Not such super grass

Variability in the British weather has always challenged gardeners but a new report warns climate change is now threatening their immaculate lawns, Michael Alexander digs for answers

Just when gardeners thought it was safe to plant out their summer seedlings, an Arctic blast has heralded a return to winter for parts of the UK. However, that’s nothing compared to what’s coming, according to a report by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which says changes in the UK climate could mean an end to immaculate lawns and the rise of new plant pests and diseases.

The south of England is predicted to become warmer and drier, while everywhere north of Northampton becomes cooler and wetter, resulting in an extended growing season, with more variability.

The RHS survey of 1,000 gardeners found those in the north were already mowing their lawns more often than those in the south.

Drier summers and more frequent days of “extreme rainfall” in the winter will also see green-fingered folk face a greater challenge to maintain their gardens.

The society concluded the change could mean more mowing, weeding and pruning. A wider variety of plants could be grown but gardeners will have to take steps to ensure the survival of flowers such as the tulip, aster and allium in increased rainfall.

RHS climate scientist and co-author of the report, Dr Eleanor Webster, said: “The threat to our gardens and green spaces from climate change is very real and is happening now.”

Dundee-based Courier gardening expert John Stoa said there was no doubt gardening in Scotland was going through a period of change as weather patterns break away from normal and global warming makes an impact.

He has noticed changing climate is already having an impact on fruit buds and the arrival of pollinating insects.

Pests

“The mild winters are allowing pests and diseases to survive and make an early start up in Scotland,” he said.

“Weather patterns can be very erratic, giving us cool springs and summers with more rain than normal in summer but drier in winter.

“This allows the grass to continue to grow well past autumn but as the ground underneath is damp, the lawn mower can damage the surface.

“The same applies to spring when traditionally the first cut would be about the first week in April.

“Now lawns look like they need a cut in early March but at the expense of causing damage to the surface,” added John.

“This wetter climate is also giving rise to a moss problem, which is thriving in this climate.”

James Hearsum, director of St Andrews Botanic Garden, said the visitor attraction and educational resource had undertaken a detailed study since 2007 which tracks flowering in 100 species of plants on a weekly basis.

The initial observations echo those of the RHS’s much larger survey.

Longer seasons

“We are seeing both a general trend of longer seasons mixed with high variability in flowering times between years and different effects for different species,” he said.

“As gardeners, this brings new challenges, especially linked to persistence and spread of plant pests and diseases.”

However, he added: “It also gives wonderful opportunities to explore a wide range of exciting plants in new locations. As we enjoy the beauty of spring bursting into life in the botanic garden right now, we also enjoy our gardening failures and what we learn from them.

“Part of the thrill of gardening is succeeding against the odds, so we know gardeners will not be deterred by the changes happening around them.”

Ann Steel, head of heritage gardening with the National Trust for Scotland, said the organisation had noticed changes.

She said: “We have found we need to start cutting lawns earlier – sometimes even doing a cut in February, so long as there is no frost forecast.

“Likewise, we are cutting later on into autumn to keep the lawns in good condition.

“In the west of Scotland we find lawns can become more easily damaged from footfall as they are remaining saturated with water.

“At the same time in the east of Scotland our gardens can be crying out for water.”

She said it was difficult to predict which species would flourish but agreed there will be plenty of scope for experimentation by adventurous gardeners.

Guy Barter, RHS chief horticulturist, said advances in climate science since the organisation’s last report in 2002 had shown its prediction of Mediterranean temperatures would have to be adjusted slightly.

He said: “We can take a much more nuanced view of it now. We can see the climate is going to be much more variable.”

Part of the thrill of gardening is succeeding against the odds. JAMES HEARSUM, ST ANDREWS BOTANIC GARDEN

The era of the perfect, smooth lawn could be coming to an end thanks to climate change, experts are warning.