Green Fingers: The climate they are a changin'
Normal rainfall suits most of our hardy plants and they thrive in it.
Bob Dylan brought out the song “The Times They are-a Changin’“ in 1964, and we might refer this to the climate change that is unfolding before us.
You might not think it but up to recently we would have been considered to experience one of the best climates in which to grow a huge range of hardy plants. We generally do not get much frost and then it is usually a few degrees hovering around the freezing point, and as for snow, that is a novelty when it happens and we are happy to see it disappear a few days later.
It is obvious that rain plays a big part in our lives and it has a part to play in gardening but as for most of the population it is the typical subject to talk about, especially to strangers.
As it happens, the normal rainfall suits most of our hardy plants and they thrive in it, resulting in luxurious growth followed by copious flowers and perhaps fruit in some species. Now the one thing that is bothering many people is the climate change that appears to be getting worse and while it affects us and our lives, it also does not suit many of our plants.
Plants and animals, including ourselves, have evolved relatively slowly over a long period of time and the changes are hardly noticed unless you take large chunks of time, speed them up and look at the results, something like they do with some nature programmes.
What is happening now is that our weather has and is becoming more extreme and that goes for temperatures, rainfall and wind. We do not like this as it destroys many of the things we cherish when it floods, becomes too hot or cold, or high gusty winds damage our property.
In case we need reminding, plants are living things too but they are relatively static and cannot respond quickly to changes to their environment. As a consequence of a period of extreme weather they will suffer, weaken and perhaps even die out.
After any of the recent extreme conditions in the last decade, plants have certainly suffered, and a significant proportion of them have weakened so much that they do not recover. It is common enough for people to ask why, only to be reminded that the cause was likely to be the unusual weather conditions some time previously.
We have changed our landscape beyond the original state that our ancestors would have encountered. We did this to suit our food and material needs and, later, when we had organised farming of plants and animals, instead of foraging in the wild, we found we had more time on our hands and began to put energy into leisurely pursuits. That included gardening in its more primitive form. At this point it is interesting to know that the vast majority of plants in our gardens, estates and parks have only been introduced within the last 200 years.
After a few fine days we all want to plant out bedding, patio and vegetable plants but then a cold chilly wind or frost comes along just to give us a taste of reality. But by all means collect, buy and sow what you need and keep them in a warmish, sheltered and well-lit area until it is safe to plant out.
If you have any queries or comments you are welcome to share them with me on 051-384273 or orchardstowngardencentre@hotmail.com and if of general interest I will include them in a future article.
