Sussex Gardeners Adapt Planting Strategies Following Extreme Weather

Gardeners across West Sussex are re-evaluating their approach to horticulture as they navigate the consequences of extreme weather events. Following an unprecedented summer defined by record-breaking heat and prolonged drought, experts are reporting significant strain on traditional plant species, with many struggling to survive or dying entirely.

Adapting to extreme weather

Iain Parkinson, who oversees landscape and horticulture at Kew Wakehurst near Ardingly, noted a substantial shift in the local climate over his four-decade career. This trend is mirrored in other major gardens across the region. Elliot Chandler, a senior gardener at High Beeches near Haywards Heath, observed that certain species, such as rhododendrons, have succumbed to the harsh conditions this year. Chandler emphasized that the goal is to maintain the vitality and aesthetic appeal of these spaces, which necessitates a shift toward more resilient plant varieties.

Gardeners are diversifying plant species to ensure long-term resilience against increasingly severe climate conditions.

Experts suggest that enhancing biodiversity is essential for climate adaptation. Potential solutions include introducing species from regions such as North America, southeastern Europe, central Asia, Japan, and South Korea, which may be better suited to the changing environment. However, this transition is expected to be a gradual process rather than an immediate overhaul. Joe Whelan, head gardener at Nymans in Handcross, cautioned that another year of drought could prove detrimental to the health of mature, established trees. He noted that future gardening will require a degree of experimentation and the acceptance that some traditional plants may no longer be viable in the new climate reality.

Why it matters

The shift in planting strategies highlights the growing impact of climate change on local ecosystems and heritage landscapes. By moving away from traditional planting toward more diverse, drought-resistant species, gardeners are attempting to preserve the longevity of botanical collections. This transition reflects a broader necessity for land managers to adapt to environmental instability, ensuring that green spaces remain sustainable despite the increasing frequency of heatwaves and water shortages.