Fruits of a longer season
The long-term implications of the projected weather patterns we expect to see at Ham House keep my thoughts often in 2050. We have predictions of summer temperatures often over 40º, overall reduction of annual rainfall and extremes within short, unseasonal timeframes. New permanent planting, especially of trees, has to take this perspective into account.
On a lighter note, at home and at work I'm allowing myself to enjoy some benefits. Savouring outdoor ripened aubergines, chillis and a long tomato season I could get used to. Our kitchen garden planning has new opportunities. A Mediterranean diet is a Ham-grown possibility. Dahlias are flowering to at least the end of October.
A fresh gardening calendar?
Daily routine has actually changed already. We keep an eye on trees from May and for fruit (our sun-drenched quince, for example), we water using our own harvested supply to ensure yields are not compromised. We expect to water our box topiary and hedges too.
As the garden custodian here, with 400 years before me, I'm now trying to apply a climate change perspective to every single action. It's a new, vital future view that makes my head spin. I’m developing some basic principles for our planning that will make the head-spinning reduce though and the proactive, pre-emptive approach that the garden needs take over. When they are ready, I’ll share them with you!