The sun’s out in full force, and while we might be loving it (in small doses!), our plants are feeling the heat. Here's your essential guide to helping your garden survive the scorch...
💧 Water wisely
Water early morning or evening, when it’s cooler, to minimise evaporation.
Avoid wetting leaves – especially in strong sun – as it can scorch them or lead to mildew. Water directly into the soil around the base of the plant.
Grey water (like leftover bathwater or washing-up water) can be used on ornamental plants – just skip anything greasy or soapy.
🚿 Invest in smarter watering
We stock irrigation kits perfect for borders, veg beds and greenhouses – they save time, water and plants!
A good watering can with a long spout helps you get to the base of the plant without splashing foliage.
🌿 Lock in moisture
A layer of mulch (bark, compost or even gravel) cools the roots and slows down evaporation.
Add water-retaining granules to pots and hanging baskets to help them hold moisture for longer.
Place saucers under pots to catch any run-off and give thirsty plants a second chance.
🏖️ Choose sun-lovers for sunny spots
If you’re planting in full sun, go for varieties that love it:
🌿 Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lavender
🍋 Citrus trees in pots – bring indoors in winter
🌵 Succulents and cacti
🌿 Silver-leaved and hairy-leaved plants (like Stachys ‘Lamb’s Ears’ and Lavandula), which reflect the sun and cope brilliantly with dry conditions
🌼 Perennials for sun: Eryngium, Sedum, Achillea, Salvia, Gaura, Agapanthus, Nepeta
🏡 Top Tip: South-facing gardens can be glorious but harsh – group plants by watering needs so you can care for them more efficiently.
🏖️ Extra tip: If you can, group pots together or move them to partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
🛒 Your Heatwave Gardening Shopping List
Watering & Irrigation:
💧 Green Jem 7-Dial Spray Gun + Fittings Set – just £4.99
💧 Green Jem 20m Hose & Reel Set – wall mountable, 7-spray gun, all accessories – just £29.99
💧 15m Braided Hose – only £6
💧 5-Piece Nozzle Set – amazing value at £2.99Large Plastic Watering cans for £9.99. LOvely metal cans too £14.99
Don’t forget those sprinklers!
💧 Green Jem Impulse Sprinkler with Spike – covers up to 60ft, only £8.99
💧 Hozelock Rotating Spike Sprinkler – 8 jets, twin arms, max coverage 177m² (15m diameter) – £19.99
💧 Hozelock AquaSave Pro 350 XL – robust, anodised finish, top performance – £46.99
Moisture Retention:
Altico Ornamental Gravels – £4.99 each or 3 for £12, colours such as Country Cream, Ruby Red, Fern Green, Meteor Black, Ocean Flint & Green Slate.
Cobbles – Beachcomber £7.99 (3 for £21), Dover White £13.99 (2 for £25)
Composts from £4.99
Aquagel & Fertigel - provides constant moisture for plants while preventing over or underwatering when used as per guidelines.
Saucers of every shape and size, plastic, terracotta or glazed.
Sun-Loving Plants:
🌿 Herbs for Full Sun
In UK gardens, herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, and chives thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. These perennials are not only culinary staples but also add structure and scent to herb beds. Among annuals, basil enjoys warm, sunny spots if sheltered from wind, while dill grows well in summer heat. Coriander prefers cooler seasons but will tolerate full sun in early spring or autumn.
🌸 Flowering Shrubs for Full Sun
For colour and pollinator appeal, lavender is a top choice—fragrant, hardy, and long-flowering. Buddleja attracts butterflies and handles heat well, while Cistus, Bougainvillea, Citrus, Olives & Bottlebrush offer a Mediterranean look with minimal care. Potentilla blooms reliably all summer, and compact hebes provide both evergreen foliage and soft seasonal flowers.
🌿 Evergreen/Foliage Shrubs for Full Sun
Euonymus offers colourful, sun-tolerant foliage, while box suits more formal designs, tolerating sun if kept moist. Junipers, especially low-growing varieties, are excellent for dry, sunny spots. Santolina adds silvery texture and yellow blooms, ideal for Mediterranean-style planting.
🌸 Sun loving perennials
Verbena bonariensis £7.99/3Lpot, Echinacea £7.99/3Lpot, Geum, Eryngium (sea holly) and Gaillardia pictured £9.99 (other colours available)
Wildlife & Cool Features:
Water features - all our plug and play features here
Tom Chambers bird foods & feeders – Nutritious meals for all feathered visitors.
💧 Ground Ornamental Bird Bath with Feeder – Offers a drink and food in one spot.
Beat the heat and add instant shade with our range of quality parasols and sturdy bases:
☂️ 3m Grey Parasol — Large and neutral, perfect for any garden setup. £95
☂️ Banana Side Arm Parasol + Base — Stylish overhang design with full coverage & base. £199 (RRP £249)
☂️ 2.5m Grey Parasol — Compact and practical for smaller tables or balconies. £79
🖤 15kg Black Parasol Base — Strong, stable, and easy to move. Only £39!
