1976 Again?

I'm a newcomer to Wyke and to Dorset.

So I thought that the relatively dry climate and almost unbroken sunshine were normal features of the this part of the south coast. However, it seems that the whole of England is experiencing an unnaturally rain-free spring.

There's already talk in the media of 2011 becoming another long, dry summer, like that of 1976. That's not something that farmers want but tourists love the prospect of being able to enjoy Mediterranean temperatures while holidaying in the UK. If this weather persists the seaside resorts, such as nearby Weymouth, could enjoy a boom in visitors.

The impact on the garden appears to be that flower are blooming earlier than normal. The bluebells and daffodils almost overlapped this year, which is very unusual. I've got two red currant bushes laden with fruit and yesterday I thought I saw one that was turning from green to red. I need to research when red currents usually ripen.

I'm watering the new plum tree daily and it's growing nicely, as far as I can tell. I'm also watering the small vegetable plot in which are growing carrots and spring onions. They seem to be going quite slowly.

While the weather is dry I must make some more repairs to the leaky waterbutt. My first attempt at stopping up the cracks with silicone had some effect, but it's not entirely sealed. If water's going to be in short supply this summer I need to do all I can to capture and conserve that which falls.