My Climate Change Garden

How to plant trees

21. February 2012

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In keeping with my tree theme this weekend, here are some useful websites to inspire you to actually plant one in your garden.Now is the perfect time to establish a new tree to allow it time to settle before the summer. Do remember to water any new plantings as the weather is very dry this winter. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=237 http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/moretrees-moregood/advice-centre/guides-tools/Pages/help.aspx http://www.cityplanter.co.uk/practical/how-to/how-to-plant-a-bare-root-tree […]

New Zealand Flax, Coastal Flax, Flax Lily

13. February 2012

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Here is a great plant that will cope with hotter summers and colder winters that the UK now experiences. Latin name: Phormium tenax Description: Very tough and dramatic architectural plants that need little maintenance, in a range of sizes to suit every garden. P. tenax is a clump forming perennial with dark green, rigid, upright, […]

Rooftop gardening helps combat climate change

11. February 2012

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Rooftop gardening helps combat climate change

A recent RHS study has shown that rooftop gardening can help combat climate change by lowering surrounding air temperatures. RHS scientist, Tijana Blanusa, who undertook the RHS research, says: ‘With our climate getting warmer, gardeners will be playing an even more important part in helping reduce the effects.’ ‘Getting planting right in urban spaces, which can […]

What is a rain garden?

10. February 2012

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Rain gardens were initially developed in the States around 15-20 years ago and spread rapidly to Australia and New Zealand.http://www.arc.govt.nz/environment/water/stormwater/a-home-raingarden.cfm The concept was first promoted as a way for gardeners to contribute to reducing the growing problem of severe flash flooding in towns and cities. The idea is that the garden soaks up as much, if […]

Frost alert for UK plants

9. February 2012

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The cold weather continues to challenge many plants in the UK with very severe frosts and temperatures of -8 recorded in the South East tonight. The RHS has useful information about how some plants protect themselves from frost and suggests things you can do to help them survive the current freezing temperatures: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?PID=704

Bees,butterflies and blooms

8. February 2012

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Great new series starts tonight on BBC2 with writer, broadcaster and gardener Sarah Raven on a mission to halt the rapid decline in Britain’s essential bees, butterflies and pollinating insects by bringing flower power to towns, cities and the countryside. Good that Sarah is highlighting that the world’s bees and other pollinating insects are in […]

Kew Gardens sunshine on cloudy day

8. February 2012

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How to brighten a grey day? Visit the Tropical Extravaganza at Kew Gardens Be transported to a tropical rain forest with a visual delight of exotic plants and flowers Listen to wonderful recordings of exotic birds and animals that transport you overseas http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/tropical-extravaganza-2012/

Snow and plants

5. February 2012

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Snow arrived inthe UK today which means that many plants will be at risk from damage by the cold. Here are a few tips to help your garden survive this freezing weather: Dealing with snow The benefit of snow is that it acts as an insulator, protecting plants from the cold and frost, however, a heavy layer […]

USA basks in winter sunshine

4. February 2012

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What is happening with the weather? Whilst the UK freezes, temperatures in parts of the USA have been exceptionally high – Central Park saw almost 60F on Thursday 2nd February. This map shows shows unseasonably warm temperatures soaring across the continental U.S. this week. Trees and plants budding early may lose their chance to bloom when the […]

Weather, Climate control and Water companies

1. February 2012

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Just read some alternative definitions of these words that resonated and amused. Thought I would share them with you: Weather Forecasting The science of telling, with 70% accuracy, what the weather has just been Climate Control An essential decrease in consumerism to avoid climatic catastrophe Water Companies A business that sells back the rain that […]