In the face of escalating heatwaves, gardeners in the West of England are employing innovative strategies to safeguard their green spaces and the plants that thrive within them. The challenge is twofold: mitigating the adverse effects of scorching temperatures on flora and fauna, and ensuring the sustainability of their gardens in the long term.
One effective approach is the strategic planting of trees. Landscape designer Rachael Austin, a gold medalist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Badminton Flower Show, advocates for this method. Her garden, the Artisan Woodland Craft Garden, exemplifies how trees can provide shade and significantly lower temperatures. The larger the canopy cover, the cooler the environment, with a potential temperature reduction of about 10C in a woodland setting.
The importance of this practice is underscored by the fact that only 2.5% of the UK is covered by natural woodland, and urban areas are increasingly susceptible to the 'urban heat island' effect. With approximately 30 million residential gardens in the UK, Austin emphasizes the collective responsibility of gardeners to combat this issue. She highlights the need for increased canopy cover, a stark contrast to the rest of Europe, where the situation is more favorable.
Another crucial strategy is water conservation. Last summer's droughts and hosepipe bans have prompted gardeners to adopt water-saving measures. Marcus Bergin, a professional gardener with over 25 years of experience, recommends the use of water butts, which collect and store rainwater for plant hydration. This approach not only reduces water bills but also minimizes the reliance on mains water.
Bergin also introduces the concept of grey water, which is excess water from showers, baths, and sinks that can be diverted into butts after installing grey water systems in homes. However, he clarifies that dishwater should not be used due to the presence of chemicals. The RHS supports the use of grey water during summer droughts, but cautions against the use of dishwasher water, which can lead to salt stress in plants.
Garden designer Charlotte Sanderson advises watering gardens early in the morning or late at night to minimize evaporation. She also suggests implementing an automatic irrigation system with leaky pipes for more efficient water distribution. Her garden, created in partnership with the charity Dorothy House, features a shallow water bowl made from porous cement, which is essential for maintaining water levels for birds and insects.
For vegetable growers, Ollie Jamieson, director of Lush Greens, a market garden in Bristol, recommends protecting the soil with mulch. This simple technique helps retain moisture and prevents vegetables from drying out. Jamieson suggests using compost, cut green material, or even weeds as mulch, creating a protective layer between the sun and the soil.
Additionally, gardeners should focus on creating a welcoming environment for critters, such as insects, snails, and slugs. Entomologist Dee Patel highlights the importance of these creatures as vital ecological assets. While some may view them as pests, they play a crucial role in supporting birds and hedgehogs. Gardeners can assist by providing decomposing organic matter for slugs and snails and avoiding the use of pesticides and slug pellets.
The current heatwave has led to a significant increase in swarming insects, with flying ants experiencing their biggest moment in a century. The Royal Entomological Society offers tips for insect-friendly gardening, including avoiding pesticides and creating water sources. Even small water bowls can attract wildlife and contribute to a thriving ecosystem.
However, the story is not entirely positive. Bees, for instance, have been in decline in Somerset due to heavy damp winters, which can lead to moldy honey stores. Patel suggests that gardeners can help by planting lavender and wildflowers, rich in nectar, to support bees in building up their honey stores for the summer.
In conclusion, gardeners in the West of England are taking proactive measures to combat the heatwave's impact on their green spaces. From planting trees to water conservation, soil protection, and critter care, these strategies not only help plants survive but also contribute to a more sustainable and thriving garden ecosystem.
