Giving this some considerable thought (which takes me a long time)

I estimate now I lost over £400 worth of plants at retail prices, plus all the work involved.
Will be more careful in future.

Hi Dianne, I don't think it's just desert conditions you have to think about, I know that this year has been one of the driest for many years, but next year could be one of the wettest, you never know what kind of summer, [or winter] you're going to get, you just have to buy the plants that suit your available conditions, perhaps try plants that ''don't mind'' drought conditions, rather than plants that prefer drought conditions, Derek.

I knew someone would say that. Never thought it would
Derekm ! I am sticking to extended lawns and Sedums
in the ground. Everything else in deep tubs where I can sling a gallon of water easily because its needed anyway.

Am happier now. Forgotten the roast garden and dead plants. Am drifting towards coloured large rocks, large fancy pebbles, and dark colours.
This will make a theme to offset the extended lawn and shrubs that were not affected by the heat. Making a set colour/plant type plan is a good idea.
Yesterday I planted 2 more Sedums Purple Emperor,
and Autumn Joy. Dug out a hole and filled with Gerbil compost, then put them in with a half gallon of water.
Made another Crevice Garden in the old wheelbarrow with
3 large rocks; backgrounds for Campanula portenschlagiana Clockwise, Cotula hispida, and Euphorbia myrsinites.
Then Sempervivum Pekinese on its own in a deep tub to keep the roots damp easily next year.
I brought the labels indoors to copy all these names !

You are being very innovative Diane. I take my hat off to you being prepared to fetch water from an upstairs flat. It sounds like you have a water butt. Do you have any space where you could collect water in a second butt as well. I have a small butt down near the greenhouse and I fill it with the hose from the bigger butt up near the back of the house when that is full. It is attached to the down pipe from the roof and currently overflows to the water drain when necessary. It would be difficult to attach a rhone to the greenhouse but the butt is very handy when I am a bit tired. I have just bought a 3rd butt to attach to the garage down pipe. It saves using expensively treated water from the Water Board supply. We had an inch and a half of rain on Saturday so we are sure of a constant supply when it rains.