn has gone brown. These
quickly start to grow again once the autumn rains
arrive. As a result, most lawns can be left unwatered
without causing long-term damage, unless its a very
fine turf that is less able to recover.
The RHS believes that much of the watering carried
out in gardens is the result of a misunderstanding
about how and when water needs to be applied.
An excessive amount is often used, which then simply
drains out of reach of the roots. On the other hand,
insufficient water sprinkled on the soil merely wets thesurface. To be sure of effective watering, see page 6.
USING RAINWATER
How many water butts are
needed to keep a garden
green in summer?
Of course it depends on
what you are growing.
If you have five medium
containers of bedding plants
for example, you might haveto give each of them two
litres of water every day
during the 18 weeks from
May to September. This
amounts to six 210 litre
water butts. Fortunately,
a years worth of rain falling
on a shed (2m x 3m) could
supply this. Indeed, up to1812 water butts could be
filled in southern England
where 650mm of rain falls
each year. Even in the summer
months there is the potential
to gather 1000 litres. This
would fill five butts just one
short of the six butts needed
to water the five containersover the summer.
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WATER IN THE GARDEN4
Britain is often said to be wet, with rain falling fairly
evenly throughout the year. But, in truth, there is
not enough rain to supply all of our needs in drysummers, especially in the south and east of England.
Two-thirds of our water is drawn from rivers and
reservoirs, which can become greatly depleted by
late summer. The remaining third comes from aquifers
(water-holding rocks). Too much extraction (technically
called abstraction) from the latter causes springs to
dry up and this harms rivers and wetlands and the
wildlife that depends on them.
Taking more water from the environment can lead
to severe damage, and permission to extract is
increasingly hard to obtain. Unfortunately there are
few unexploited rivers and aquifers left in many parts
of Britain, and building more reservoirs is likely to be
unpopular. Much has already been done to reduce
water losses from leaking pipes, but there is scope
to do more.
The problem is compounded by the fact that peak
demand for gardens is on summer evenings after
about two weeks without rain. At this time, garden
water usage leaps from an annual average of 36 per
cent of the total water supplied to 5070 per cent.
Even in normal summers suppliers can struggle to
meet demand, but in drought periods they may seek
to curb water use with hosepipe and sprinkler bans.
Hopefully, this helps to prevent the introduction of
more stringent measures, such as those allowedunder Drought Orders.
Water supplies in south and east England are
particularly stretched. The population is increasing and
more homes are being built. Plus more water is being
used per person due to lifestyle changes, such as the
increased use of water-hungry appliances and more
smaller single occupancy households. This is despite
these areas having the UKs lowest rainfall. Eventuallythis could lead to demand exceeding supply.
Top:Along with many water
companies, Thames Water is
replacing broken pipes to help
prevent leaks.
Below:Extracting too muchwater from aquifers can harm
wetlands and rivers used by
wildlife such as otters.
Across:Thames Water Reservoir
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The situation around the country is also predicted
to worsen as climate change takes effect. Summers
will become hotter and drier, and annual rainfall will
decrease (especially in southern and eastern England).
Short-term data already suggests that this is happening(discover how to learn more about climate change on
page 13), so unrestricted water use in British gardens
is unlikely to continue.
This does not mean that gardening is doomed
when no rain falls. By storing rainwater, choosing
drought-tolerant plants, using the right watering
equipment and making every drop count, gardeners
can play their part in conserving water supplies whilestill enjoying their gardens.
Help the soil to store water
by digging in or mulching
with organic matter, such as
well-rotted manure. This can
provide the equivalent of
5cm of rain or 20 days supply.
Deeply digging beds or using
raised beds will increase the
volume of soil from which
plants can take moisture.
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WATER IN THE GARDEN6
Wise watering
Watering is not complicated,but there is more to it than justshowering thirsty plants. Hereare some tips on how to waterplants effectively and when towater for the best results
Good watering aims to supply enough water to
replenish soil levels without overdoing it. Apply it
at a steady rate at the base of stems and beneath
the canopy of foliage, as wetting the leaves is a
waste. The surrounding soil should stay dry, with all
the water going where it is needed to the roots.
Keeping much of the soil surface dry will also help
to limit weed problems.
There is little point in applying excess water, as it
will quickly drain below where the roots can reach.
So always check the weather forecast and only water
if not enough rain falls. Watering in the evening gives
it time to sink in while evaporation rates are low.
Unfortunately, summer evenings are times of peak
water demand. It is often better to water early in the
morning, as water pressure is high and demand low.
Water restrictionsDuring a hosepipe ban, hoses, sprinklers and irrigation
systems cannot be used to apply mains water to
plants. Legally you are allowed to use a hosepipe for
siphoning grey water or water from tanks and butts.
Short lengths of hose can often be used to fill watering
cans, containers and tanks to dip watering cans into.
(These restrictions may vary, so always check withyour water company.)
USING GREY WATER
Plants can be watered
with bath, shower, kitchen
and washing machine
water (but not dishwasher
water), which is collectively
referred to as grey water.
A washing machine can use
50 litres per wash over
five watering cans worth.
Grey water varies in quality
and usually contains some
degree of contamination.
However, soil and potting
compost is effective at
filtering out contaminants,
including soaps and
detergents. There shouldbe no problem with the
small-scale, short-term use
of grey water to tide plants
over during a summer
drought. Long-term,
extensive use (particularly
of softened water) or
the permanent altering
of plumbing should not
be attempted withoutexpert advice.
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WATER IN THE GARDEN 7
Ways to waterThere are many ways for a gardener to apply water, and here we explain the pros
and cons of different methods and the types of equipment widely used
Sprinklers, including pop-up and micro sprinklers,
have a limited range of uses in most gardens these
include watering lawns where essential and raising
moisture levels of large areas ready for planting.
Sprinklers are prohibited during a hosepipe ban.
Hosepipes produce large droplets or jets of water that
can damage the surface of the soil, resulting in water
just running away from plants. This can be solved by
attaching a lance or spray head. Also avoid leaving
hoses trickling beside plants, as the excess water just
drains away. Do not use during a hosepipe ban.
Irrigation systems based on seep and drip hoses
allow water to sink slowly into the soil, but they should
only be left on long enough to wet the top 30cm of
soil. On sandy and gravely soils there is little sideways
movement of water and nozzles should be fitted to aid
dispersion. Such systems can only be used to applygrey or collected rain water during a hosepipe ban.
Watering cans without a rose attached behave like
hoses, but are more work! With a rose on, there is less
soil damage and little run-off. Ponding (see below)
increases the effectiveness of watering cans.
Buckets are like watering cans, but quicker to empty.
Used clumsily, they can damage the surface of the soil.
Ponding means using banks of soil to hold water
around a plant while it soaks in. In a similar way you
can grow vegetables in trenches that can be filled with
water. And sink flowerpots into the soil next to plants
to create a funnel that will direct water to the roots.
Puddling is the placing of new plants into their
planting holes, and then filling the hole with water
several times. The soil is then firmed back around the
rootball. This method locks in sufficient moisture tosustain the plants for several weeks.
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WATER IN THE GARDEN8
When to water?When do plants need water? The best guide comes
from digging 30cm into the soil. If it feels damp at
this depth, watering is not needed, but if it feels dry,then some plants will need a drink. Gardeners should
be aware that clay feels slightly damp when all the
available water has been used, and sandy soil is dry
to the touch even when some water is available!
It just takes a little experience to get used to this.
Fruit and vegetables will usually crop adequately
without watering. The quality and quantity, however,
is improved by watering at times when drought would
affect the part of the plant that is harvested. When
leaves are the crop, such as lettuce, the plants should
never go short of water. In practical terms, watering
about two weeks before harvesting is usually sufficient.
Containers need frequent watering because they only
hold a limited amount of water. Apply water when the
surface of the compost appears dry. You can tell if you
have given a pot enough water when the excess flows
out of the bottom. A saucer will retain this run-off.
WATER WHEN THESOIL IS DRY
WATER EVERY 1014 DAYSIN DRY PERIODS
WATER SELDOM NEEDED
Perfect lawns
Leafy salads; peasand beans in flower
New plantings
Containers andhanging baskets
Borders next tohigh walls
Plants in drought-pronesandy soils or sticky clays
Most vegetablesand fruit* (except those
mentioned right) Bedding plants
Drought-tolerant plants(see page 12)
Most lawns, wildflowermeadows and established
trees and shrubs Large fruit trees, currant
bushes, carrots, parsnipsand herbs**
Established perennialson deep, sandy loamor clay-loam soils
* More water needed on sandy soils**On drought-prone sandy soils or sticky clays, water every 1014 days in dry spells
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WATER IN THE GARDEN 9
How to save water
Most of us think about making our gardens look
beautiful, but how many of us ensure it does not
need much watering?
With just a bit of thought, its possible to reduce the
amount of water needed to keep plants growing and
to minimise the labour involved in applying water. To
begin with, it is important to understand your garden.
Is it in a dry part of the country (including southernand eastern England) and does it have free-draining
soil that rapidly dries out in summer? If the answer is
yes, then it is worth planting drought-tolerant plants
to begin with (see page 12). Of course, you may still
want to grow a few thirsty plants, such as lettuces and
delphiniums, so it is best to use water-saving features
and techniques too. To explain how all this works
in practice, read the following two examples. The
individual ideas can be used in any garden, but theyreally help to save water when they are combined.
Reducing the amount of water needed to keep a gardengreen and growing is surprisingly easy. Here are somesimple ideas for family gardens and container displays.
CHECKLIST
Prepare soil in autumn and winter to minimisemoisture loss
Install water butts to collect rain
Mulch in late winter
Recycle kitchen water
Grow drought-tolerant plants
Put saucers under containers
Limit the number of hanging baskets
Avoid watering lawns
Remove weeds they use water too
If possible, plant in spring or autumn
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WATER IN THE GARDEN10
Container displays
To reduce the water needed by containers, try
grouping them together. This allows the plants to
shade each other and, as a result, less moisture will
be lost from their leaves. Also place a saucer under
each pot to collect water that would otherwise run
away. This reservoir will be absorbed by the plants.
If you have a choice, position your containers in a
sheltered spot near the kitchen so it is easy to use
grey water(see page 6 for details of what can be used).
As well as watering by hand, containers can
be connected to an automatic irrigation system.
Set to deliver the minimum amount of water, it is
economical and can water while you are on holiday.
However, this is not permitted during a hosepipeban except if it uses grey water or stored rainwater.
GET DESIGN HELP
If you would prefer to use
a professional designer to
help plan a water-efficient
or drought-tolerant garden,
contact the Society of
Garden Designers for a
list of their members
(see page 13 for details).
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WATER IN THE GARDEN 11
Family-size gardens
To keep the task of watering to a minimum, mulch the
surface of the soil in late winter. This will help to keep
as much water in the ground as possible during dry
weather. Thankfully, mature trees and shrubs do not
need watering. Likewise a lawn can be left to brown,
although small areas are worth watering to help thesurface resist the heavy wear of children playing.
Water butts are invaluable. They can store run-off from
the roofs of houses, greenhouses and sheds, fit neatly
against walls and can be placed near vegetable beds to
make watering easy. When the butts are running low,
save the water for edibles such as vegetables and herbs.
Other thirsty plants such as bedding can be watered
with grey water. After prolonged spells without rain, it
is prudent to discard the first bucketful of water, as thismay contain dust and other pollutants from the roof.
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WATER IN THE GARDEN12
Some like it hotChoosing plants to cope with dry conditions need not be daunting. Just look out forthose with the following drought-tolerant characteristics, or ask for advice at gardencentre help desks. Dry shade can be particularly tricky, so there is a list of plants below
Spikes act as coolingfins, ensuring plantslike Acanthus spinosus(bears breeches) andEryngium oliverianum(sea holly) loseheat but not toomuch water.
Small leaves shedheat and have fewpores from whichto lose water.Good examples areRosmarinus officinalis(rosemary) andThymus(thyme).
Leathery foliageloses less water thansoft leaves. Look outfor plants such asSalvia officinalis(sage) and Cistus(rock rose).
Grey leavesusually signifydrought resistance.They can typicallybe seen on Artemisia,Lavandula(lavender),and Verbascum(mullein).
Hairy leaves shadethemselves with theirown hairs Verbascumbombyciferum andStachys byzantina(lambs ears) arejust two easy-to-grow examples.
Long, narrow leavesare very good atshedding heatwithout losing water.Plants with theseinclude grasses(eg Helictotrichonsempervirens)and phormiums.
Fleshy, succulentleaves store moisturefor dry spells. Sedumspectabile(ice plant)is a hardy example,while Aeonium canbe grown outdoorsin summer.
Aromatic leavescontain volatilescented compoundsthat are thoughtto cool foliage asthey evaporate,reducing waterloss. Try CistusandLavandula (lavender).
More advice can be found at www.rhs.org.uk. From here, you can also click on tothe RHS Plant Finder, which lists more than 70,000 plants and where to buy them.Theres also the RHS Plant Selector, which can help you choose drought-tolerant plants.
PLANTS FOR DRY SHADE
Berberis darwiniiBuxus sempervirens(box)Euphorbia amygdaloidesvar. robbiaeHedera helix(common ivy)Hypericum calycinum (rose of Sharon)Ilex aquifolium (holly)
Lamium galeobdolon (dead nettle)Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape)Ruscus aculeatus(butchers broom)Sarcococca hookerianavar. humilis(Christmas box)Vinca major, V. minor(periwinkle)
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CONTACTS AND RESOURCES
FIND OUT MORE
THE RHS
Practical gardeningguidance andinformationon grey water.www.rhs.org.uk/advice/watering.asp
THAMES WATERUTILITIESFor more watersaving tips.Tel 0845 9200 800
www.thameswater.co.uk/waterwise
CENTRE FORALTERNATIVETECHNOLOGYTel 01654 705950www.cat.org.uk
ENVIRONMENTAGENCYFor a wider view
of UK water resourcesTel 08708 506 506www.environment-agency.gov.uk
The website also listsinformation that canhelp with recycling greywater. From the homepage,put grey water into thesearch engine. Theresults will show all
available resources.
SOCIETY OF GARDENDESIGNERSTel 01989 566695
www.sgd.org.uk
WATERWISEAn organisation thatencourages thereduction of waterconsumption.Tel 020 7344 1883www.waterwise.org.uk
WATER UKAn organisationrepresenting thewater industry.Tel 020 7344 1844www.water.org.uk
RAINWATERCOLLECTION
3P TECHNIK UK LTDTel 0870 1162060www.3ptechnik.co.uk
EVEN GREENERTel 0845 658 5588www.evengreener.com
FREERAINTel 01636 894906www.freerain.co.uk
UK RAINWATERHARVESTINGASSOCIATIONwww.ukrha.org
WATER SUPPORTSERVICESTel 01305 266614
www.water-support.co.uk
WATERINGPRODUCTS& EQUIPMENT
CARRY ONGARDENINGAdvice on wateringequipment for elderlyand disabled gardenersfrom the gardeningcharity Thrive.Tel 0118 9885688www.carryongardening.org.uk
GARDEN WAREHOUSELarge/wholesalequantities of equipment.Tel 01282 873370www.lbsgardendirect.co.uk
HARRODHORTICULTURERainwater tanks,butts and pumps.Tel 0845 218 5301www.harrodhorticultural.com
N A KAYSLarge quantitiesof equipment.Tel 01946 692134www.kaysdiscountgarden.co.uk
SIMPLY CONTROLWide range ofwatering equipment.
Tel 01796 482128www.simplycontrol.com
TWO WESTSAND ELLIOTTWide range ofwatering equipment.Tel 0870 4448274www.twowests.co.uk
CLIMATE CHANGE
THE UK CLIMATEIMPACTSPROGRAMME(UKCIP)INFORMATIONAND PREDICTIONSInformation andpredictions.Tel 01865 285717www.ukcip.org.uk
RHS GARDENINGIN THE GLOBALGREENHOUSEwww.rhs.org.uk/research/climate_change/index.asp
The mention of anyproducts, suppliers orservice does not constitutean endorsement bythe Royal HorticulturalSociety.
Water in the GardenAdvisory ServiceRHS Garden WisleyWoking, SurreyGU23 6QBTel 01483 224234
2007
EditorGuy Barter
Project ManagerLeigh Hunt
DesignerSweeta Patel
IllustrationCorin Page
PhotographyCover: SheilaTerry/Science PhotoLibrary; Contents:Flowerphotos; p1: FPLA& Garden PictureLibrary (GPL); p2: FPLA(top) & RHS Wisley; p3:GPL; p4: Thames Water
& Duncan Shaw/Science
Photo Library;p5: Thames Water;p6: GPL; p7: GPL & GuyBarter/RHS (bottom);p8: Flowerphotos;p9: GPL & RHS HydeHall (bottom); p11:Flowerphotos; p12: RHSHyde Hall (left) & GPL;
Back Cover: RHS
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UKs leading gardening charity | |www.rhs.org.ukRegistered charity no 22879
Printed with vegetable-based inks on 130gsm Generation Skye Coated Extra Matt (chlorine free and from sutainably-managed forests)
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