Garden centres across the UK are grappling with the severe impact of extended dry spells, forcing staff into gruelling schedules to keep plants hydrated. Kevin Fleming, the plant area manager at Bridgemere Garden Centre on the Cheshire-Shropshire border, described the current season as the most challenging of his 34-year career, citing significant plant losses, particularly seasonal bedding.
Fleming estimates that his team of 13 is using a staggering amount of water daily – equivalent to two swimming pools. He highlighted the relentless nature of the task, stating, "All the staff, we seem to have been on our hoses for 12 hours a day, and once you finish watering you have to start again." To combat the intense heat, some employees are starting work as early as 6 am, while others stay late into the evening to ensure plants survive the night.
The season has been marked by extreme weather fluctuations, according to Fleming, who noted a "very slow start with extremely cold weather, then all of a sudden it's 30 degrees and blazing sunshine." This abrupt transition has amplified the difficulty of maintaining plant health, requiring constant vigilance and intensive care, including extensive dead-heading.
In response to these ongoing challenges, Bridgemere Garden Centre is planning to implement new watering techniques to improve efficiency and conserve resources. The centre intends to install 'flood beds', which involve placing plastic or metal inserts into the soil that are then filled with water. This method allows plants to slowly absorb moisture through their roots, drastically reducing the time and effort required compared to traditional hose watering.
Fleming explained that this innovative approach could cut watering time for a bed from up to an hour down to just five minutes. This strategic shift aims to save significant amounts of water, time, and money, providing a more sustainable solution for plant care in an era of unpredictable weather patterns. The move reflects a broader industry trend towards adapting to climate change impacts and ensuring the resilience of horticultural businesses.