After this summer’s sustained period of hot and dry weather, like many other gardeners in the UK the College’s Grounds and Gardens team observed some interesting changes across the site. What can we learn from our trees and plants displaying the signs of early autumn characteristics?
The team spotted significant changes in plant behaviour compared to previous years, with photographic records highlighting this year as one of the hottest and driest. As Gardens Team Leader Kath notes, “berries have ripened earlier with the blackberries nearly over now and the sorbus and hawthorn berries already red. Some trees are dropping leaves earlier and we’ve also observed an increase in branch dropping with our willows particularly affected, and some of our youngest trees are really struggling.”
As Kath explains, these changes represent complex plant responses to the mixture of climate conditions this year. “When a plant is under stress its response is to survive and this can lead to early fruit and seed ripening. Producing seed is just one of a plant’s survival techniques. Trees can also shed leaves to save water and drop branches.” It’s possible that early fruiting and seed setting will have a knock-on effect on wildlife later in the year which is something the team is aware of and will bear in mind when they start to fill the bird feeders.
The team adapted their maintenance approach in response to the challenging conditions, making choices about watering schedules which naturally led to some areas doing better than others. In the garden of 72 Storey’s Way, very little watering was carried out on the established plantings. While the plants are very noticeably smaller than in some previous years, the garden is developing an appealing autumnal character, demonstrating drought tolerance of mature plantings. Priority was given to watering newly planted borders, containers and trees, prompting discussions about balancing ambitious planting programmes with intensive aftercare under uncertain climate conditions.
Despite the challenges, Kath explains that established areas have shown resilience and the team gained valuable insights about plant performance that will help shape long-term strategies for maintaining resilient, beautiful green spaces. Drought-resistant species including Russian sage, lavenders, and hardy plumbagos have thrived without additional watering, informing future planting decisions. Grass surfaces demonstrated remarkable recovery when rain arrived, thanks to careful cultural practices, and year-round water conservation strategies also proved to be particularly valuable, including hydration bags around tree bases and extensive winter mulching programmes.
Whilst it’s been a challenging season horticulturally, the team’s observations underscore both the adaptability of plants and the importance of expert horticultural management in navigating increasingly variable environmental conditions.
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