Saturday 6 August 2022

Watering tubs.

I read an article in The Times at 'Tub Planting Time'suggesting we branched out a bit and took a wider view rather than planting the same old things like pelargoniums, alyssum. lobelia and the like.   So I did just that, adding just a few Pelargoniums, grey leaved foliage plants - the same old things I put in every year.  Now, as they begin to go into August , if I do a serious survey I have to admit (and this is   a suggestion remember) as they are coming to the end of their tub planting time that the old favourites are doing far, far better than my new suggested ones.   Yes, I know that the Summer has been exceptional, I know I am a year older and watering is not so easy to do, but the tubs  planted with grey foliage and Pelargoniums are a beautiful sight whereas those planted with dahlias (not too bad) and various bedding plants and frequently dead headed are telling me each time I dead head them that they have 'had it'.

Although my road was not built as a road for retired people, many of the inhabitants have lived here for  thirty or more years and so it is now most people well retired (several in their nineties) and only a very few bother with tubs - (too much watering and it will be even worse if a hosepipe ban comes in)

Off now to put today's lunch (minced beef pie with a variety of vegetables and good gravy) in the microwave and watch The Commonwealth Games.  See you tomorrow. 

P S    Good that John got to Sitges this time isn't it? 

14 comments:

Derek Faulkner said...

I doubt very much that you will see a hosepipe ban, you don't appear to have any of the water shortages that we have.

Susan said...

Watering when there is no rain and high heat is a problem. I find planting pots or tubs that require less water, means placing them in the shade and planting coleus (or shade loving plants or even a dwarf shrub). The shade reduces water requirements. I planted one large pottery pot with coleus outside my front door and it has done well with occasional watering. Also dwarf shrubs planted in a tub/pot will carry over year after year. Only year one requires daily water. It is great that John's travels are going well. Finally.

jinxxxygirl said...

I like pots and tubs.. Plan to plant a few myself next year.. I think the key when you are older is to keep them accessible even if you think they would look better else where you have to keep them where you can easily get to them.. and only so many as you care to take care of... You may have to downsize as you get older but necessarily stop doing it... I like to stick with the tried and true plants otherwise i usually end up wasting my money.. I like geraniums in pots myself.. along with others.. Hugs! debs

Granny Sue said...

You are wise to be thinking ahead and evaluating your capabilities and the possibilities of making changes. I will have to look up pelargoniums as they are not familiar to me. My large perennial bed always looks so bad by mid-July, so like you I have been trying to figure out what changes to make to keep it looking decent, without a lot of additional work or watering.

Debby said...

It was exciting to see that John was able to have his trip. I like to try new things. They don't always work out, but you gave yourself an opportunity to discover that for youself.

Barbara Anne said...

Our neighbor's rain gauge showed we got more than 3" of rain yesterday - 9 hours of rain, much of it torrential and what thunder/lightening! We're glad we live near the top of a hill so have no worries about floods. Wish I could share with areas that need rain.
Enjoy the games!

Hugs!

Rachel Phillips said...

As life goes on we adapt to what we can do and new things fill the gaps.xx

Heather said...

I seem to have missed yesterday's post. I fear there will be many areas with hosepipe bans. The grass here is very brown and leaves are beginning to drop as the trees try to conserve their own supply of water.
I agree that Monty Don always cheers one up. He is such a down-to-earth chap and presents Gardeners' World with commonsense, natural charm and a nice gentle voice.

Virginia said...

I’ve heard of upended 2litre bottles with holes in the neck, that drip the water slowly into the pot. Unsightly, but might answer. Yes, I’m so glad John has finally got a trip. So many were cancelled, poor guy.

Anonymous said...

I like Rachel's comment. I think I'll put in on my fridge.-Pam.

sparklingmerlot said...

I admire your commitment to tubs. I plant and forget to water with the inevitable result.
I think there are a lot of people breathing a collective sigh of relief for John!

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks everyone. We all seem determined to keep the tubs going - and I agree they gve us immense pleasure.

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