Garden climate-ready: three tips from the German Wildlife Foundation, heat waves or heavy rain, bone-dry soils or floods – extreme weather is hitting Germany more and more frequently.

Gardens aren't spared either. "The alternations between extreme wetness and dryness caused by climate change are causing problems for plants and wildlife in the garden," says Alice Kracht, conservationist at the foundation.

"Heat spells cause many plants to dry out. This deprives insects that depend on flowers or leaves, for example, of their food."

But too much water can also harm the garden, explains Kracht: "Heavy rain can lead to soil erosion, and waterlogging promotes root rot in some plants."

But gardeners aren't helpless in the face of extreme weather. The following three measures will help protect your garden from extreme weather.

Garden climate-ready - Focus on diversity when planting

A diverse selection of plants makes the garden more resilient and reduces the risk of extreme weather damaging many plants at once. "Native species are the best choice for a natural and adaptable garden. They are usually more robust than ornamental plants and valuable for biodiversity," says conservationist Kracht.

Meadow sage, oregano, knapweed, viper's bugloss, and wild carrot, for example, are suitable for sunny and dry locations. They are drought-resistant and provide abundant food for wild bees and other insects. Deep-rooted plants such as mullein and thistles are particularly beneficial because they can still access water when the upper layers of soil have dried out. At the same time, their roots protect the soil from erosion.

Purple loosestrife, common agrimony, lady's mantle, and meadowsweet cope well with moist locations and can even survive prolonged periods of rainfall.

Create varied structures

When plants of different heights grow in the garden, a microclimate with cooler, wetter zones is created. Larger plants protect smaller ones, and animals find refuge on hot days.

Trees provide valuable shade and cool the surrounding area through evaporation via their leaves. Their roots loosen the soil, allowing water to seep away more easily.

Garden ponds create a more pleasant climate in hot summers and serve as drinking water sources for insects and other animals.

Hanging piles of leaves and deadwood offer additional protection for insects, reptiles, and mammals and also retain moisture.

Garden climate-ready - Protect the soil and store water

"Open soil surfaces dry out quickly and become rock-hard, preventing rain from seeping in well," warns Kracht.

She recommends: "A mulch layer of leaves or wood chips reduces evaporation and simultaneously protects the topsoil from erosion during heavy rain.

" Organic substances such as compost, worked into the soil, improve soil structure and increase water retention capacity.

Those who collect rainwater in rain barrels or cisterns can use it during dry periods.

"It's important that these reservoirs don't become traps for wildlife," says Kracht. "They should be covered with nets. Egress aids such as boards or sticks save the lives of hedgehogs, garden dormice, and amphibians should they fall in."

Further tips for natural garden design can be found at www.Wildtiergarten.de

Jenifer Calvi, Press Officer
German Wildlife Foundation
Lucy-Borchardt-Straße 2
20457 Hamburg
Phone +49 40 9707869-14
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