2019 Conference Climate Change & Gardens 7. Richard Baines

From 2019: Challenges of a changing environment – Richard Baines

Richard reported on changes seen at Logan Botanic Garden and how this has affected horticulture in the garden. The climate at Logan has changed such that there is now no curling on the lake in winter: the lake no longer freezes! Rainfall is declining with heavier but less frequent rain events, although wetter winters are already being seen at Logan (and Benmore). This has resulted in damage to paths and a need to change the materials used on the paths to withstand pluvial erosion as well as improved drainage/run-off management on site. There is a longer growing season due to warmer springs and autumns and increased solar radiation.

This is counteracted by extreme rainfall causing soil damage, longer dry periods (especially in May during peak planting) and more pest and disease issues. Even if we were to stop carbon emissions now, the global temperature would continue to increase so we need to consider planting for a warmer climate now, especially when planting longer-lived species such as trees. It does mean that there are a wider range of plants available for use in the garden e.g. Trachycarpus species and Canna indica which can be left out all year, although there is a risk of some naturalising such as Carpobrotus. Richard also emphasised the need to use plants grown from seed

grown at higher altitudes to ensure ability to survive UK temperature extremes (which will still occur – although likely to become less frequent). There are also new ways of planting, from green roofs togreen walls, and new, more ‘climate friendly’ growing media to explore such as composted bracken and yoghurt as a peat replacement!