Mediterranean / Dry gardening

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by ChrisM6, May 25, 2023.

  1. ChrisM6

    ChrisM6 Gardener

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    I was wondering if there is interest in a specialist sub-forum on the above? Some time back, Beth Chatto wrote "The Dry Garden" and their website has current info as well.

    Things seem to be edging towards drier summers (I'm in the Thames Valley) and a hosepipe ban was in place last year. Such plantings and Mediterranean especially, are an interest of mine so I'm biased!

    Chris
     
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    • Victoria

      Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

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      Hi Chris. Look in Tropical and Exotic sections here. Even Succulents and Cactus. You may find something of interest. Obviously I have lots of drought loving plants but they may not survive with you. I came from Bucks (between Aylesbury and Thame) and the IoW.
       
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        Last edited: May 25, 2023
      • noisette47

        noisette47 Total Gardener

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        The climate here is definitely becoming more 'Mediterranean' with one big (and disappointing) difference......we can still get winter temps of -8°C to -12°C. There is an increasing tendency to a huge, wonderful burst of colour and scent in spring before the high temps and strong sun hit, then most things in the garden just hang on by the skin of their teeth until October or November when we get rain again.
        It will be interesting comparing notes on what survives and what doesn't :)
         
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        • ChrisM6

          ChrisM6 Gardener

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          For sure! Different climates (?) but similar situations.
           
        • ChrisM6

          ChrisM6 Gardener

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          I love cacti and succulents, having a random selection. I plan to read up more about them. The flowers fascinate me.
           
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          • Victoria

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              Last edited: May 26, 2023
            • noisette47

              noisette47 Total Gardener

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              As I'm gradually discovering, it's not just about water. The strength of the sun plays a huge part. Shade is underestimated! Planting wirh hot afternoon sun in mind plays a big part in success or failure.
               
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              • Victoria

                Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

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                My garden was designed for shade 25 yeas ago. :yes:
                 
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                • pete

                  pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                  • pete

                    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                    You forgot to mention cold desiccating easterly winds.:biggrin:
                     
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                    • noisette47

                      noisette47 Total Gardener

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                      Or wind from any direction for that matter! I suppose the old chestnut about creating shelter belts first, then planting more precious plants applies, except IME once the roots of the shelter trees/shrubs have filled the space, it's practically impossible to establish anything else :biggrin: Not so much of a problem in small, urban gardens with fences and walls :)
                       
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                      • ChrisM6

                        ChrisM6 Gardener

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                        Your right - my medium-sized suburban garden has lots of microclimates and protection.
                         
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                        • NigelJ

                          NigelJ Total Gardener

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                          Shelter belts are fine for large gardens, deep pockets and time. In smaller gardens they can become the garden as shade and competition prevent other plants establishing.
                          Hard fences and walls can lead to wind tunnels, they also can create turbulent airflows on the leeward side approximately h ft from the fence where h = height.
                          The advantage of a shelter belt is that the wind force is dissipated as it passes through rather than providing a solid barrier to the wind.
                           
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                          • noisette47

                            noisette47 Total Gardener

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                            A shelter belt is also totally impractical on a steeply-sloping garden. Ask me how I know :biggrin:
                             
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                            • NigelJ

                              NigelJ Total Gardener

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                              Always pays to know what plant types thrive where, where is the patch of ground that is dryer, damper, lighter or shadier than it's surroundings.
                              Something else is that a lower growing tender plant may be a better fit for a spot than a taller one that always gets the top frosted or young shoots dried out.
                              Also timing I have some patches where if plant growth starts, say March, it gets scorched or grows only slowly; a month later (April) starting and a similar plant just takes off with no problems.
                               
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