IN THE GARDEN
Planning ahead Not only does climate change affect plants in their natural habitats, but it also has an impact on our garden plants. At Cambridge University Botanic Garden, we have taken daily weather readings since 1904. In 2019, we experienced a temperature of 38.7°C, which was the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK (a record that has since been exceeded), and on 26 May 2026 we recorded a maximum temperature of 34°C, which coincided with a dry spring and also followed a wet winter. Historically, such weather patterns would not have been considered normal. In order for our living collections and plants to survive in the future, we are making adjustments to our horticultural practices. In our Dry Garden, plants such as Hibiscus ‘White Chiffon’ thrive alongside Stachys byzantina (lamb’s ear)
RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE The Dry Garden (top left) and the Dry Meadow (top right and above) designed by James Hitchmough, which includes Dianthus carthusianorum , Origanum, Galium verum and Kniphofia. These areas showcase plants that thrive in well-drained conditions
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