Adapting border to the changing climate
Indeed, in days of yore it was common practice to devote large borders solely to this group of plants, However, now we have the mixed border which has become more in tune with today’s world of smaller gardens, limited time and a diversity of options. This generally comprises herbaceous, shrubs, annuals and bulbs, but almost any plant groups can be incorporated.
Even in the depths of winter you can find a hellebore (Helleborus orientalis) in bloom. They’re closely followed by lungwort (pulmonaria), and elelphant’s ears (Bergenia crassifolia).
As spring emerges the yellow flowers of doronicum emerge, single in the case of D. ‘Harpur Crewe’ and double if you grow D. ‘Gerhard’.
That’s when the floral floodgates open allowing a multitude of herbaceous plant forms, heights and colours to appeal to the senses throughout summer.
But this is not quite how it has been in our garden this time. Most of the herbaceous plants we normally rely on for entertainment have performed as usual, but some appeared to have lost their spark, been well below par, and foreclosed their display early.
No wonder given the period of extreme heat and lack of precipitation, but if this is to be the trend there is a case for reducing the herbaceous content of a border, retaining only those capable of adapting to changing conditions.
In times of drought, plant roots can produce an acid (abscisic) that is capable of partially closing the leaf pores (stomata) thus reducing water requirement and transpiration.
Given what lies ahead climatewise, plants that can master this technique will be in great demand.
Meanwhile let us sing the praises of those ever-popular rudbeckias for their unshakeable performance of recent weeks. The perennial version Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ has yellow petals and a black central cone.
Rudbeckia hirta is a popular species generally grown as a half hardy annual, but the cultivars it provides can survive for two or three years given mild winters. Three well established varieties ‘Marmalade’, ‘Rustic Dwarfs’ and ‘Irish Eyes’ have performed well this summer.
Dig up any herbaceous perennial that has formed a large clump and divide it into sections. Use those on the periphery of the mother plant which are most vigorous.