Plant with your choice but move them into the shade before you go away.

I would suggest the same Waddy..mine survived the hottest week in August two years ago,but in a shaded area....I'm sure they will be fine if your neighbour is going to water them mid week,if needed..

One thing I did when we had to be away was to put the baskets on buckets then a bucket full of water at the side, then I toe an old towel into strips tomuse as a wick, one end anchored on the soil in the basket, the other in the water....it worked very well for me, do it a few days before you go to see its ok....not sure about the mangers as I don't know their situation

Thanks everyone, I think I might put both ideas together, just to be on the safe side. Thanks again :):)

Thinking about it I was listening to GQT and they said the smaller leafed plants survive much better, especially the grey leaf.....I remember the year I grew Nicotiana in pots they were forever drooping even though they were watered daily, those water retaining balls may help too.....

Thanks Pamg, I bear that in mind.

Pelargoniums are semi succulent and very forgiving - I use those in at least some of the containers. And if you mix gel crystals with your compost it sill extend the time before it dries out.

Thanks Steragram. I had thought about gel crystal things and as you're not alone in that suggestion, I'll have to get some.

the gel crystals work brilliantly but its better to mix them in when wet and swollen or they swell and you end up with compost spilling out of the basket. [experience there!].

Thanks SBG :)

I agree,as I once did the same..It looked like the tubs were covered in frog spawn..! Best to soak some in a jug of water first,before mixing them in..they do help a lot though..

Lol! Thanks Bloomer. Trust you to offer advice peppered with humour :)

No problem,Julia..best to tell it like it is,which you know I always do ! :o) x