I'm a garden expert and here are 20 plants that can withstand extreme climates
SUNDAY saw the hottest January day ever – when meteorologists recorded a bizarre peak of 19.6 degrees Celsius in Scotland – hotter than southern France.
And I can't be the only one who has recently 'went into the garden' only to find myself hours later with his wrists deep in the ground.
Scientists said this was partly due to the 'Foehn effect' – an abrupt warming and drying of the air when wind blows over the mountains.
But combined with the devastation and brutal frost of Storm Isha, our gardens have had a hard time.
At this year's Chelsea Flower Show, 'balcony and container' designers are focusing on strong, tolerant plants that can withstand storms, high temperatures and water shortages.
RHS head gardener Guy Barter told Sun Gardening: “The trick is to identify the conditions and then select the right plants.
“Sunny south-facing gardens, including airy balconies, can be planted with drought-tolerant shrubs and grasses, while north-facing balconies or shady plots have evergreens that bloom in low light.”
There are a whole range of plants that can help your garden last longer, so here are some top picks for 2024.
The blue-gray waxy leaves of Mediterranean-style lavender and rosemary reduce water loss and reflect light.
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And nothing screams 'summer vacation' more than hardy olive trees.
Agapanthus Africanus adds a touch of the tropical and Phlomis grows well in full sun.
Plant man Michael Perry told Sun Gardening: “Tulbghia is my plant of the future. It is widely used in landscaping in Europe and Southern Africa and is very interesting because it is very tough and drought resistant, but can also cope well with boggy soils.”
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“It is not affected by diseases and pests, it is winter-hardy, durable and edible.
“And I like the Jekyll and Hyde nature: the leaves smell like garlic, but the flowers smell like honey.”
If you are in a windy spot or exposed to storms, choose plants with long roots that can serve as an anchor, such as Crambe Maritima. And grow a natural windbreak for protection.
Grasses like Stipa Tenuissima and Pennisetum wave in the wind, and I like Carex 'Evergold.'
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While Miscanthus 'Indian Summer' turns a beautiful red in autumn, and Festuca Glauca silvery blue in full sun.
Coastal favorites such as the variegated sea holly Eryngium variifolium are incredibly hardy, as are hardy geraniums, such as 'Rozanne', which blooms for months.
And finally, recent hot, dry summers are ideal for certain fruits, such as grape vines, figs, almonds, apricots, peaches and nectarines.
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CURSE CURSE
IF worm castings are decimating your lawn, you're not alone. Earthworms thrive in damp weather, even in winter, and are very active in early spring.
It's hard to get too upset, because it's a sign that everything is blooming and healthy – and the castings themselves are so fine that, once raked, they are perfect for lawn seed.
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They are also beneficial for nutrient recycling, soil aeration and soil structure.
Try to keep your lawn out of the way as much as possible, but if there are a few dry days, use a wire rake with the tines upwards.
Some suggest lowering soil pH because worms are less vibrant in acidic environments, but this is expensive and time-consuming.
And finally, be sure to rake up leaves and cuttings to prevent them from coming back.
WEED IT AND CRY
BRIGHTON and Hove City Council has been forced into a U-turn after admitting the 2019 ban on glyphosate weedkiller is not working.
The Sun has previously reported how trails had become impassable following its cancellation due to environmental and cancer concerns.
But after angry locals criticized the council, the decision was made to bring it back for a 'reset' year.
Cllr Tim Rowkins said: “After five years of uncontrolled growth, there is an urgent need to get the weed problem back under control.
“The 2019 glyphosate ban in Brighton and Hove was implemented without a viable alternative.
“Since May last year we have tried every conceivable method of weed removal, from manual and mechanical weeding to foam flow and hot water.
“Yet we have still only been able to weed 34 percent of our sidewalks. 2024 will be a 'reset' year.”
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DRINK IT
According to an expert, VODKA can help your indoor flowers stay fresh longer.
Alex Biggart, from 123 Flowers, said adding a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the vase water counteracts the drying effects of central heating.
THIS WEEK'S VACANCY
IT'S time to get your vegetable beds ready for planting and start growing some seeds indoors. Eggplants, cucumbers, leeks, peppers, beef tomatoes and spinach are great for it.
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TOP TIP!
Be the envy of your neighbors with Mr Fothergill's 24 brand new flower and vegetable seed varieties for 2024. Including Bubbly Pink Foxglove, Tomato Black Russian and Rudbeckia Cherry Brandy.
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TO RESCUE!
REDUCE costs during spring pruning The Kent and Stowe bypass lopper for £29.99 at Marshalls Gardens
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Or go for broke Wolf Garden version for £69.99
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TO WIN!
GET your grow going – with an amazing seed sowing bundle of Westland including one heated mat, grow room, watering can, traysdibber, taller, compost and more – £204 in total.
To enter, visit www.thesun.co.uk/WESTLANDCOMP
Or write to Sun Westland Competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP.
Please include your name, age, email address or telephone number. UK residents 18+ only. Ends at 23:59 GMT 17/02/24.
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TO LEARN!
Q. What can I spray on weeds without killing my daffodils? Sue Winner, via email.
a. Aside from digging out the weeds by hand and mulching the daffodils, any glyphosate spray will kill anything it comes into contact with. You can protect the daffodils with a plastic sheet while you spray, but don't do this on a windy day. Or you can invest in some 'dab on' weed killer gel so you have much more control over what comes into contact with it. Make sure no rain is forecast.
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