We've had the driest spring since 1956 - here's how to save water in your garden

According to the Environment Agency, reservoirs are 84 per cent full and there is now a medium, but increasing, risk of drought.

Bristol Water are asking customers to look at ways they can help in their garden, and have released a range of tips.

Karen Gibbs, Senior Leader for the Environment at the Consumer Council for Water, said: “Using water wisely in the garden allows your plants to thrive, helps protects the environment and can cut your bills. As temperatures rise, simple steps like keeping a jug by the sink to reuse water, choosing drought-resistant plants and watering at cooler times can all make a big difference with little effort.”

Plant wisely

Think about your planting scheme and introduce hardy varieties which can thrive in dryer environments. This will mean you can rest and enjoy the blooms rather than running around with a watering can all summer.

Water butts

Water butts are easy to fit and give you a free and handy way to capture water when it does rain.

Lawnmower

It will bounce back! If it needs mowing, set your lawnmower to cut higher and leave clippings where they fall to act as mulch.

Washing up water

If you haven't got a water butt full of rainwater, try saving washing up water (as long as it doesn't contain bleach) or bathwater by putting it into buckets and then using it to water your garden.

Watering can

Using your watering can might take a little more time but will ensure you’re only using what your garden really needs.

Mulch

Adding a layer of mulch on top of soil helps to trap water. Depending on the type you use, it can also add nutrients to soil and stops weeds from growing. The best time to add mulch is in the spring. Just weed your flowerbed or container and add a layer of mulch around the plants.

Applying a layer of organic matter (compost, mulch, farmyard manure or bark) will improve water infiltration which will improve living conditions for your plants.

Use a saucer

When you’re watering your pots, put an absorbent mat or saucer under them, so they catch the water as it flows through, and therefore really maximises the water it’s getting. The roots will soak up the water left at the bottom. Placing trays beneath pots to collect drainage avoids waste from overwatering.

Thomas Harrison, Senior Demand Strategy Manager at Bristol Water said: “Gardening can be an important activity for many people and although it can use lots of water, there are plenty of small steps you can take to reduce water consumption.”