Alan Titchmarsh talks climate change, rewilding and the importance of balance to AG’s Sue Bradley
Climate change is a concern for everybody, but broadcaster and writer Alan Titchmarsh says it is important gardeners don’t panic. Instead of ripping up cherished plots, he urges us to experiment with lots of different plants to see which ones stand up best to the ever-changing weather.
And, while hot and dry spells are becoming more commonplace, we should be looking at species that do well in parts of the world with similar conditions to those in the UK, such as the Caucuses with its warm summers and cold and damp winters, rather than the hotter and drier Mediterranean.
“There’s so much talk nowadays, quite rightly, about sustainability and climate change, but the important thing is to avoid panicking, and to fill your garden with as many species as you can and see how they do; it’s a great time to experiment,” said Alan, ahead of his appearance at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival.
Experimentation is key
“At home I am trying so many plants. I like to find things I haven’t grown before. There’s a great range of diversity out there. Often I’m asked why a certain plant won’t grow happily in somebody’s garden, but I advise people to major on the positives rather than the things that don’t do so well. Things are changing, but it won’t happen overnight. We don’t have to dig up our gardens. It will evolve, and evolution tends to be quite slow.”
Hand in hand with experimentation comes observation, with Alan keeping a close eye on familiar species that are becoming harder to grow in the UK.
“It’s important to see what does well in your area and what doesn’t do as well as it used to. Generally, it’s getting warmer in the south of England and it’s more difficult to establish birch trees: they like lots of moisture and for it to be damp and cool. All the rain we’ve had this year, it is frustrating for farmers, who cannot get on the land, but it’s been a good thing for shrubs, trees and border plants. This year it’s been very mild, with no frost to speak of for ages, which is a concern in terms of climate.”
Remember UK microclimates
Alongside changing weather conditions, Alan says it’s important to remember that different parts of the UK have their own microclimates due to their position in the country, geographic
