b. Non Organic Mulches

(i) Gravel or other Aggregates excellent, long lasting inorganic mulch available in a range of colours, textures and sizes
(ii) Grass cuttings compost with other material first (never compost grass cuttings that have been freshly treated with herbicide).
(iii) Cocoa shells a good, light, porous mulch with small amounts of nutrients
(iv) Rocks, Pebbles & Glass Nuggets are a colourful, efficient alternative to all of the above.

When using an inorganic matter as mulch on the soil, first prepare the site by pegging down a porous membrane on top of the soil. The weight of the inorganic mulch will help anchor anchor the membrane and prevent the gravel or glass nuggets from becoming buried in the soil.

2. Water Butts

Place water butts in the garden in strategic spots where they can catch water from the roof of your home, garage and garden outbuildings. Water butts can be inter-linked using hosepipe to allow the maximum amount of water to be stored.

Call Original Organics for under half price Water Butts including a down-pipe connecter and a watering can on tel. 01884 841515

3. Recycle Domestic Water.

Do not use water though that contains bleach or detergent. Bath water can be used so long as you rotate the type of water given in one area. Make sure that the water is not poured directly on to the leaves.

4. Lay a Drought Tolerant Lawn

Grassed areas are the first to suffer from a hosepipe ban. Consider reducing the size of your lawn and possibly replacing it with a Gravel Bed or a lawn made up of thyme or camomile. Alternatively, you could consider hard landscaping.

However, if you’re set on keeping your lawn, a turf company in the South of England called Sovereign has developed a Drought Tolerant Grass called ‘Xeris’ details of which can be found by following the link.