Effects on gardening

The impact of climate change on gardening is likely to have far-reaching effects on our domestic gardens, as well as the many historic gardens around the UK. Already we are seeing an increase in the occurrence of severe weather events, such as floods, heatwaves and droughts. In the future this will have huge ramifications for gardeners everywhere and could change the landscape of the UK beyond all recognition.

Recent warming has already caused earlier timing of spring events, and plant and animal species have shifted to higher altitudes.

Effects on gardens

• Water shortage is likely to be the most serious single impact of climate change on gardens. With an increase in the level of rainfall during winter, and summers likely to become drier, gardeners may need to plan to store winter rainfall and irrigate in summer.
• Gardeners will need to adapt their planting and garden management practices to ensure survival of their gardens in the changing conditions.
• Gardeners will need to think about drought-resistant bedding and perennial plants like marigolds, petunias or geraniums, especially in south-facing or free-draining areas.
• Herbicide spraying will need to take place earlier in the year to have the greatest effect.

Greater threats

• While a warmer climate and the opportunity to grow new plants may be welcomed by domestic gardeners, heritage gardens may face particular difficulties in preserving a traditional display of plants as climatic conditions change.
• Throughout the UK, hilltop gardens will be particularly prone to drying and to gales, while low-lying gardens will be susceptible to flooding.
• Lawns will be at risk from the red-thread (Laetisaria fuciformis) disease, which thrives on warm, wet conditions, and will need year-round maintenance.

Gardens in the future

• It will be easier to grow fruit from warmer climes. Silver maple and black cherry trees could thrive in warmer weather.
• The increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, integral to the process of photosynthesis, will also mean that plants can grow faster and stronger. This will help in the battle against pests and diseases, as they will be more robust.