This summer, UK gardens faced one of the most challenging seasons on record due to a heat dome that brought extreme temperatures to western Europe. Many areas experienced prolonged dry spells, leaving lawns brown and plants stressed. Now, as rain returns, gardeners are working to restore their gardens and learn from the effects of the drought. Despite the damage, many plants may still be alive, even if they look wilted or have lost their leaves. Plants have natural survival strategies, such as wilting or shedding leaves, to conserve water and protect vital parts. Gardeners are advised to avoid using fertiliser now, as it could be washed away by the first rains. Instead, patience and careful observation are key to understanding which plants can recover. To check if woody plants like shrubs or trees are still alive, gardeners can gently scrape the outer layer of a shoot with a thumbnail. If the green layer beneath, called the phloem, is visible, the plant is likely still viable. Some plants may regrow leaves in autumn or sprout new growth from the soil, while others may wait until next spring for recovery. Brown lawns can be revived with new grass seed sown in mid-to-late September, especially in areas where the grass has died back. Mixing the seeds with sand helps them settle better in the soil. Meanwhile, certain plants struggled this summer, particularly those from high-rainfall regions. Hydrangeas, for example, have a harder time managing water loss compared to more drought-tolerant species like cotinus. In contrast, some plants like salvia, verbena, lavender, and roses in clay soils thrived, producing abundant flowers even with limited growth. For those looking to refresh their gardens, autumn is a good time to plant bedding plants such as cyclamen, chrysanthemums, and winter pansies, as the soil is now more moist and easier to work with. As the UK's climate continues to shift, with southern regions moving toward a more Mediterranean pattern, gardeners may need to adapt their choices. This includes planting species better suited to drier conditions and more extreme weather events. Research suggests that plants with the ability to withstand multiple stresses—like drought and flooding—should be prioritized. Some native species, like buddleia, already show good resilience, and others from dry riverbeds or with wide natural ranges could be valuable for future gardening.