Ringing the changes

Climate change is affecting flowers and veg, says Val

- Val Bourne

I CANNOT remember a year quite like this year! Winter, spring and summer were exceptionally dry, and similar conditions occurred in much of Europe. It seems that climate change is upon us and that means we will have to change the way we garden.

I am taking several failing plants out of my late-season borders, including a refined goldenrod called Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’. It used to light up every August with its arching heads of tiny lucid-yellow flowers, but it’s failed for four or five years running here. It may be fine in gardens with high water tables, but when you’re 700ft (213m) above sea level, the water’s a long way down!