The problem 鈥� why do we need this research?
Climate change is increasingly affecting our domestic gardens and public green spaces, and the situation is expected to worsen. The most significant impacts are higher temperatures and more frequent droughts. However, there is a considerable gap in our understanding of how much water different plant cultivars need in order to survive and thrive.
We also have limited understanding of how much additional water is needed to enable these plants to provide essential environmental benefits, such as cooling the air through water evaporation from the leaves. Additionally, we lack comprehensive information on the ability of specific species or cultivars to absorb large volumes of water during periods of heavy rainfall, to help mitigate flooding.
Without this knowledge, the preservation of existing gardens and landscapes, as well as the creation of new ones, is at risk. Effective water management planning is essential to ensure our green spaces can withstand the challenges posed by climate change. By addressing these knowledge gaps, we can better prepare our gardens and green spaces to cope with both drought and flood, ensuring they continue to provide beauty, environmental benefits and enjoyment.
What are we doing?
We are growing plants both as individuals and as model gardens under conditions where water availability is controlled, to simulate excess water such as seasonal flooding and water stress verging on drought conditions. At the same time, we are measuring the plants’ aesthetic quality, physiological status, and environmental service provision.
Aims
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Quantify the water requirement of many widely used plant taxa (species, varieties and cultivars)
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Determine which plant cultivars will be able to endure water extremes in a future climate
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Quantify and rank the ability of different plant cultivars to deliver environmental, cultural and aesthetic benefits for green spaces in the future
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Research and identify the plant traits that promote water efficiency and resilience to climate extremes
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Guide the selection of plants for providing ecosystem services (environmental benefits provided by plants) under future climate conditions, such as extremes of water deficit or abundance.
What difference will this research make?
By determining the water needs of different plants, we will be able to better advise gardeners on which plants are most suitable for their climates and conditions.
Our current advice
911爆料 advice on managing water in your garden
