A GREEN-fingered Poole man has stored thousands of litres of rainwater to protect his 25-year-old exotic garden from the looming drought.

Any potential hosepipe ban will be like water off a duck’s back for keen gardener Mike Clifford whose jungle-like garden can continue to thrive thanks to a system of buried water butts.

The 61-year-old has spent decades turning the plot behind his bungalow into a tropical paradise full of rare plants.

His small garden is 65ft long and 35ft wide, yet it is packed with extraordinary species native to South and Central America, Africa, and China.

Bournemouth Echo: Tropical garden of Mike Clifford in Poole. Picture: Max Willcock/BNPS Tropical garden of Mike Clifford in Poole. Picture: Max Willcock/BNPS

Many of his plants have bloomed months earlier than expected due to the record-breaking heat.

But others, which are used to warm and moist climates, are at risk of dying due to the shortage of rain.

Mike said broad-leafed species like the Tree Daisy – which is indigenous to the cloud forest of Mexico – are “withering” in front of his eyes due to their constant need for water.

While most of Dorset has been unaffected by hosepipe bans, as seen in parts of neighbouring Hampshire, local water providers have refused to rule out introducing such measures.

Bournemouth Echo: Tropical garden of Mike Clifford in Poole. Picture: Max Willcock/BNPSTropical garden of Mike Clifford in Poole. Picture: Max Willcock/BNPS

Luckily for Mike, he has a trick up his sleeve – or rather under his garden. He hopes a system of water butts buried underground containing more than 2,000 litres of rainwater collected in winter will be enough to save his plants.

The father-of-one uses submersible pumps connected to the butts as well as two hosepipes to soak the plants.

He said: “The hot weather has affected each species differently. Many of the plants, like the gingers, have had an early blossom. We would normally expect to them to flower in September just a few weeks before they need to be packed away for winter, so it’s nice to enjoy them a little earlier.

Bournemouth Echo: Poole man Mike Clifford in his tropical garden. Picture: Matt Willcock/BNPSPoole man Mike Clifford in his tropical garden. Picture: Matt Willcock/BNPS

“I water them quite a lot but I'm trying to cut it back.

“A potential hosepipe ban is a bit of a worry but we're getting to the end of the season, so as long as it makes it to September I'll be happy.

Mike and his wife have previously opened up their garden under the National Garden Scheme and have raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years.