19/08/2026
What a very difficult Summer it's been so far! Let's hope the worst of the heat is now behind us and we can look forward to more of the lovely rain we had overnight and this morning.
Many of you have been telling us that your garden plants are brown, dead and past hope. I would say, even if they haven't been watered much, don't give up hope of a shoot or two appearing after we've had some decent rain. If they really have gone beyond hope then this coming Autumn will be the perfect time to start a restoration project.
The soil will stay warm now through till November (possibly longer) and, with moisture from the Autumn rains, any new planting will stand the very best chance of being firmly established and resilient by Spring and before any Summer heat appears.
Your Autumn planting will also benefit greatly from the addition on Micorrhizal fungi. In simple terms this is the fungus that spreads all through the soil, connecting all plants via their roots and helping them to find the nutrients they need in the soil. It hugely increases the area from which they can gain nutrients. We sell a dried form of this fungi, called Rootgrow, which when added to the soil and roots during planting, will speed up the process of root and fungus forming a symbiotic relationship from 3 months to 3 weeks. This benefits the plant immeasurably.
If you are looking for more heatwave resilience in your planting consider Echinacea, Salvias, Sedums, Alpines, Roses (established roses cope very well), Nepeta, Herbs, Grasses and so on. From this year's trying heat we've found the Penstemon and Helenium have also faired well, not without watering, but they've certainly stood up to the heat.
Nil desperandum, as my Latin teacher used to say, just before I threw my text book onto the floor.... keep growing for nature and your enjoyment and hope for a bountiful Autumn!
