A hot, dry garden is not necessarily a 'problem', and many gardeners spend much time, effort and money trying to create these very conditions. Many spectacular gardens in the UK can be found in the hotter regions of Cornwall, Devon and East Anglia. In fact, the Beth Chatto gardens in Essex is situated on the poorest of soils in the driest region of the British Isles - proof that gardens can thrive in these sorts of harsh conditions.

Design Tips

For instant shade, erect an arbour or pergola to cover part of a hot patio. Whilst waiting for plant leaves to grow, use trellis panels across the top or make an awning out of deck chair canvas, weighted down at the ends with timber battens.

Choose light coloured materials for patios and paving paths, as they will reflect the maximum amount of heat. You may wish to consider installing a wooden deck, rather than a paved patio, as timber will not get as hot as stone or concrete for walking on with bare feet.

Plan well ahead with tree planting, so you can create dappled shade at strategic places in your garden.

Water

Include water features close to seating areas as a cooling element, such as a raised pool which you can sit on the edge of and dip your hands and feet into. The sound of water is also a good cooling agent, so add a spout or fountain to your pool, or make a separate trickling water feature close to your patio.

Lawns

Lawns in hot sunny places will go brown quickly, so it's a good idea to decrease the area of your lawn, and replace with gravel, plants and water.

Choosing Your Plants

Silver foliage plants are the most likely to survive in a hot, dry garden; their silver coating helps to prevent moisture loss.

Pick out plants that are natives of the Californian, Mediterranean, South African and Australian dry spots. Avoid large-leaved plants and those from high, cool places such as the Himalayas.

Use pale foliage and flower colours for cool planting effects where you most need them.

Planting Tips

Although many Mediterranean plants thrive in poor soils, you can widen your planting options by digging in plenty of organic material prior to planting. You should also apply a good mulch around plants after watering in, to help conserve moisture around their roots.

Shading for Plants

If you have space, a zigzag fence or wall creates instant shade in a border and will widen your planting options.

New planting will welcome some shade in hot, bare gardens, particularly conifers and evergreens. Make plant shades using posts and shade netting or slatted trellis panels.