4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[clucker1]

I am beginning to wonder what to plant in view of the hosepipe ban.

 

I normally do and love doing hanging baskets, tubs and pots full of water loving plants, fuschias. lobelia, busy lizzies etc. Now wondering what to plant as I want to protect my back and not end up carrying loads of watering cans round all summer....but would still like a pretty looking garden. Alternatively plant some smaller shrubs for this year, something that grows in the Mediterranean??

 

Has anyone any idea what to plant in the way of veg and or fruit that needs less water. I normally love runner beans, but they need loads of water.

 

Also, can't remember do sunflowers need loads of water.

[chickencam]

In terms of annuals it is difficult because most of them are fast growing therefore need a lot of food and water, try to plant quite a few plants with silver or grey foliage they are more drought tolerent. Also most veg and fruit needs plenty of water. We are just going to have to hope that it rains each night and is sunny during the day

[clucker1]

I have been speaking to the advice line at RHS Wisley this morning. They suggested geraniums, nasturtiums, bida thingies...those pretty yellow ones, anything silver too amongst other things. Also, using those water retaining gel things (don't like them personally, but might have to for this year!

 

For veg, carrots, onions, swede. For water thirsty veg, really mulch the soil to make it as water retentive as possible.

And apparently sunflowers don't need too much water, so think I'll plant the whole garden with differing types of sunflowers, that should pretty it up!

 

RHS said they will be putting some ideas on their website too.

 

Anyone any other ideas?

[Daphne]

As a general rule I'll be saving water for the veg beds from the house and letting the flowers take their chance if it comes to it. How about lavender and/or rosemary planted in free draining compost? Box can withstand the dry and also intermittent deluge watering! I've grown snapdragons very successfully without the need for much water and I always have some pelargoniums for the same reason, although they aren't so good for pollinating insects.

[Christian]

Mum mentioned that Gardener's World were talking about drought resistant plants this week -

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01dlyjj/Gardeners_World_2012_2013_Episode_2/