Advice for gardening in our changing climate

Green fingered Brits are being offered top advice on how to cope with the changeable weather this summer.

The gardening experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have looked at small changes in the garden to help plants cope with extreme heat, heavy downpours and high winds.

They suggest adapting planting schemes to the changing climate and to use planting to create shade and windbreaks.

Other advice includes reducing hard surfaces to allow for better drainage, installing water butts and mulching to retain moisture in the soil.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “In the last few weeks the weather has thrown everything at us. One minute we’re basking in glorious sunshine, the next sheltering from thunderstorms and heavy bursts of rain.

“Unfortunately this is unlikely to change and gardeners need to begin to adapt their gardens to cope with changeable conditions.

“There are some very easy and simple steps we can all be taking now which will make a difference to the impact the changing weather has on our outdoor space.”

Here are GardeningExpress.co.uk’s tips for gardening in our changing climate:

Extreme temperatures

Last summer the extreme temperatures took us and our gardens by surprise. To keep plants healthy as the mercury rises:

• Mulching is a good way to keep moisture in the soil rather than allowing it to dry out. Early autumn is a good time to mulch. It’s also a useful cover during heavy winds to protect plants.
• Consider drought tolerant plants in your garden design. Cottage garden favourite lavender is a good choice, as are irises and verbena.
• Native plants should be able to cope with changeable conditions. However, it’s worth factoring that rising temperatures may mean Mediterranean plants will be well suited to the UK
• Creating shade for us and our plants will become crucial as it gets warmer. In a small garden, think about vines and climbing plants. If you have a bigger space, trees are a great option.

Heavy rain

Heavy downpours and consistent rain leave surface water. To help drainage in your garden:

• Reduce hard surfaces to allow rainwater to drain away in the garden. Hard landscaping has a place in our gardens, but make sure you have grassed areas, flower beds and vegetable patches to soak up the rain.
• Collect rainwater by installing a water butt. When we do have water restrictions in place, you should have enough to keep your garden looking good.
• Improving your soil will improve drainage so dig in plenty of organic matter to get it in top condition.
• Raised beds are a good option if your garden is prone to excess surface water. These need to be raised above the water table to reduce the risk of flooding.

Windy conditions

High winds can batter our gardens. Planting changes could make a big difference:

• Plant wind tolerant plants or ornamental grasses which do well in breezy conditions. Plants with deep roots and bendy branches are the ones you want to look out for.
• Creating a windbreak with planting is an option if you live in a windy spot. Using the right trees and shrubs will create a shelter belt to limit the amount of breeze in the garden.