IN THE GARDEN
and Euphorbia myrsinites (myrtle spurge), and in the Dry Meadow steppe and prairie plants like Oenothera macrocarpa (evening primrose) and Dianthus carthusianorum (Carthusian pink), flourish in the dry, well- drained conditions. These garden features, along with new and future plantings, have species suited to our changing weather patterns and that demonstrate climate resilience. Cambridge University Botanic Garden expeditions to countries such as Croatia, Chile and Kyrgyzstan enable us to introduce plants from habitats that are predicted to align with Cambridge’s future climate and give us scope to adapt our collections. We are also developing plans to improve our irrigation system, not to increase our water consumption, but to use water more efficiently in the future.
Proposals include a new ring main and pumps to more effectively distribute water across the site, monitor soil moisture levels and also increase our rainwater harvesting capacity. Such measures will allow us to protect the garden and its collections for future generations of scientists, horticulturists and visitors. Adapting at home Similar steps can be made in your own garden. Choosing plants that suit the weather will make gardening easier – think about ‘right plant, right place’. Understanding where a plant originates from and what conditions it grows in will naturally inform whether it thrives in your garden in the future. Collect rainwater in a water butt to limit your use of mains water. If you need
HIGH AND DRY There are many wonderful plants that can survive in hot, dry conditions such as Mediterranean flowers (top left) or cacti and succulents (above left)
80 JULY 2026 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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