Late summer garden tips and tour - the garden is fried, and what to do about it

[@judyrudd5089]

As a child in the 50s, spent a lot of time helping my Granddad on his allotment and garden, he taught me to puddle in when planting , you dig a hole fill it with water let it drain then place plant in hole, fill in and water again, it's something I have never forgotten and always have success with ever thing. Thanks Granddad. 😘

[@peatieginger8025]

What your grandad taught you makes a lot of sense. The next time I plant something I'm going to try it out. Thanks for the tip.

[@rosc2022]

Great idea, Judy! I'll try that next time I plant something. Here in PNW drought isn't a problem this year, though summer is normally our dry season. Collecting water in the shower is also a great idea. I your drought lifts soon.

[@charlesrodriguesable]

My father used to do it like that too and your message reminds me that ! I’ll try to remember that next time I’m going to do some planting ! Thus for the reminder

[@judyrudd5089]

@@charlesrodriguesable You're welcome , green fingers crossed for you. 😀

[@judyrudd5089]

@@peatieginger8025 The old ways did make sense, they learnt the ways of the land that came from trial and error. Good luck.

[@irairod5160]

The most useful advice, to me, was your last tip: sit in the garden, and appreciate its existence in whichever shape it is. Don't fight it, don't try to will it into something it can't give, don't take extraordinary measures to "fix" it. Those actions usually end in disappointment and resentment. We need to let nature find its own way. (Also, I'd like to take this opportunity to extoll the advantages of native plants! Things that are masterfully adapted to whatever extremes your region will dole out have far greater chance to come back beautifully when conditions return to "average". They don't need fertilizing, deadheading, staking, mulching, supplementary water...and they support the pollinators and other wildlife that evolved with them. I can't believe the number of butterflies, birds, dragonflies, and frogs I have since I slowly started replacing exotics with trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals that "naturally belong" in my area.)

[@libbysingscontrezzo8419]

Yes, no matter what you do, Mother Nature will always win. It's been too hot to do yardwork, so instead I'm going through catalogs and placing my fall plant orders.

[@aprilm9551]

Great information, as always. About not cutting back dead/dying foliage from heat stressed plants, I would also add that the foliage is protecting the live parts of the plant below, giving it some shade, and also holding in whatever moisture might be there. Cutting it back takes away all that lovely protection.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Really good point. And one of my most dried up dahlias has come back after just two or three bouts of rain.

[@ourlifeedited6441]

Alexandra, thank you for the humility in showing us your garden when it is not picture perfect. My dahlias are very subpar this year as well and now I don’t feel so bad. Thanks!

[@barbaragunder8169]

I admire your positive attitude. Here in Oregon/US we experienced a horrific ice storm last year where I lost 25 mature trees, followed by a summer with a heat dome of several days between 110 and 116 degrees. For a day or two I thought I would simply stop fighting the elements, but then I looked around and saw all of the possibilities for creating something new in the garden. I absolutely love all of the changes, but I sure miss the shade!

[@Hayley-sl9lm]

After that insane heat dome I'd like to plant some trees for shade, but it seems like the trees that grow the fastest also need insane amounts of water... I'll probably go for something drought tolerant like an Oregon White oak or maybe a Pacific madone if I can get one to stay alive? But those grow so slowly. Do you have any ideas or plans for replanting?

[@barbaragunder8169]

I am staying away from White Oaks, as they were three of the trees that went down (75 feet tall and over 100 years old). I planted three Horse Chestnut trees which are doing well, but will take some time to provide shade. I also planted some Alaskan Cedars, but they are more for privacy than for shade.

[@shelleymolinaro5866]

I am in Portland OR and I lost a huge shade tree to the heat dome. I am also enjoying choosing plants for a sunnier garden. I sit and enjoy watching the bees and butterflies now instead of sitting in the shade . I am struggling with how to make things in the garden resilient to our changing climate. Nature has a way of healing. We are nature's faithful servants. And I love it. Good luck with your garden

[@rccyberwarrior2267]

The bizarre weather events are due to geo engineering and weather warfare.

[@suetulloch2138]

It's not been that bad here in West Cumbria and my garden is surviving reasonably well. We've definitely had less rain than usual though. Very worried about the effect on farmers livelihoods, their crops and their livestock, it must be so tough for them on top of rising prices for animal feed and fertiliser.

[@emmajoynson7271]

Yes we’re similar- ish to you- in southern Angus area x

[@marieertle3902]

Thank you Alexandra, for this episode of the middle size gardener…it could not come a a better time! All your tips are so useful, but specially this time. You answered many of my questions about what to do after the first rain since may and several months of triple digit temperatures ( I live in Texas). I will not cut back the dead bushes, not fertilize…. It all make sense but I feel better to hear the point of specialist s. Like you, I love the shade, all these volunteer trees I was not really sure about keeping, I thank them every day! They make such a difference and they seem to do very well. I will have to make some changes too, because I am sure that these hot summers will come back more often and some plants will be moved and others not replaced.. but it is okay, we are gardeners!

[@jamnoise72]

I love your tip on how to enjoy your garden. I like a bit of shade and sometimes full on sun! My lawn has done ok, my hydrangeas are toast.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you. My hydrangeas have been better than expected this year, and I think that might be because (for the first time ever), we gave them some rose fertiliser in spring.

[@edramirez1240]

I just finished watering the plants and containers all over the yard. This summer has been brutal here in the Northeastern United States-in particular Long Island, NY. The hydrangeas wilt by the middle of the day. The usually vibrant hostas are fried and rhododendrons leaves are tightly curled. However, the roses, sunflowers and sedums are doing extremely well.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I think sedums sound like a very good idea, I was just thinking of getting some more.

[@lisadiane10001]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Also Euphorbias 😊

[@emmalavenham]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I am particularly intrigued by a growing number of taller sedums with purple foliage to break up the green in the border and provide late season color…

[@sarahbarton2089]

What a delightful post this time, Alexandra. Helpful and optimistic and with such a sensible piece of advice to conclude it. Thank you .

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

I've been describing my garden this year as "extra crispy." In July we only had 2 days under a hundred and we've gone 60 days without measurable rain. We've had some rain now and many plants rebounded. Few people appreciate how tough roses can be, as they charm us with their delicate blooms.

[@jimbailey3705]

My parents lost their roses... I guess they just weren't mature enough. But yes, established roses can be tough! I've only got one rose in my garden, but it looks like the previous owner of my home tried to get rid of it by cutting it down the ground. But it came back!

[@tanarehbein7768]

My weather and rainfall have been similar to yours. We had three days in a row now with afternoon rains and all my miniature roses started blooming again!

[@tanarehbein7768]

I appreciate your comments on the shower water. I also keep a bucket just outside the kitchen door so I can pour in any excess water from cooking and straining pasta or vegetables. I will pour leftover tea or coffee in as well. Even the rinse water from the hand washing of dishes. Surprisingly this is about a five gallon bucket full per day. Enough to keep my deck pots very happy.

[@ChristopherDraws]

Yeah I agree! It was great that Alexandra shows that - and it should probably be way more normal to do this, before reaching for the drinking supply to water plants. We can't see Alexandra's shower set up, but obviously if your shower is on a hose, you can stick it inside the trug/bucket so ALL the water is caught whilst waiting for it to warm up. If, like me, you cook pasta in water "as salty as sea water" (a pro chef friend advised me that, so I follow it), then pasta cooking water may be too salty for plants. I wash my dishes in a plastic tub (and rinse water from the tap goes into the tub), so I've been using that to water my pots, but leaving it a day or so outside to try and let as many chemicals evaporate as possible/allow any food detritus to settle at the bottom, so I can stop watering when it gets to that level. I'm sure there'll be some negative side effects, and it won't be as good as using regular water - but without any way of harvesting rain water (4th floor flat balcony with overhang roof), I consider my plants will appreciate the best I can do.

[@ChristopherDraws]

On the leftover coffee/tea - is that okay? I'd seen James Wong saying that mulching plants with spent coffee grounds or tea leaves was bad advice, because caffeine is a kind of suppressant (the coffee plant developed it to keep the area around the plant clearer of competition) - so I'd imagine the same for the infused water. Alexandra, perhaps you could take a closer look at some of these "home remedy" bits of advice for a future video?

[@tanarehbein7768]

@@ChristopherDraws I do usually let my bucket water settle out and gas off. I use any water that doesn't have chemical waste water in it (bleach, soap,ect)

[@tanarehbein7768]

@@ChristopherDraws see David the Good vetted swamp water

[@idwerk]

Thank you for this. I feel a little bit better about my sad little brown garden here in Germany. I actually made a big effort this year with new plants and a couple of new borders but the results have been pretty disappointing thanks to the drought. You are right that we need to do our best to enjoy our gardens, no matter what. We are lucky to have a little patch of earth where we can plant something.

[@rccyberwarrior2267]

We are being attacked via geo engineering and weather warfare.

[@lesliekendall5668]

Yep, summers like this make me appreciate and want to plant more roses, too. And your trimmed lavender looks wonderful!

[@marymary5494]

I feel so sorry for you and other gardeners who have lost their beloved plants because of the extreme conditions. Earlier in the year here in north west Ireland while you were all having glorious weather I was grumbling about all the rain and cloud we were experiencing, I really need to learn some gratitude from the climate I live in.

[@ringerheringa3052]

Another wonderful video! Thank you for your tips and inspiration. My garden is in an identical state. Heat and drought weigh heavy on our gardens. The best you saved for last: sit back and enjoy. 👍

[@CS-ly3lx]

When you wash vegetables for cooking, do it over a pot or bowl and then use that water for your garden plants.

[@courtneybougie7904]

Thank you! I have been so distressed about the state of our yard and gardens here in Maine, USA. I finally said to my husband, “we’re at camp and in the winter when we’re stuck inside, we’ll be referring to our home as the lodge”. The spring was so cold, the summer so very hot. Little shade for respite for the plants or us.

[@alexandravladmets8206]

I believe many of us Northern Europeans experienced a lot of "old troopers" dying on us over the winter. A tricky spring finished a few more off. Then when the heat in summer came it was like the flowers were not really sure when they wanted to do their growth spurts or when to flower! It has been an interesting summer just looking around at what the garden is up tp on its own!

[@dyanalayng5507]

Well, that was full of smart, sensible tips! Many, many thanks from southern Ontario, 🇨🇦, where our August has had very little rain, nights about 60, 65 F, and high 80s, up to 90 F in the day. We are not under a watering ban - yet - but I think it's better to follow your tips. Our garden maintenance crew has been leaving the grass alone, thank goodness. I do like your idea that the "whiskery bits" 😍 in the lawn provide flowers for pollinators. In our case its blue chicory, quite charming in itself. Tips I like best out of all the great ones are appreciate the high shade, and - take a book out and sit, listening to Nature. 💖💕 Sharing on ...

[@audeysmith6675]

Oh Honey Girl, I just love you !!!! Your videos are so informative and you teach in such a laid back easy way to learn . I'm heading out to start a new flower bed today and this video was right on time, as I'm relatively a baby gardner. Sending much love and peace to you and family from the state of Michigan in the USA. Please keep these invaluable videos coming thank you so much.

[@stevedunn3113]

Our grarden was landscaped in June and I began planting in July, just in time for the drought! I have stopped that now and thus far have lost only one tiny lavender. My dahlias are on the very small side and my roses are doing OK with a good sodden mulch of farmyard manure. However, it's certainly been a nail biting time. On the bright side, I discovered your channel and have lapped up as many episodes as I can. Thank you for helping to keep me calm!

[@thegreenwoodelf8014]

13:11 .."flowered it's socks off." 😂 ... now that's a MSG endorsement 👌🏻love your channel Alexander 🙏🏻 thank you

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@titiaswildlifecottagegarden]

I have watered my garden throughout the drought. Luckily we had a rainy day in the first half of the drought and last week the second. The garden looks oke for a drought, some plants have really suffered from mildew. I have decided to take them out and it has lifted the look of the garden. Today two older people biked along our house and the lady said to her husband "beautiful garden, isn't it? Gorgeous." when they passed by my cottage garden. That was a nice compliment to hear, even though it is only the second year. I learned recently that it's best to water a few times a lot instead of a little bit every day. And mulching of course. I will do my best to implement these things more and more this fall and next year, for a better, drought resistant garden next year.

[@jimmshorts]

This installment was like a reassuring embrace fro an old friend. Much of my garden planting was done this spring. Although I chose everything to be drought tolerant and high sun this summer has long strongs of 40C days with not much cool down at night. Said conditions are uncommon for my area but we all - all of across this globe - face regular, unexpected extreme weather. My new plantings are 80% holding on and doing okay. But that 20% of plant matter dead, crispy does on occasion sink my spirit. And then I realized that eve the middle size garden is facing extremes! This usually smiley greeting from Alexandra provided a level of kismet today - a 42C high - just what I needed.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And 42C is hot, hot, hot!

[@joycekanner8528]

Love your positive “glass-half-full” outlook!

[@SulanDun]

Central Texas here. Hottest driest summer and crazy number of weeds due to weird winter weather. What I did early was to start weeding in January (took until May to get all the weeds pulling daily) and mulch heavily. I also got a moisture meter and only watered when the soil was dry to encourage deep root growth. We’ve had an endless string of 100 -+ F days and can only water once a week. But the garden looks mostly ok although few flowers. Not having deep tap rooted weeds competing for water helps. I feel sorry for the pollinators which have mostly disappeared.

[@anneas8532]

Have missed you Alexandra, welcome back. This year has been horrendous for the gardens, but think about the poor farmers, we all have our crosses to bear.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And I so agree about the farmers.

[@marie-claudereynaud4626]

I love your conclusion! As Cicero used to say: if you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. In my garden in Burgundy lavenders and roses did very well. The other plants haven't suffered too much, thanks to the huge amount of mulch wisely spread in spring. We have also spared water in buckets any time we wash vegetables or rinse plates and pans. Merci pour tous vos conseils!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you. It seems to have been a great year for roses, all round.

[@SpanishEclectic]

We are still able to water, as we have a separate water company from the City, but I stretch it out to once or twice a week for my large containers (bay/olive/dwarf citrus trees, roses, lavender, grapes, and wisteria). Smaller containers that dry out more quickly, I water right at the roots with watering cans; that water is from pet bowls, cooking vegetables (no salt), and I keep a plastic jug in the kitchen to collect water while waiting for it to heat up. There is also some water still left in my rain barrels. Our heat comes and goes, on into September (and sometimes as late as November), so I'm waiting for the first cool day to start fall clean up. I love to sit in the garden and watch the hummers, butterflies, and birds. The other day a mocking bird was very annoyed to see me sitting there, since he'd hoped to snack on my grapes unobserved. I decided to let the birds have the (seeded) grapes again this year, knowing that they too are suffering from lack of water. As always, thank you for sharing the links to your wonderful information.

[@carolwaugh5466]

Very distressing to see your garden suffer. I live in North Carolina,but grew up in the U.K. I wanted so desperately to create an English garden here, but because of the climate, I’ve not been able to,do this. Over the years I’ve found the plants that can stand the fiercely hot summers. But by August, plants are starting to look sad. We’ve had days and days of 103 deg. F. Sometimes I think I’ll plant nothing but cactus ! By the way, I have no grass. My property was carved out of a forest, so I do,have wonderful trees. They are dying back already. We’ve had rain, but not enough for the heat. (It’s hotter now than in past years.) I really enjoyed this video. Especially the advice to enjoy your fried garden, because even though it is suffering, it has been your creation. Thank you for posting.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you and I hope the heat is easing on your trees.

[@kittykatty2898]

My little garden is still looking good and lush even after the heatwave... I just do not put a lot of flowers in, I stick to bushes , shrubs and conifers. It is green all year round ...I have some flowers in a few pots , and these get watered every day , normally in the evening. They all look good too ! :) And yes, the best thing about the garden is to be able to sit in it and enjoy it , and we have been doing just that ! Thank you for all your tips and advice !

[@ec9401]

Looks like we have similar wacky weather despite the fact that I’m in Massachusetts, US. Extra wet last year, extra hot and dry this year. Our plants and lawn look much the same. I watched your video on my lounge chair outside. There is still so much to marvel at in the garden. I’ve only been watering young trees and select young shrubs. I planted a line of ninebarks last year that are very sad, but I am questioning whether they are the right shrubs for my yard now - as we do have sandy, often dry soil in summer. I am seeing which ones in the row survive and I may replant something more drought tolerant. My native grasses are looking stunning. So are my penstemon. Enjoy the last bit of summer ❤️

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I am looking quite carefully at my ninebark, too, it is definitely not happy.

[@tedeum6710]

I am also in Massachusetts - North Central MA to be specific and agree about how this Summer has been so much different than last Summer. The Lupines I planted in May 2021 were excellent this year and the new Lupines I planted this Spring are barely surviving. I am doing all I can to get them through this year and pray they will be established by next year. This year my Hydrangea is doing awful. Not a single flower this year and the current temps and dryness are doing a real number on this plant. Overall, I would say we are very blessed compared to so many other places, but I still hope and pray that we don't lose any of our favourite plants this year !

[@mollie3244]

Keep the ninebark, it is lovely. Mulch it in spring with anything you can get your hands on, newspaper, cardboard, grass clippings, whatever. It really does make a difference. Plus, remember if they are only in a year they still have to get their legs under them, it'll be easier next year.

[@rccyberwarrior2267]

We are being subjected to geo engineering and weather warfare.

[@raefn8036]

Thank you! I'm visiting from California and helping to revive a relative's overgrown garden. I'm finding that in the heat and drought the blackberry bramble and the buddleia are doing a bit too well and have taken over. I have heard many negative comments about these plants, but I'm seeing that if kept under control, the blackberry provides food for humans and pollinators and that the buddleia can provide shade for us as well as attract pollinators. I know that in Californian weather, any amount of shade can help with regulating the temperature and sustain moisture in the garden. My experience in the UK so far has been a hard sell for establishing lawns and to cut down trees. I'm not convinced that this way of thinking is sustainable here anymore.

[@rccyberwarrior2267]

Trees help retain moisture and reduce droughts. As do wetlands that are often being drained. But our current issues are related to geo engineering and weather warfare.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

There's certainly something to be said for any plant that grows well in a wide range of conditions. Here in the UK, lawns are mostly sustainable as they're basically native grasses and we have enough rain to keep them alive (if not green) - I've found the shade from trees so valuable this summer.

[@juliabinford6500]

How difficult for plants and people alike. Wonderful tips, so thank you. I had wondered about cutting back dead foliage, in particular.

[@camillaluckey4136]

Here in western North Carolina mountains it is wet enough, but not overly. Perfect, in other words, for all but tomatos. My several newly-planted natives have taken hold with only one good non-rain soak after planting, when they may or may not get a good soak from me. Non-natives (mostly irises and peonies and hydrangeas) are robust too. In early July I gave everything a dose of fishtea. I mulch with grass and leaves.

[@clobolikesrocks9590]

I find the extra care to plants that were gifted very sweet

[@maryanna6302]

I finally understand why your formerly mild summers in the UK allowed such beautiful gardens, I hope next year is better for your area! My garden looks quite like yours as we had weeks of very hot dry weather again this year in Pacific NW USA. Enjoyed your tour very much 😊🍃happy summers end

[@botanicaltreasures2408]

Taking a breather when you’ve done your best in spite of circumstances, but your garden is far from perfect, is wise. Two years ago there was a tornado in my neighborhood. For a while, I couldn’t even get to some of my garden spots because of obstacles from uprooted oaks, maples, tulip poplars, and sweet gum trees. Some of the trees still standing were even more dangerous with hanging limbs. I was extra thankful my patio garden was untouched, but I couldn’t take my accustomed walks. It took time for the trees to be cleared away and most of the stumps were ground leaving gaping holes and huge piles of wood chips. I asked the Home Owner’s Association for a wheelbarrow. Just a few weeks ago we made a then and now video to show the difference. “After the Tornado, the Neighborhood Gardens.”

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

What a challenge! Hope you were able to keep some of the wood chips, they make great mulch.

[@botanicaltreasures2408]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Yes, after filling the holes back up there were some extra wood chips which I spread around bushes and used to build up the hillside garden.

[@elizabethkragas3588]

Hi Alexandra, I enjoy your channel very much! I live in Southeast Texas, US and we had a severe drought in June and July, and only now we are making up the deficit with some tropical rains. Luckily, so far no tropical storms! I have a pollinator garden in my backyard that I have been converting to mostly natives, along and along. The durantas, Turk’s cap and lantanas are stalwarts. My porter weed, which is loved by bees and butterflies is only now just beginning to bloom-this was very surprising because it’s usually a star bloomer. The cone flower and salvia blue spires seem to need too much pampering so they may have to be phased out. I tried Texas/Oklahoma prairie seeds this past spring and the blooms did well until the drought. Blanket flowers were not as prolific as usual, but did bloom all summer. My front yard rain garden has done well with natives like beauty berry and the Mexican sunflowers were a star. I will admit that I watered the back garden very frequently during June & July and it barely kept most everything alive. Lastly, I’m removing more grass from the back yard garden paths and hope to create the cottage look with gravel paths instead. I’m still learning! Thanks!

[@HigherChannel]

Great video, yes, difficult with pipe ban. I love your videos as they are so down to earth and accessible. 👏👏I use my garden for meditation, it is the whole purpose of gardening, creating a place of stillness, and growing external objects such as flowers that encourage you to focus and look. One tip in saving water: GET MANY LARGE WATER BUTTS, and connect them to your gutters, say 4x 100 litres butts, on 4 corners of your house. Get a professional to connect these. You will be collecting rain water all year round, and 400l is a good reserve if drought occurs, to water your plants. You can also connect your hosepipe to the water butts, if you find it difficult to carry buckets. In this case, make sure you attach a mesh netting on top of the butt, so leaves and rough dirt dont come in from the roof, as they would clog bottom hole which is connected to the hosepipe. And you can use this water for watering garden even when the ban is lifted.

[@cinziaallocca974]

Loved your closing comments! Enjoy the garden!!!

[@deaner2088]

This channel is amazing and these videos are all I can watch right now. Also her sign off is fantastic!!

[@graceforde8590]

We had a shockingly long and hot summer here in Perth Western Australia last year, I was amazed and so pleased at how well the blue salvias thrived. Will definitely be adding more this spring in readiness for what I'm sure will be an equally hot summer this year. Love your garden 🌻

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you. And salvias have done well here in the UK, too, really valuable plant.

[@tmy1065]

Helpful advice about not grooming plants that are stressed. I’m so tempted to trim off the brown crispy bits so it’s good to know to leave them alone. I’m in zone 8b, and after last summer’s record breaking heat wave, I’ve put up shade cloth to avoid baking shrubs in their first few seasons getting established. It doesn’t look pretty, but they are weathering this summer’s drought better. Although the nurseries have beautiful specimens in peak bloom in July and August, I’ve learned the hard way it’s not the best time to plant. I had better luck this year ordering online in the spring and planting during dormancy. Thank you for sharing your garden’s struggles this year. We can all sympathsize!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I thought it was important to be honest as we are all a bit depressed about our gardens (here in the UK anyway)

[@nataliescott9119]

Thank you for this video! I was thinking all the top gardeners had managed their gardens fine and I just didn’t have the skills! So this has been a comfort to a newbie. Love the final tip of reading in the garden 😂👍

[@sheilabernadetteclairemcin1107]

Love your advice about siittting and enjoying the garden . I live in. Ireland and my flowers are rubbish this year but am ok with that . Weeds still manage to grow abundantly. Roses are splendid. Hostas look sooo miserable. But my beautiful hydrangeas are lifting the spirits. THANK you so much for sharing your garden with us . A delight as always.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@Dahliaismypassion]

Our summer here in central NY is drier and cooler than usual but we are getting occasional showers. I have an irrigation system and water my garden once a week. There is no way i will let my plants die, I invested too much in my garden for letting that happen. We are not under any restrictions though, I live in area that surrounded by lakes. I feet bad for the ones that are dealing with this crazy hot weather and hope that next season everything gets back to normal.

[@margaretwalsh1456]

Thank you Alexandra...here in mid West Ireland our summer has not been quite as hot as yours...nevertheless we haven't had much rain for ages. Your last tipp was so good .we don't spend enough time just sitting and listening...

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@sandy_carpetsthesecond5013]

If you have the money, you can try installing a localised water system in your house. It's basically just a water tower that you can stick in one part of your garden to catch water for you when water bans occur.

[@joansmith3492]

We got our first rain in 67 days, 2 days ago in north central Texas (zone 8). It has been 103/104 (40) every day just as long. This is unusual even in Texas and we are in "exceptional drought conditions". We have water restrictions but we can still hand water, so my garden is not as crispy as yours even though your garden is still lovely. Looking around town people who have not watered are losing their boxwoods and crepe myrtles. Bald cypress trees are brown but most other trees are still hanging on. Wishing us all rain and cooler temps!

[@marianfrances4959]

Awsome advice in closing! Our summer has been never-ending heat waves in Canada...pretty much everywhere. 👍😎🇨🇦🌾🌲

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's amazing the way the weather is often repeated around the world.

[@deborahclatworthy3885]

Thank you for this. It has alleviated some of my anxiety about my crispy garden.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad to hear that. I think we're all feeling anxious about our dried up gardens, but I think many things will come back, although not absolutely all.

[@francesjones7488]

We have had a terrible, hot drought also here in central USA. Your video today was very comforting and inspiring to me. The message of acceptance and appreciation was strong and very much needed. You were the first youtube gardener I discovered and the only one I followed for several years. You are still my favorite and the most professional of the ones I watch. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@BeautifulOaks]

I’m glad you have found joy in your unintended rose. Watering has been limited here, too. I make sure the bird baths are clean and have fresh water for the birds. The wildflowers are real troopers in this hot drought and have been providing food for the birds. So, when I hear the birds chip and sing, I know they are managing well. On years without kept birdbaths, the garden would be so quiet and birds would keep to themselves until the winter rains. How are your birds doing along the wall?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Birds all doing well, though not colonising the nest boxes. I think they're too close together, so I'll move one or two in the autumn.

[@Helen-mh8mq]

Here on the East Coast in the US ,we actually had a very cool spring and it stayed comfortable until July.Then we had some real scorching weather. But here at the beach we have usually been at least 10 to 15 degrees cooler than inland.But we are under water restrictions. I dont have a lawn so don't need to water that .I was able to water everything with my watering pail.Put some things in the shade when it was really hot.Have a lot of drought tolerant plants.Lets hope next summer is not so tough.

[@theresekoturbash3613]

Mulch - I live on the Canadian prairies where it is usually dry and hot in the summer (though this year, we have had lots of rain) I use lots of mulch in my flower beds (I like arborist shreds and or cedar mulch) Not only does it help manage weeds, it helps conserve water and keeps the roots of the plants cooler in the heat. Might be worth exploring how we manage our way through dry hot seasons here. Love your videos! I watch them often- I lived in Rickmansworth for two years and have deep affection for British gardens and gardeners!

[@gardengatesopen]

Oh Alexandra! I feel your dry garden pain! I'm in Centeal Texas, and honestly, I feel like y'all are too!! Ack!!! I'm sure many of your British viewers are gasping (not in a good way) at how dry and brown the lawns have become over there! I've been to Britain, and simply marveled at how lush and green it was! I can't imagine the shock that your entire country must be going through over this... I too, don't even like imagining the whole of Britain NOT lush, NOT green, and NOT raining! However- Personally, as I'm watching the result of that horrendous heat wave (we've been in one too) on your garden, it actually makes me proud to see your lawn isn't lush and green. I say that bcuz it shows how you've stuck to the ban on watering. And really, THAT'S the most important thing you can do during times like these! You've got my full respect for that alone. I know how hard it is to refrain! And like you said, the lawn WILL bounce back once the temperatures cool down. Ours always do! We call it Summer Dormant, instead of Winter Dormant. I'm in Zone 8b, and our Winters are normally quite mild too. (Altho, these days, who knows what will happen!) Some Winters our grass goes dormant, but not always. But EVERY Summer it does go dormant. Lawns that get mowed regularly are crispy and brown. Not fun... I have St. Augustine which was planted here when I moved in. The blades are wider than Bermuda grass, which is the norm over here. And everywhere my grass grows in the shade, it actually manages to stay green! But only IF I DON'T mow it! I like how y'all have a No Mow Month!! I wish people over here would do that... But at my house, when we do mow, we keep it very high at 4". We have to install larger wheels on the mower to accommodate this height. For some reason, lawn mower manufacturers don't think taller lawns are anyone's preference. I BEG to differ!! A tall lawn is a healthy lawn!! Especially the grass that is in the sun! The tall blades of grass shade the ground, and the other blades near it. This is what saves it from going brown & dormant!! Now, I understand this look of 4" tall grass is not the epitome of a manicured lawn. The trade off is that even days of 113°F / 45°C consecutive, blaring, heat - our grass is still green! Oh - and we don't water it. We're also under water restrictions, altho we're still allowed to use a garden hose, and sprinklers, I don't use sprinklers, and I do not waste water on any of my grass. I know if it needs to go dormant, it will. If you want your lawn you stay green, I highly recommend NOT mowing it at all once it stops growing in the heat. Keep it long the whole Summer! Right now I'm using about 12 gallons of water, once a week, on the not-so-established perennial plants in the yard. (annuals are gonners!) And that's it. All the plants, even the established ones, are in a holding pattern. Until yesterday, we hadn't had rain in MONTHS!! Yesterday it actually rained!! It was only ⅛" but it has really cooled off the garden!! I was out there dancing in it while it was happening! It truly felt like a miracle! I almost forgot what it was like to hear the rolling thunder!! We don't normally get Summer rain, so I admit, we're a bit used to it... The problem is we never got our usual Winter rain either!! Hence, the drought. And speaking of no rain... I saw how you pointed out your Virginia Creeper is dying. I would like to ease your fear on that glorious plant! IT'S A TOUGH BEAST!!! I have it growing all over my property, it prefers the shade of our large, very old, Live Oaks. And since it grows in the shade, it rarely turns red in the Fall. Which is kind of a bummer. But I do like it as a ground cover, and how it grows up the fence, and the trees too, even if it doesn't have Fall color. Virginia Creeper is THE HARDIEST plant I have over here! Even hardier than succulents!! I've never planted it, it just pops up naturally. I've been here 20+ years, and it has never failed to return every Spring! Even after that infamous Arctic Storm we had a couple years ago with the -6°F/-21°C temps for SIX DAYS STRAIGHT (UGH!!!) the Virginia Creeper came back in the Spring just as strong as ever! Even our Oak trees were showing stress, but NOT Miss Virginia!! Every time I walked by it, it was waving hello to me, just as if nothing dramatic had ever happened!! It's the same with the heat. If you want to give it some insurance, I would give it a deep watering, then pour a thick pile of gravel over the root sight. Make a little mountain of it! The Creeper will be as happy as a clam after that! Bcuz if it does suffer in the heat, it WILL bounce back quite easily from that too. It is so prevalent here, that I often abuse it by pulling it up in a not-so-nice-way, as it can become a weed in certain spots for me. There are even places where we mow it to keep it a nice level. It always survives beautifully! And to be truthful, I'm not sure I could get completely rid of it if I wanted too! But I don't want to. We have clay soil too, and it's mixed with a lot of limestone rock. We don't have much topsoil though... It's similar to your clay soil, and unammended, it dries out & cracks very easily. 2 things I do to combat this (since I don't use peat moss) is I mix A LOT of crushed up leaves into my soil, especially when digging a hole to plant something new. The leaves, as you know, over time, turn to humus. (I also put a thick layer of mulched leaves on TOP of the soil too.) The humus in the soil holds water in much the same way peat does. (I used to use peat moss back in the 70's, so I'm familiar with its properties) The 2nd thing that REALLY helps hold moisture in the soil are large rocks. The full sun plants that do the best are those who can grow their roots under a nice heavy rock. Even a good layer of gravel - or grit - as y'all call it, helps tremendously in both keeping the soil cool & moist! You might think a large rock - the size of a stepping stone and larger - would be a heat sink to the soil, and thus, detrimental. But NO! It acts in the opposite way. It may be hot on top where the sun hits it, but underneath, it keeps the soil moist & cool. Also, any size rock buried UNDERNEATH the soil does the same thing, without getting hot from the sun. Of course, the drawback is when you've got to start digging in that rocky soil!! It's a trade-off. And of course, as you're showing in your garden, shade is THE greatest savior during horrendous heat waves & droughts! I bet that hydrangea has shaded roots! With any new perennial plantings, I set up a little shade umbrella over the plant during the beastly hot days. (Like I already mentioned, our temps were up to 112° & 113°F/45°C and STAYED THERE, for WEEKS!!! Which has just been unheard of until now!! It's CRAZY!!) The umbrellas aren't exactly pretty. But neither are dead leaves! I will hand water the "new" plants (perennials) steadily once a week during heat waves. Once the temperatures cool down, I'll keep watering deeply, but back off the frequency so the roots will dig deeper to be better established. And like you said - No fertilizer during the holding pattern!!! I'm sure you'll just be amazed at how many plants with established root systems end up bouncing back once nature's oven door is shut! Just like your established roses are doing, here in Texas, we rely on deep roots to keep the garden alive. I'm sure it doesn't feel like it to you - but to me, it looks like your doing wonderful in your garden!! I'm glad the British people have such a good example to follow during these strange gardening times!! Rock On!! Stay Cool!! And be careful not to hurt your back carrying that shower water outside!! It's such a good idea to collect that water too! But it can literally be a pain in the neck!! I look forward to what's happening in your garden! Hang in there Britain!! ❤️

[@mnp5404]

i'm so sad for you! And scared for this planet. I can't imagine having to watch beautiful plants bake. Here in my neck of midwest usa we're whiplashed between hot/dry, hot/wet and darned chilly. Torrential rains one week, crunchy "lawn" the next, rapid spread of disease, very poor yields, lots of insect pressure. 100 miles due west the drought is extreme and cattle are dying. So we are the lucky ones! Thank you for sharing your great survival tips!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And your weather does sound quite demanding!

[@mnp5404]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden This year has been extreme. I hope it's not a trend!

[@lisamorris4232]

Yes enjoy what flowers you have. Here in Michigan USA we've had drought too though not as extreme as some areas. We've used plastic one-gallon milk jugs filled with water and pucture it at the bottom to water the precious plants.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That's a good idea.

[@moniquemckenna6795]

Thank you for this, our world is very small when we see the challenges all gardeners are having. I always enjoy your tours and find many helpful ideas that I have put into play. I have used ghost (frost and heat) sheets to cover my roses and other beds using stakes. This has helped a great deal. Some hydrangeas south exposure I also cover with these cloths. I am zone 4a Edmonton Alberta Canada. Today we will reach 32 C, blessed rains this morning. I can hear my garden loving the cool rains.

[@lynnrumsey3296]

Here in the US Florida Panhandle zone 9 it has rained heavily for days at a time the last couple of months. With the extreme heat and humidity stepping outside is like stepping into a sauna. I’m new to gardening and delight in seeing so many people here with beautiful gardens. I also love watching your videos. Please keep them coming.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And we are quite jealous of your rain, although we have had some in the last few days.

[@BA-ef4pr]

Always love your chats, even during dry spells. Here in 9b CA, my drip system to all plants, bushes and trees is what saved them from dying. We were told drip systems can be used but not hand watering or sprinklers on beds. Lawn timer sprinklers are ok 3x week. I just can't say enough about drip lines tho-every gardener should have it.

[@Pecanut]

I think they have been on a very strict watering ban, a lot stricter than in CA where people still casually irrigate the Bermuda grass lawns during a severe drought.

[@BA-ef4pr]

@@Pecanut those who do what you're talking about are getting fined.

[@galeocean4182]

New England here. We are having a bit of drought, no watering. I put out old bowls and fill with water for toads ( I have one little toad who thinks he has a swimming pool) and any passing wildlife, and of course keep the bird baths clean and full. I've encouraged lots of "wildflowers" over the years so quite a bit of the garden is now native plants. The droughts are getting earlier and longer each year, so I am planning for no-watering going forward. No fussy plants and no pots or raised beds.

[@imo1751]

I garden in South Devon where the grass is now the same colour as new garden fences. I admit to pruning my perennials, essentially a Chelsea chop in late August and luckily those plants are slowly bouncing back but we recently had one heavy downpour. My hostas have been outstanding in pots, best year ever until they finally rebelled with too much sun, using an old piece of weed suppressant as a shade cloth they have managed to survive. Thanks for all the tips.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you

[@cefrench7106]

I am in zone 8, Oregon US west coast. We had a wonderful wet long spring and now it is very hot, 100 - 110 degrees fahrenheit. My garden is pretty fried. I am rethinking what I can plant that will survive the climate change. Probably move towards Mediterranean plantings. Everything is on a drip line, but surviving the sun is difficult for plants wanting a more temperate summer. I do have a shade cloth over my vegetable beds. Which has helped immensely and getting quite a bit of fresh produce.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That is really hot! We haven't done shade cloths in the UK yet, but perhaps we will if we get another summer like this one.

[@McFraneth]

Time to plant mulberries and catalpas! And a row of pleached limes or white poplars on the western edge to block the hottest sun of the day. 5pm sun is the harshest. Shade on the western side of a house reduces the need for aircon by 70%, on the south side by 50% I read somewhere. Shade shade shade!

[@eileenmc8808]

The weather and Temps are certainly not amusing these days. It's sad enough about our ornamentals but so serious for the food crops. I've been fortunate this year in that we haven't suffered drought or excess rain (mid Atlantic US,) but there are no guarantees this cannot change. Love your positive ending and here's hoping you're finding ways to beat the heat yourselves! 😎

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And I agree that it's all much more scary when you think about crops - the farmers round here are looking worried.

[@mafish7962]

I’ve been able to save three watering cans of relatively “clean” water daily just by saving the dogs water that needs refreshing, waiting for the tap water to get cold as we have a mixer tap, washing hands, shower etc, using small washing up bowls in the sinks. I am amazed at how wasteful I’d been with water usage, especially as I’d previously considered myself quite careful! I also think that the bark mulch has helped my flowers and plants! Thank you Alexandra for your wonderful videos, Laura 🌸🌸🌸

[@missygilly9917]

Thank you Alexandra for another lovely video. I’m near Niagara Falls Canada and we’ve been dealing with high temperatures & drought too. I’ve learned to plant more natives & perennials who tolerate drought conditions & they are doing just fine! I plant for different seasons a progressive flowering of colours. Years ago I planted several vines on the lattice of my deck, so I’m shaded and can easily stay outside despite the humidity & extreme heat! We got rain (lovely steady rain for a few hours yesterday) which perked up a few of my flowers. But love seeing my gardens doing well despite what Mother Nature throws at them.

[@crazylilcraft]

great advice! I enjoyed your video while sitting in my garden in a comfortable chair:)

[@kylahoubolt9333]

This was fun to watch! I am in the US, zone 7, and we have had very little rain, except a stretch of two much rain for a couple of weeks! and we have also had periods of high heat (100 F) My two garden areas have definitely suffered! The herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon balm) have done fine -- I DO water esp. the lemon balm needs it. The daylilies are half the size they were! and their bloom season ended early. The hydrangea has suffered. I lost the spring anyway due to an injury, but I do continue to enjoy the garden even though it looks fairly unkempt. The birds are loving the seeds.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

My day lilies have completely shrivelled. Glad to hear about the birds!

[@mypreciousgarden]

Hi, I'm in south west of France and we have drought too. I didn't water the lawn but did water the containers and tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and flower plants. I don't know why but all the iris I planted in late spring, and the day lilies and tigridias never flowered ! Most of my dahlias did flower, except one (and except the new ones I planted a bit too late). But although we had serious hail in spring, My tomatoes (grafted plants, that helps so much) are doing really well ! One seemed like it was dying and now it's in a rebirth phase !

[@naturalflow157]

Amazing video :) Truly is soothing, relaxing, and educating. I have learnt a lot from giving this a chance, and I am so glad. Thank you so much for taking the time to create this video with us, :) It really is special and inspiring to get into my own gardening as a way to battle and get better at handling the stressful life I got myself into. Finding the way to the roots of ourselves. Thank you again and wishing you the best :)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@zantomko1780]

So sorry about your weather. I love in the Midwest U.S. and we have fluctuating Temps and 100c is not uncommon. Wishing you a good recovery next year. Thanks for your good advice

[@stephaniemaddalone5290]

I really enjoyed your overview of how the weather has affected your garden this year. I’m in zone 7 in the US and we are in a drought as well. We are limited to water on even or odd days depending on our house number and not between 10am-4pm. Great advice about how not to stress your withering plants or shrubs.

[@conniemurray9046]

Here at the Jersey Shore, we have experienced an unusual, prolonged drought. The lawns are all brown (unless there's an in-ground sprinkler system). Even some of my bushes have turned horribly brown but I notice its most the hydragenas that I planted in the sun (oops!). Everything in the shade looks 100% better then what's growing in the hot sun. So when I replace the dead things next year, I will be more mindful of planting sun and drought tolerant flowers in sunny spots and not just plop down plants where I find a hole in the garden.

[@convinth]

Thanks for the video. Here in Gloucester, whilst our temperatures have been a degree or two less hot than yours, the end result is the same: a parched, crispy display! The summer season has been ruined, the only saving grace has, as with you, been the roses. No matter how many times I watered the hydrangeas it was never enough and the leaves on my crocosmias, without exception, now resemble straw, with shrivelled flowers. I've cut a few of them to the ground and will see what happens. All the flowers that managed to put on a display are half their normal size; thankfully the fruit on the apple & pear trees seem alright. There's always next year, I keep telling myself. Reminder for myself: get more shade!

[@jamnoise72]

My tomatoes, beetroot and chilli are doing really well. I have over 30 tomatoes growing on the vine so far and I must have at least the same amount of chilli’s too. I have 3 beetroot’s growing I can’t wait to taste them!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I hear that tomatoes have been loving the weather this year.

[@jamnoise72]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden The plant is huge now and is spreading over the wall I had no idea it would grow so big, it’s my first time ever gardening. The smell of the tomato plant is amazing and reminds me so much of my childhood, my Dad was an avid gardener. I appreciate your channel so much Alexandra thanks for all your time and advice 🙏🏽

[@JoannaLouise200]

Lovely video ~ especially like the putting one's feet up and reading a good book, surrounded by all the sights & sounds of the garden. Someone arriving with a tray of tea and a slice of Victoria sponge would also not go amiss! With all the restrictions curtailing the usual gardening activities there is of course just one other activity that might prove useful...a rain dance!

[@ryanharvey1098]

It has also been extremely hot and dry in Utah! The hottest ever on record. It makes me admire the amazing plants that can thrive in these conditions!

[@rccyberwarrior2267]

We are experiencing geo engineering and weather warfare.

[@isabelledelacotardiere9230]

The summer has been really harsh on my garden and specifically on my newly planted mixed border We've had several weeks with average temperatures of 30° in the past two months. between 24 and 39°. In Brittany it's usually around 23 to 27 tops. Needless to say that I seem to have lost some of my plants...I am still hopeful they'll bounce back next spring...if we have a wet autumn and winter. The lawn doesn't even deserve it's name...in places it's dirt...my trees have started to lose their leaves already. Autumn in mid August. But you're right, we have to sit back, relax and hope for the best.

[@leilaluginbill916]

I live in the Pacific Northwest of the US. Our climate is very similar to yours and I have a large garden with many of the same plants as yours. Last summer, we were inflicted with a heat dome where the the temperature soared to 110° F for a week and no rain for most of the summer. My garden looked really dismal and a few things did die, never to return. This summer has been much less stressful…highest temp so far has been 90° and things are faring much better. Hopefully, your rain will come soon and your garden will breathe a sigh of relief. We have had a couple mornings with cool showers, but not enough. I want a a few days of gentle rain…just like the good old days.

[@tararisser]

it's been a rough summer here in Nova Scotia as well. So hard on the gardens, and we have to ration water since we run out quite easily. Getting married in our yard this coming weekend; thankfully a little rain today..... hoping it's enough to help.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I hope your wedding went well, what a lovely thing to do in your own garden.

[@carolhall2067]

Very good tips, not to cut back. I’ve lost a lupin and a shrub, the shrub I will give the benefit of doubt until next spring. My hydrangea paniculatas have smaller flowers this year but look to have survived with minimal watering. My lavender is going brown too. I’m leaving the grass to do it’s own thing. 👍🏻

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I agree - so many of the flowers are smaller this year.

[@CeciliaPMiniatures]

Hi Alexandra from NW of Italy, zone 8 (with real zone 8 summers), here's how we've been dealing with the drought that began over a year ago now, in August 2021 - since then it rained around 3 or 4 times. We have invested in cointaners that harvest around 4.000 liters of rain water - when it rains, although it lasts only say an hour, the downpour is so heavy that the containers do get full quickly. Climate change means tropical summers, which is unheard of for us, considering I live one hour driveway from Mount Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe. We save every drop of tap water that comes from rinsing vegetables and fruits. I use Marseille soap to wash my hands and feet (dirty from the garden🤪) and the soapy water that I save in a bucket has never done any harm to plants so far. If not greasy and dirty, some kitchen items such as moka, coffee machine, or pots where you boil rice or pasta can be washed only with a sponge and without dish soap, so when rinsing these I always save this kind of water too.

[@rccyberwarrior2267]

We are being subjected to geo engineering and weather warfare.

[@carolyncampbell6149]

Thankyou Alexandra for, as usual, a very helpful video. Here in the north of Scotland we haven’t suffered anything like as badly as you but my main border needs a general overhaul so I’ll be planting more drought tolerant plants just in case.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Me, too.

[@barbaracole4314]

Watching from far northern California, where its brutally hot and dry... I we have no lawn but have managed to keep trees,plant's, shrubs and flowers alive, it requires getting an early morning start with the watering.

[@ebradley2306]

Like your tip about saving water in the shower. I already save the water that once ran down the kitchen sink waiting for the hot water to arrive.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you

[@EdinaCloud]

Phew! Thank goodness I watched you. You always provide great practical advice. I don’t have a hosepipe ban so I have been watering the flower beds these last few days using softened water! From now on I must remember to use the bypass valve on the water softener before I do any lasting damage.

[@emmalavenham]

What has really helped us here in Northern New England is mulch mulch mulch - it feeds your plants and makes the water you do provide really last.

[@ElizabethJones-wr9tn]

So reassuring to hear we are all experiencing the same problems. Thank you for uploading.

[@emkn1479]

We’ve had just enough rain, til recently. Our three huge rain barrels have finally run dry and the garden is starting to look tired. Hoping that the forecasted rain for Sunday and Monday holds true. More often than not it switches course right before it reaches us, I’ve watched it on radar many times. A couple of years ago we had an exceptionally hot and dry summer and were afraid of running our well dry so we also collected gray water for the garden and it worked very well for us.

[@christylohr2633]

What a lovely outlook on this garden,,,, gardening is never the same season after season, but there is always something to enjoy🌺🦋

[@georgiacinq-mars1899]

Pennsylvania Zone 6B-7A. Same here, my native plants faired well or better. I did loose several shrubs I planted at the height of the heat wave, I knew better. Things have cooled down but still have minimal rain. I’m working on my drip irrigation that I never completed. Ordering seeds for winter sowing. And, I’m laying mulch and doing outside house maintenance which I would normally be doing in September and October.

[@belwynne1386]

Definitely benign neglect is the friend of a northern hemisphere August garden. Thank you, Alexandra. Excellent advice.

[@giennefarcais6834]

I LOVE your very honest presentation, a real life account of dealing with global warming, drought and heat waves. Here we had no rain for 2 months and were just going to a voluntary watering schedule until Thank God the rains started up on Friday and are expected to continue for several days. Amazing how the near-dead have come back to life! The losses I have had were from squirrels digging up my new plants to create troughs so they could lie in the cooler soil underneath low-hanging branches. Little scamps!

[@anneconoulty4722]

Great advice , I would really appreciate a video on type of flowers that are good in drought. There is a real possibility this is not a one off summer. 🙂

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's being planned now!

[@marilynmcgillick2931]

My garden is strictly containers here in New Jersey, USA. We don't have severe water restrictions so I've been able to keep everything watered. The grass and shrubs around the house are very brown and fried. I loved your advice at the end. That's exactly what we've been doing!

[@escapepatch]

Great video. I live in Colorado and we have been living in drought conditions for years. Your advice was spot on. Thanks for sharing with everyone trying to navigate serious drought for the first time.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!