Our Gardens in a Changing Climate

There is something wonderfully British about talking about the weather. Whether we're chatting over the garden fence or meeting friends for coffee, it's often the first topic of conversation. This summer, however, those conversations have taken on a different tone. Instead of wondering if we'll get enough sunshine, many of us are asking, "When will it rain?"

After spells of soaring temperatures, our gardens have certainly felt the strain. Lawns that were once lush and green have turned shades of honey and straw, hanging baskets need watering daily, and even some of our most reliable plants have looked very sad. It's becoming clear that hotter, drier summers may no longer be the exception but part of our changing climate.

I adore my garden, its a place of calm and to me it has always been important to keep it looking beautiful, not just for myself but the hundreds of clients that walk down the path to the treatment room every year. I've always accepted the disappointment that something may not grow as planned, we learn through trial and error but celebrating the successes as plants blossom is so rewarding. Now, perhaps, it's time to rethink what we plant, not by giving up with the current plants that we love, but by working more closely with nature and adapting to the seasons ahead.

One of the biggest changes many of us are making is how we use water. With the hose pipe ban it makes life a lot harder lugging many watering cans up and down the garden instead of reaching for the hose every day. However I've noticed that watering less but targeting the roots with the can has kept them happy and doing this in the early morning or as the sun begins to set also means less water is lost through evaporation, making every drop count.

The plants we choose are changing too. Lavender, rosemary, thyme and ornamental grasses are becoming firm favourites, not only because they tolerate dry conditions but because they fill our gardens with scent, colour and movement. Better still, they provide a feast for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, whose role in our gardens has never been more important.

Container gardening brings its own challenges. Pots dry out incredibly quickly during a heatwave, particularly those in full sun. Using larger containers, adding mulch to the surface of the compost and grouping pots together can all help reduce moisture loss. Sometimes simply moving a favourite pot into afternoon shade can make all the difference.

While we're caring for our plants, it's worth remembering that wildlife is also feeling the effects of the heat. A shallow bowl of fresh water can become a lifeline for birds, hedgehogs and insects. Watching bees queue for a drink or spotting a hedgehog visiting the garden after sunset reminds us that our outdoor spaces are shared with countless other creatures.

Perhaps the changing climate is encouraging us to think differently, not just about our own gardens, but about the greener future of our town. Every tree we plant offers shade, every flower border helps pollinators, and every water saving habit contributes to a healthier environment. Individually, these actions may seem small, but together they create streets that are cooler, greener and more welcoming for everyone.

Gardens have always reflected the changing seasons, and now they are reflecting a changing climate too. Rather than seeing this as something to fear, we can see it as an opportunity to garden more thoughtfully. By choosing resilient plants, conserving water and embracing nature friendly gardening, we can create outdoor spaces that are beautiful but better equipped for the future summers. If we nurture our gardens with care and adapt to the changing world around us, they'll continue to reward us with beauty, colour and moments of quiet joy for many years to come.