If the forecast is to be believed it’s going to be dry and sunny for the next week or so…

It’s a bit topsy-turvy out there at the moment. Standing in a Scottish garden at the tail end of April, hosepipe in hand, squinting at a sky that’s behaving far more like the south of France than the west of Scotland. After months of rain, wind, and the occasional sideways sleet for good measure, you’d be forgiven for thinking watering the garden wouldn’t make it onto your spring to-do list. And yet, here we are. Do you remember the snow we had a few weeks ago? 

The first cut of the lawn has only just been ticked off—often squeezed in between showers or during that one golden afternoon where everything dried out just enough to fire up the mower. But no sooner have we admired those neat stripes than the ground has begun to firm up, the grass has taken on that faintly parched look, and suddenly we’re contemplating sprinklers like it’s mid-July. 

It’s a peculiar shift, but one worth paying attention to. Newly awakened lawns and fresh spring growth are particularly vulnerable to drying out. Grass that’s been cut for the first time is actively trying to thicken and establish itself after winter dormancy, and without adequate moisture, it can struggle. A good soak—less frequent but thorough—is far better than a daily sprinkle. You want the water to penetrate deeply, encouraging roots to follow. 

The same goes for your borders and containers. Spring bedding, young perennials, and newly planted shrubs all need consistent moisture while they establish. Pots and hanging baskets, especially, can dry out surprisingly quickly in sunny, breezy conditions—something we’re not always conditioned to expect at this time of year. 

Then there are the more delicate souls in the garden—the plants that, much like Scottish holidaymakers abroad, aren’t entirely comfortable under relentless direct sunlight. Hostas, ferns, and certain young herbaceous plants can suffer from leaf scorch if exposed too suddenly to intense rays. If you notice wilting or browning edges, it may not be a lack of water alone, but too much sun. 

A few simple strategies can help: 

• Use temporary shading like fleece, netting, or a well-placed parasol 

• Group pots together to create a more humid microclimate 

• Water early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce evaporation 

• Apply a mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature 

The unexpected spell of fine weather isn’t something to grumble about. The first one to say it’s too hot gets a shallow grave by the M8. After a long winter, there’s real joy in being able to get outside, potter about, and actually enjoy the garden without three layers and a waterproof. It’s a chance to reconnect with the space, take stock of what’s thriving, and maybe even sit down with a cup of tea and admire your handiwork. 

But let’s not get carried away. This is Scotland, after all. The odds of a wet June looming on the horizon are… let’s say, reassuringly high. So make the most of it while it lasts. 

Jobs for the next month in the Scottish garden: 

• Keep lawns watered during dry spells and avoid cutting too short 

• Continue regular mowing to encourage thick, healthy grass 

• Water newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials thoroughly 

• Mulch borders to conserve moisture and suppress weeds 

• Check pots and hanging baskets daily for dryness 

• Provide shade for sensitive plants during particularly hot days 

• Begin planting out hardy annuals and summer bedding (weather permitting) 

• Feed plants with a balanced fertiliser to support strong growth 

• Keep an eye out for early pests like aphids and deal with them promptly 

• Take time to sit, enjoy, and appreciate your garden in the sunshine 

Because if there’s one thing we know for certain, it won’t last forever.