Top tips on coping as the hosepipe ban comes into force in Cornwall

THE Eden Project has stepped in with water-saving advice as a hosepipe ban is declared in Cornwall. 

The charity, based near St Austell, says it wants to raise more awareness about how to adapt water use during what it describes as the water crisis. 

The Environment Agency has already declared a flash drought across the the South West and a hosepipe ban is being introduced for households in Cornwall and Devon from the start of Saturday (August 8).  

An Eden Project spokesperson, looking at the situation across the country, said: “Sunshine and intense heat including record-breaking temperatures exceeding 35 degrees on at least seven days this summer, coupled with low rainfall in recent months, has parched the land, flora and fauna. Farmers are raising concerns about crop and livestock productivity, while weather forecasts offer no substantial rain or end to drought conditions in sight.”

Chief executive Andy Jasper said: “The Eden Project focuses on connecting people with the wonders of the natural world, showcasing plants, and exploring the story of life on our planet. Since we opened our doors in Cornwall, we’ve welcomed more that 25 million people in to enjoy our incredible global gardens. We’ve created different climate examples, including our dry Mediterranean biome, to inspire our visitors to explore how to make changes in their everyday lives to care for nature and help mitigate climate change.

“Drought conditions and wildfires we’re seeing this year, remind us that we need to take action to improve our connection with the natural world and support nature to recover.”

The Eden Project, which is marking its 25th anniversary this year, showcases plants that suit different climates.

Head of regenerative sustainability and energy Charles Sainsbury said: “The Eden Project collects two-thirds of its water needs on site. Being situated in a former clay mine,  the site water systems are critical. Groundwater is collected to flush water-efficient loos and rainwater is harvested to irrigate plants.”

The Eden Project’s planting for climate resilience and responsible watering includes a Thriveway garden exhibit showcasing a different way to plant, while the mature and established Mediterranean biome offers a snapshot of hotter, drier regions and the plants which thrive in these conditions.

The charity says that as the UK summer climate begins to mirror a drier Mediterranean one, the Mediterranean biome offers a unique place to learn about plants that will cope better in a changing UK climate.

Director of horticulture Peter Jones said: “Drought caused by extended periods of dry weather and extreme heat this year has impacted flora and fauna across the UK – grasses are bleached a striking gold, soil has become dusty and hydrophobic with moisture deficit reducing microbial activity. Plants are struggling but there is a lot we can do to help. The Eden Project’s diverse demonstrator landscapes feature adapted planting and simple approaches that can be replicated in the UK’s gardens too.

“We can improve our planning for wetter winters and extremely dry summers and learn to be more careful about how we use water, and recycle it. Every action we take has a cumulative impact on water supply, benefiting nature and people as a result.”

 The Eden Project’s top household water saving tips are:

  • turn off the tap when brushing your teeth to save six litres of water per minute

• shorten your showers – showers use between six and 45 litres per minute

• use full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher to cut washes

• fix a dripping tap – a dripping tap can waste 15 litres of water a day

• install a water butt to your drainpipe to capture and reserve water when it rains.

 The charity’s top tips for water-conserving gardening are:

• mulch your plants – put a thick layer of bark, compost or straw around your plants to trap moisture and keep the soil cool, and do this before the soil surface has dried out

• use a watering can with a rose attachment, instead of a running hose, to control where the water goes and stop soil from washing away

• use rainwater from a water butt or reuse clean grey water like old washing up water as long as it has no bleach in it

• focus your limited water on food crops, young or newly-planted, and containers, and remember established trees and shrubs can usually survive on their own

• use products like tree bags which release water slowly over 48 hours or make your own with upside-down plastic bottles at the base of plants

• water in the early morning or late evening to stop water from evaporating quickly in the sun

• water the base of plants heavily once a week instead of giving them a light splash every day, thus helping roots grow deeper into the soil, supporting resilience

• check pots daily and, when they’re dry, top up with water – but use saucers to capture any water that escapes.   

 The Eden Project’s top tips for dry weather plant planning: 

• choose Mediterranean herbs, deep-rooted perennials and silver-foliaged plants that naturally lock in moisture, thrive in baking sun and require minimal watering once their roots are established – but be mindful of choosing plants that can cope with prolonged wetter milder winters as well

  • choose plants for resilience that will be able to cope with a variety of conditions and when establishing trees and shrubs do allow certain gaps in between watering to encourage plants to root deeply.

 Here are the top 10 dry-and-heat-resilient plants as chosen by the Eden Project:

1 Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) for borders, pollinators, fragrance

2 Russian Sage (Salvia yangii, formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia) for long flowering

3 Sedum (Stonecrop) for ground cover, containers, rock gardens

4 Agapanthus varieties for dramatic summer flowering

5 Verbena bonariensis, very easy to grow and great for pollinators, airy borders

6 Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) classic evergreen herb with excellent structure

7 Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) native wildflower superb for pollinating insects

8 Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) striking colour great for wildlife and long-lasting blooms with autumn seedheads

9 Santolina (Cotton Lavender) handsome silver foliage

10 Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri) for continuous flowering through hot weather.