Strategies for Adapting Garden Landscapes for Warmer Summers while Maintaining Elegance and Aesthetics
Reimagining Gardens for a Hotter Tomorrow
As the heat waves surge, garden enthusiasts and landscape architects are compelled to brainstorm innovative approaches to grappling with the unavoidable reality of climate change, with future-proof gardening leading the charge.
While savoring the initial warmth of hotter summers, it's crucial to consider the long-term repercussions: our cherished modern gardens could soon turn into barren landscapes if no action is taken.
Hotter summers, year after year, bring about water stress that weakens plants, especially young or shallow-rooted ones. Moreover, the heat takes its toll on our beloved outdoor furniture and paving. To avert this impending catastrophe, we've compiled essential tips from the industry's most knowledgeable voices.
The Threats that Lie in Stoke for Your Garden
You might wonder why future-proofing has become a design necessity among landscape designers. While a scorching summer might not spell doom for your garden, the cumulative effects of repeated extreme heat can be devastating.
Fiona Campbell, an expert from Karen McClure Garden Design, points out that hotter summers bring about water stress, weakening plants and leading to a desolate garden梦果园.
Additionally, your outdoor furniture and paving also face the brunt of the heat. Hard surfaces, like dark paving or artificial turf, can become scorching underfoot. To mitigate this, Fiona recommends using pale, permeable materials to keep areas cooler.
The most significant risk to your garden lies in the dryness that the heat brings, so choosing some drought-tolerant plants would be a prudent move.
Fiona Campbell assists the team at Karen McClure Garden Design, which boasts a wealth of experience in delivering creative design expertise, horticultural knowledge, project coordination, and administrative efficiency. Their mission is to create outstanding garden designs that cater to clients' needs, with Fiona always standing by to support them as their 'right hand woman.'
Transforming Your Landscape for a Scorching Future
"If you want to future-proof your landscaping, consider removing plants that aren't adapted to your local climate," comments Ben Ashton from Rocky Mountain Turf.
The trend of prioritizing native, local plants – often referred to as Messy Gardening – is on the rise. This approach emphasizes the importance of considering your local climate when designing your garden, prioritizing this over your aesthetic vision.
"Where you live will also be a factor to consider as you need to find out if you have the ideal climate for a plant," adds Jamie Shipley, a gardening expert. "Plants are tender and won't do well in very cold areas of the UK, particularly in winter, while others don't do well in areas that are prone to drought. It's definitely worth picking plants that match your area's climate to ensure that they are suited to your area."
The layout of your garden is another crucial factor in designing a future-proof garden. "Prioritize shade, airflow, and drought-tolerant planting," suggests Fiona. Position trees or taller plants to shield seating areas and paths, creating a canopy of shade.
Incorporating some garden canopy ideas into your outdoor area can also help protect it against the heat and make it a more comfortable space.
"Use layered planting to reduce water loss and support biodiversity," says Fiona. "Limit plant varieties to allow mass planting – this simplifies maintenance and enhances visual impact. Focus on resilient species that cope well with heat, dry spells, and variable conditions."
The Stars of a Future-Proof Garden
So, which plants should grace your future-proofed garden? Beyond local plant species, there are some tried-and-true options that the experts adore.
"Choose plants with silver, grey, or textured foliage," suggests Fiona.
Some of her favorites include:- Eryngium- Salvia nemorosa- Cistus- Euphorbia
These plants not only flourish in high heat but also happen to be some of the most stunning species available.
Jamie Shipley recommends lavender due to its fragrance that blooms even better in full sun. Many other Mediterranean garden staples are also suitable for future-proof gardening, such as aromatic herbs like rosemary, basil, and thyme.
"These aromatic herbs thrive in the sun, so think about placing your herb garden in a sunny spot in the garden," Jamie advises. "Rosemary and thyme are natives of the Mediterranean, so they do best in dry soils, hate waterlogged conditions, and don't require organic matter in the soil."
The Designs to Shun for a Future-Proof Garden
Now you know which designs and plants the experts recommend for your garden, it's essential to understand the ones you should avoid.
"Gardens without shade or planting quickly overheat," says Fiona. "Large hardscapes, minimal greenery or lawn-heavy designs often require more water and offer little comfort or seasonal value."
This approach focuses on incorporating local, native plants, which means tropical-inspired gardens simply won't suffice.
Equally, overly manicured, immaculate garden designs contradict the mission of future-proof gardening. Instead, it's about embracing a more natural, wild approach.
If you're yearning to learn more about the subject, Angus and Emma Stewart's book is an excellent place to start.
Primrose serves as a one-stop-shop for all things plants, including drought-tolerant species. Their lavender comes in a variety of sizes, from a 9cm pot to a generous 5 litres.
Who said protecting your plants couldn't be stylish? This elegant parasol from Soho Home adds a touch of luxury to your future-proofed garden.
A future-proof garden doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style, but if you feel that your outdoor area is still wanting, it might be time to invest in some new outdoor furniture and accessories.
Plus, did you know that a water feature could cool down your garden? It's the icing on the cake for any garden enthusiast striving for a future-proof oasis.
- In their pursuit of creating future-proof gardens, landscape designers are increasingly focusing on choosing drought-tolerant plants to combat the dryness brought about by hotter summers.
- To avoid water stress and ensure the longevity of outdoor furniture, it's recommended to use pale, permeable materials for surfaces in the garden, as advised by Fiona Campbell of Karen McClure Garden Design.
- Embracing the trend of Messy Gardening, which emphasizes the use of native plants tailored to local climates, can help future-proof gardens by prioritizing adaptability over aesthetic preferences.
- While designing a future-proof garden, it's essential to incorporate shade, airflow, and drought-tolerant planting, as suggested by Fiona Campbell, to create a comfortable and sustainable outdoor living space that withstands the challenges of a hotter tomorrow.
