How the heat and drought in 2026 has affected Fullers Mill Garden

The winter of 2025–26 was much drier than average, followed by a dry spring and an exceptionally hot May.

This was more ideal weather for the gardeners than the plants: where the gardener can wrap up warm, wear waterproofs, apply sunscreen or even work in the shade, our poor plants just have to put up with it all and do the best that they can.

So, what do we do to help them?

Firstly, we can give them a good start when we plant them. This means choosing a suitable time of year to plant, usually in the cooler damper months either side of Christmas as long as the plant is fully hardy. We make sure that the roots are well soaked, add compost to the planting hole, and add nutrients in the form of fish, blood and bone – the equivalent to human vitamins. We then plant it so that the top of the original compost is at ground level, fill in with soil and firm in to secure the plant in the ground. Put a thick layer of mulch around the plant to help lock the moisture in and the weeds suppressed, and water as necessary if the rains don’t come.

And what do we do when there is no rain on the horizon?

We have to provide the next best thing and water them ourselves. We have purchased a 200 litre water bowser for the garden which fits into a trailer behind our ride-on mower and can be taken out to the trees and shrubs on the far side of the garden so that they can be watered effectively.

We can also extract some water from the River Lark which runs through the garden. There is an extensive system of underground pipes which come to the surface on standpipes, which we then attach hoses and sprinklers to then use where it is required. This is always done in the cooler hours overnight to reduce scorched leaves and evaporation.

Of course, choosing the right plants that can cope with the ever-changing weather is the best idea. 

We concentrate on using mediterranean plants where we can and plants from similar climates, as we have free draining, sandy Breckland soil which suits these plants. For example, we have Spartium junceum, the Spanish broom, with bright yellow flowers and a fantastic scent, and Romneya coulteri, the Californian tree poppy, with grey green leaves and delicate large white flowers with yellow centres (they look like fried eggs). Cistus creticus, the Cretan rockrose, is another shrub which is very happy to grow at Fullers Mill with soft pink flowers and a tolerance to dry conditions as it can be found in Morocco, Italy and Turkey.

While we can’t control the weather, we can adapt the way we garden. Careful planting, thoughtful soil preparation, mulching and targeted watering all help our plants cope during prolonged dry spells, while selecting species suited to our sandy Breckland conditions gives them the best chance to thrive.

As climate patterns continue to change, gardens like Fullers Mill must evolve too. By combining horticultural knowledge with practical management and careful plant choice, we aim not only to protect the collection during periods of heat and drought but also to ensure that the garden remains beautiful, resilient and inspiring for visitors throughout the seasons. Even in the driest years, nature has an incredible ability to adapt, and with a little help from the gardeners, so can our plants.

Help protect gardens and the people behind them

Every visit to Fullers Mill helps support Perennial mission, the UK's charity for people working in horticulture. If you've been inspired by this beautiful garden, a donation today helps us provide advice, financial support and wellbeing services to gardeners and their families.