Every Drop Counts
Rainwater Harvesting & Drought-Tolerant Gardening
With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to think about how we can make the most of every drop of water in our gardens. With a few thoughtful changes, you can keep your plants happy, reduce water use, and even help the environment along the way!
Harvesting Rainwater - A Simple, Sustainable Choice
Rainwater is one of the best things you can give your plants. Naturally soft and free from chemicals found in tap water, it’s gentle on roots and ideal for everything from pots to borders.
Collecting it couldn’t be easier. Rainwater can be gathered from the roofs of your house, garage, greenhouse or shed. With a simple downpipe diverter kit, you can channel water straight into a water butt. Place your butt on a firm, level stand, ensuring the tap is high enough to comfortably fit a watering can underneath.
If you find yourself needing more storage during particularly dry spells, multiple water butts can be linked together using connector kits, perfect for making the most of those summer showers.
To keep your water fresh and ready to use, remember to clear gutters of leaves and debris, and always keep the lid securely on your water butt. This helps prevent algae, airborne debris and unwanted spores from affecting your supply.
Gardening for Drought - Right Plant, Right Place
Dry spells are becoming more common, but with the right plants in the right place, your garden can continue to thrive.
Look out for plants with silver or grey-green foliage, or those with soft, hairy leaves – these clever features help reflect sunlight and reduce moisture loss. Succulent plants are another fantastic choice, storing water in their thick leaves and coping beautifully in dry conditions.
Take a moment to consider your garden’s unique conditions. Is the area sunny or shaded? Sheltered or exposed to wind? These factors all play a role in how well plants cope when water is scarce.
Improving Your Soil
Healthy soil makes all the difference. If you’re gardening on chalky or sandy ground, adding organic matter such as soil improver can help retain precious moisture.
Applying a mulch in early spring, such as Rocket Gro Magic Mulch, locks in moisture and protects roots as temperatures rise. For Mediterranean-style planting, a gravel mulch works beautifully, helping to prevent waterlogging during heavy rain while still conserving moisture during dry spells.
Drought-Resistant Plant Picks
If you’re looking to create a garden that flourishes with less watering, these reliable favourites are a great place to start:
Agapanthus – Striking architectural flowers that love a sunny, free-draining spot.
Sedum (Stonecrop) – Perfect for pollinators, with fleshy leaves that store water.
Lavender – A classic choice for scent and structure, thriving in dry, sunny borders.
Sage – Both ornamental and edible, with soft, silvery foliage.
Rosemary – Fragrant, evergreen and wonderfully resilient once established.
Cordyline – Adds height and a touch of the exotic, coping well with dry conditions.
You might also consider Echinacea, Verbena bonariensis, Achillea, Thyme, and ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuissima, all well suited to warm, dry spells and brilliant for adding movement, colour and wildlife interest.
For a little extra inspiration, pop into our Garden Centre and have a chat with our knowledgeable team, who’ll be delighted to help you choose the perfect plants for summer.
Rethinking the Lawn
Lawns can struggle in hot weather, often turning brown – but don’t worry, they usually bounce back with the return of rain.
If you’re looking to reduce watering altogether, consider alternatives such as clover, thyme or low-growing meadow-style planting. These options are not only drought-tolerant but also add texture, colour and wildlife interest to your garden.
Every Drop Truly Counts
By collecting rainwater and choosing plants suited to drier conditions, you’re not just caring for your garden, you’re making a positive impact on the wider environment too. Less runoff can help reduce localised flooding, and every drop saved is a step towards a more sustainable future.
So this Summer, let’s embrace a gentler, more mindful way of gardening, one where every drop really does count.
Meet RocketGro
An innovative British brand produces 100% peat-free, organic-approved composts in Somerset, combining high performance with a genuine commitment to sustainability.