West Carlston Garden Centre, Campsie Road, Torrance, Glasgow G64 4EZ, Tel: 01360 620248
21

Water, Water, Water!

We may not be experiencing a drought like down south but we are going through a particularly long hot, dry spell and Plants can suffer badly in these conditions.
Top Soil dries out fairly quickly but if you dig down a little you will usually find the soil is still damp.
Established Plants will have developed extensive root systems that will usually have reached this sub-soil and so will cope well.
Young or newly planted plants, however, will still have shallow roots and may not be able to reach the damp sub-soil.
Some Plants, such as grass, have naturally shallow root systems and can suffer from water shortage relatively quickly.
Tubs and Hanging Baskets have their roots confined and are completely dependent on you to water them.
Please keep an eye on your Plants and don't lose them through simple lack of watering.
A hose and a spray gun can cost as little as £10.
(Having brought up the subject of water and drought it will probably now rain!)
Water isn't just about keeping Plants alive it can also be used as a feature in your garden.
A garden pond is much easier to build and look after than most people think
Buy a preformed rigid pool, dig a hole of approximately the same shape, put the pool in the hole and backfill with dry sand and finally fill with water. They come in all shapes and sizes.
There are also many ready made "Self Contained" water features on the market. Just open the box, take out the water feature, fill with water, connect the pump, switch on and enjoy!
Add a few Pond plants or Fish - a source of immediate interest.
The sight and sound of running water can add so much to a garden - but do take care with young children about.
Finally, remember to provide a Bird Bath for the wild birds. You can buy lovely ones nowadays but a simple dish about an inch deep will suffice.

Article provided by Ron from West Carlston Garden Centre in Torrance.
www.westcarlston.com
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