As the green shoots of spring start to appear and the dawn chorus of songbirds fills the morning air, gardeners everywhere are turning their attention to the coming year. Increasing global temperatures mean that we need to re-evaluate our relationship with our outdoor spaces in terms of what and how we grow.
Working with nature to use sustainable techniques to improve soil quality, to encourage wildlife into the garden and to use resources like water responsibly are things that we can all do – no matter what the size of our outdoor space. Climate resilient gardens will become more and more important in the near future.
Soil Quality
From 2024, bagged compost containing peat will be banned in the UK. In the past, peat has been used in compost because of its ability to retain water and nutrients. This however comes at a huge cost as disturbing peat and harvesting it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change and causing the global warming which wreaks havoc in our world.
The good news is there are lots of peat-free alternatives out there which are readily available and are just as good for your garden.
Bark, wood and coconut fibre can be blended into compost to help to create a dense, water retaining mix. Seaweed can be used to complement these peat-free blends to add nutrients to your growing media. For more detail on peat-free alternatives, have a look at the RHS website.
Unfortunately, as peat is a cheap resource, several companies are still using it, with compost containing peat making up approximately 35% of all compost sales. This is where you have the power – if you don’t buy it – they’ll stop selling it!
Encouraging Wildlife
One of the things that has become synonymous with gardening is a lovely green lawn. However, with current climate trends this is not sustainable – just cast your minds back to the scorched grass after last year’s drought!
Cutting your grass means that the tapestry of low-lying wildflowers does not get the chance to flower and this in turn means fewer insects and less biodiversity in your garden. Why not let borders grow long and wild? Encourage native meadow plants like yellow rattle and cornflowers by seeding directly onto soil or growing your own plug plants to add to your lawn.
If you prefer a more uniform look – why not try microclover? This lawn superhero is a low-growing, dwarf variety of the common Dutch white clover Trifolium repens. Its superpower is the ability to create a low maintenance alternative as it will not crowd out the grass. It has smaller leaves and does not grown in clumps so visually you see a seamless green surface. Microclover is hard wearing, reduces erosion, conserves water and cuts down on mowing time so you are saving on excess energy use!
Being 'water-wise'
One of the biggest challenges facing gardeners is water conservation. Using available resources responsibly and effectively means that we will have to adapt the way we garden and use outdoor spaces to be more climate resilient.
Climate resilient gardens such as gravel gardens are increasing popular as they are low maintenance, and this look includes Mediterranean plants which are naturally more drought tolerant – think lavender and rock roses (Cistus). The gravel itself is a great way to retain moisture, looks neat and the stones come in a variety of colours.
For the ultimate in climate resilient gardening, you might want to explore Xeriscaping. This landscaping trend reduces the water needed to sustain you garden by replacing lawns with soil, rocks and drought tolerant planting.
Developed in dry regions of the United States these landscaping ideas have migrated across the pond and involve plants like grasses and verbena to create a ‘prairie ‘effect in your garden. Don’t worry that we usually get more rain in the UK! These plants will still thrive – they will just grow more quickly and be bigger, but they will be better at withstanding dry conditions. Just make sure you plant in well-drained soil so the roots of these drought tolerant plants don’t become waterlogged – for this add horticultural grit to your soil.
If the thought of parting company with your lawn is too much – why not try Xeriscaping one of your borders and have a play around with the effect!
If you would like further advice about gardening, then please get in touch to arrange a FREE 30 minute consultation.
