Managing water in an August Garden

August in a drought requires a shift in mindset. When the lawns turn golden and the hosepipe ban prevents active watering, the best approach is to step back, embrace the Mediterranean feel, and focus on enjoying the space rather than maintaining it. At Cambridgeshire Garden Design, we design gardens that look beautiful even when the rain stops falling.

The key to enjoying an August garden is shade. A well-positioned pergola, a sail shade, or the canopy of a mature tree transforms a sweltering terrace into a cool, inviting outdoor living room. Rather than worrying about the lawn, focus your attention on the hard landscaping—this is the time when the quality of your paving, the structure of your planters, and your outdoor furniture really take centre stage.

If you are concerned about your plants, focus your limited water on the most valuable specimens, such as newly planted trees or shrubs. A simple watering can of grey water (saved from the kitchen or bath) directed right at the base of the plant is far more effective than a light sprinkle.

Looking ahead, this dry spell is a reminder of why we advocate for drought-tolerant planting palettes and smart water management. When the rain finally does return, having systems in place to capture it will make all the difference next summer.