Drought time in the east.What to do?

I only really start to notice the lack of rain when we get high temperatures, anything above about 30c.
Apart from watering pots nothing gets watering here.
Above 30c the veg gets some water as well if it lasts a few days.

Maybe my soil just hangs on to water longer than anyone else's but it will be a while before I do much watering to anything growing in the ground.

 

My friend in Spain also complains about their rain. Their countryside outside the village is so green, she has never seen that before.

 

Our soil is very sandy and drains quickly but I don't ever water anything in the ground either unless it starts to flag. I do water plants I'm trying to establish but if something needs constant watering I don't really want it in the garden. It's why since that really hot summer I've slowly moved over to more perennial plants and only grow a few annuals.

 

I'm probably one of the worst for growing plants that don't suit my climate, but probably in the opposite direction to most.
Most of what I tend to grow likes warmer conditions than we mostly get.
I have to accept that, for instance I've never even tried the likes of tree ferns, although I do like the look of them, just too dry in summer usually, probably too cold in winter as well so it's a non starter for me.
Woodland type plants tend to only be short lived unless they get summer shade.
I spend lots of time protecting tender plants , but that is my choice as I know I'm pushing the limits as to what is grow able here.
I'm only really doing what most people do,but the old saying, right plant in right place comes to mind.
If you don't want the hassle, try something else would be my moto.

 

How cold are your winters typically @pete? Tree ferns will cope with temperatures down to minus 5C with protection. In dry weather I water the trunk and crown of mine daily with a 5 litre watering can.

 

Minus 5 in Dec last year was probably our lowest for this winter gone, but I draw the line at daily watering. It's just not something I'm prepared to do, to be honest, the pots are enough.

 

I must admit it’s the only demanding plant that I grow which needs winter protection and regular watering. I haven’t got a greenhouse or room to store tender plants, as much as I would like to grow tropical type plants.

 

At one point some years ago I used to see a fair amount of tree ferns planted in totally ridiculous places, mostly in full sun on a lawn etc.

Dont see any now, I suspect most have just withered away, and they aint cheap.

 

My Tree fern expired years ago - probably had it for 15 years or so. I do like them but wouldn't attempt another one. As said, they were a Fad Plant and mostly planted in completely unsuitable sites.
I never water the garden ( no bare soil to worry about !! ) but just the raised beds - veg/fruit and any containers as well as the things in the GH.
5 water butts here but their levels are dropping.
Must say I was surprised to see how many of my Ostrich Feather ferns have suddenly decided to raise their heads again - all in shady woodland area but had no rain for ages.

 

Yes, I think people thought they were like palm trees. I blame those garden makeover shows again .