UK Plants Face Heat, But Manchester's Rainy Climate Offers Hope

The changing climate is significantly impacting British gardens, particularly in Greater Manchester, which is known for its rainy weather. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is adapting its gardens to accommodate species that thrive in cooler, wetter conditions, as many traditional trees like oaks, birches, and beeches are struggling in southern England due to rising temperatures and drier summers. RHS Bridgewater in Salford is being developed as a botanical garden to preserve these species, creating an oasis amidst the changing climate. Meanwhile, domestic gardeners are responding to extreme weather by investing in greenhouse blinds and water butts, indicating a shift in gardening practices. The RHS has five gardens across England, each tailored to different climates, and they are actively planning for future climate changes, with expectations of hotter and drier summers in most regions. However, RHS Bridgewater is expected to maintain a stable climate, making it unique among RHS gardens. Innovative solutions are being implemented, such as creating reservoirs from disused canals and using gator bags for young trees to ensure adequate water supply. The adaptation of plant species is crucial, as some, like the Himalayan birch, are struggling in the southeast, while others, such as cacti and succulents, are thriving in hotter conditions. This shift highlights the need for ongoing adaptation in gardening practices to cope with the realities of climate change.