Gardening Judith Adam There’s no doubt about it – the climate is changing and bringing us more intense weather systems. Summer droughts are deeper, and last longer. Extreme heat is intense and unrelenting for weeks at a time. And when rain comes, the water delivery comes in overwhelming downpours that rush into drains instead of slowly seeping into soil. These conditions stagger many garden plants that grow best in consistently moist soil and air temperature below 30 degrees Celsius. Plants will not grow roots into dry soil and, without root growth, there is no stem or flower bud development above ground. Elevated temperatures interfere with the internal pressure in plant tissues, resulting in drooping stems and wilted leaves; plants such as tomatoes and squash will drop their flowers in high heat. As the climate changes, it’s necessary for gardens to become more resistant to environmental stress that causes root and wood loss, and shortens lifespan for plants. The first line of defence is plant selection, avoiding plants that are known to require consistent moisture. Steer away from soft-tissue conifers such as yew, cedar and hemlock (all of which need moist soil) and look for more drought-resistant forms of spruce, juniper and pine for hedging, focal points and windscreen uses. Unfortunately, some of our familiar Canadian trees such as birch and serviceberry (and Saskatoon berry) require consistent moisture to be at their best; but deciduous ornamental trees such as Russian olive, maple, ginkgo (maidenhair tree), honey locust, ornamental cherry and plum trees, crabapple, weeping mulberry and lilac will stand up to heat and drought. Flowering shrubs and perennial plants that produce flowers over a period of four to eight weeks are moisture-intensive. They will always require moist soil to support their flower production. Every plant requires water during drought and it’s necessary to get out the hose and deliver moisture on a regular schedule. Don’t assume that large-stature woody plants are tough enough to get along on their own. Water deeply to reach the root zone, and use a small ring sprinkler or similar device at the base of plants to break the flow into large droplets that will sink into soil. Declining trees and shrubs that have existed with only rain water will begin to show signs of self-repair and new growth when regular water is available to them. Put down a two-inch mulch of shredded bark over exposed soil around woody plants to prevent moisture evaporation and keep the root zone cool. Climate change produces a stressful environment for all living things, both plants and people. Don’t forget your sunscreen! From a breezy winter hideaway, last summer’s drought and heat are far behind; but now is the time to consider what you can do to ease those conditions in the summer ahead. And if rhododendrons are your dream plant, but seldom succeed in reality – here are some smart techniques to make them thrive. A stressful environment Rhododendron ‘PJM’ 48 | www.snowbirds.org
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx