Watering

No, it's fine really. Imagine how many plants in nature would get knackered after a short summer shower of rain if it was true. It's more a problem for some plants under glass.

We water all day outside at work and this is a relatively common comment from a few customers. I put them right discretely of course!

But why do you need to water in any case? We never water the actual garden itself, only pots and the undercover stuff.

I agree with you Owdboggy. I never water mine either, just newly planted things. I'm assuming Steveg1966's plants are shallow rooted bedding?

I must add though that as we have had no rain in SE Northumberland for ages, some plants in my mums garden are showing a little stress (five year old Cornus kousa).

Sorry I do mean tubs

Actually I've observed that the tender new growth of some plants (in the garden, if not in nature exactly) do get knackered by strong summer sun after a shower, Magnolias seem particularly susceptible. Generally speaking though, if a plant needs watering then that's far more important to it's health and welfare then the possibility of causing scorch to the foliage.

If you're watering containers/tubs then just keep the hose/can etc. low down and try to avoid splashing water on the foliage, and you'll have no problems whatsoever.

Interesting, I have noticed before that my local nursery seem to be hosing things at any time at all during the day.

The way I look at it is that I get extremely dry and thirsty if I go without a drink for long and I feel the same about my garden...

With no rain for last 2 weeks ,my garden [both tubs and actual garden] need watered every night . If I didn,t water then plants would not flourish !!

Agree with Ilex - water when you are able to, Steve - it is better either early morning or in the evening, but needs must - just don't get water on the foliage, water the compost and not the plants.
And Bryony, garden centres water constantly because they don't have a choice - they have thousands and thousands of pots to keep watered and their staff don't work in the evenings.