No matter how we feel, unfortunately global warming is here and here to stay and because of this, we need to take another look at some of the ways in which we currently garden.
Perhaps thinking about making changes to what we plant, where we plant them and how we look after them. Some of our more traditional gardening methods, may need some subtle changes to ensure the health and happiness of our plants in this changing weather system, and to maintain year-round interest in the borders, which after all is what we all want.
With longer hotter summers causing drought, we need to look at ways to preserve water, this could be as simple as running a rain chain to from a gutter to a bucket, having a water butt fixed to an existing downpipe, up to having a grey water system designed and installed. Another idea could be to design and plant a shingle border; this will help to retain moisture within the soil. This type of border can be planted using Xerophytes (drought tolerant plants) such as Cacti, Succulents and some Grasses.
Also, we are now experiencing more heavy and prolonged rain, that can in extreme situations cause flooding. To combat this we can, consider designing and installing a rain garden, a shallow depression at a low point of the garden, designed to catch rainwater runoff. This would normally be planted through a Geotextile membrane, using Hydrophytes (wetland plants) which would thrive in these conditions, with a shingle mulch.
Both shingle beds and rain gardens are doubly important as we need the rain to soak back through the ground into the aquifers, as we lose too much rainwater from run off, strait into the drains. This is mainly from front drives being paved over, figures suggest that in 1991, 16% of front drives were paved, up to 2025 where as many as 55% have been paved over.
To combat this problem, we have designed and constructed many different forms of permeable driveways, which do allow for the water to penetrate back into the subsoil, rather than becoming lost in the rain cycle, of rain, drain, river, sea, then back to rain.
Need help preparing your garden for the changing climate?
Our experienced team is here to support your garden through the seasons with expert care and sustainable solutions. Contact us for a free quote.
