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Nursery Owner Calls Current Drought 'Most Brutal' in Two Decades
28 Jul
Summary
- Perennials at Wildegoose Nursery entered early dormancy due to dry weather.
- Nursery owner described current conditions as the most brutal in 20 years.
- Plant sales at the nursery have fallen by approximately half due to low visitor numbers.
The owner of Wildegoose Nursery in Shropshire has characterized the ongoing dry spell as the most severe in his 20 years of experience. This summer's lack of rainfall has caused many perennials at the nursery to enter premature dormancy.
Nursery owner Jack Willgoss noted a significant decrease in visitor footfall, leading to a roughly 50% drop in on-site plant sales. He expressed disappointment, stating that plants expected to be in full bloom with lush foliage were instead reduced to "pretty dead brown stems."
This situation has diminished his passion for gardening, as his efforts to create a beautiful garden are undermined by the persistent drought. National reports indicate that regions like the West Midlands are nearing drought status, contributing to prolonged dry weather conditions across parts of England.
Despite the challenging climate, Willgoss remains committed to his nursery's sustainable ethos, refusing to water the garden, a practice maintained for nearly 15 years. He highlighted that even in the UK, a nation not typically perceived as water-stressed, conserving water is increasingly vital.
