The garden feels like it is holding its breath under the fierce midday sun. Soil cracks into jagged patterns, each fissure a silent plea for water, while the air shimmers with heat, making colours blur, and edges waver. 

Leaves twist and curl, desperately shielding themselves from the relentless rays, and petals droop, heavy with the effort to survive. Even the tiniest shoots seem to hesitate, as if unsure they have the strength to grow in such unforgiving conditions. Within this sweltering intensity, there is still hope. 

With a few thoughtful steps, the garden can keep stems upright and the soil alive. Heatwaves may test its limits, but they cannot extinguish its resilience. With a little attention and patience, the garden can continue to flourish:

1. Identify the hottest spots in your garden

Walk through your garden during the peak sun hours and take note of the areas that suffer first. Open lawns, south-facing beds, and bare soil patches heat up........

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