Survivors In The Heat

 By Dennis Ting - Gardenworld Nursery

Following on from the four very hot days at the end of January, Melbourne was again hit by an extremely hot day on Saturday 7th February 2009 when temperatures reached 46.4c during the day with strong gusty winds in the afternoon.  These conditions have resulted in the Tragic Bush Fires throughout Victoria. 

We have had customers come in and report that they have been seeing damage on plants that in previous years never experienced much damage due to high temperatures which is not surprising given the intense extremes we have seen this year. 

For the home gardener the questions must begin to be asked about whether we are seeing a permanent change to our climate with warmer winters (less cold and frosts) and hotter and more extreme summers? 

With drier conditions and more limited water resources shouldn't we be considering more of those plants  that come from these types of climates and can tolerate the odd day of extreme temperatures and conditions as if this was the norm? 

If so then looking around what types of plants have managed to cope well with the conditions we experienced and should we be endevoring to replace some of our existing common range of plants with more of these in the future? 

We all need gardens and plants for their aesthetic value they add to our environment and the pleasure they give us so there will always be a place for them.  There is no need to despair at this stage but just change the types of plants that we use and the techniques we employ in growing them especially in episodes of extreme weather 

We may need to rationalise the amount of plantings that we can maintain in our environment and concentrate on identifying microclimates around the home (possibly under established trees) that may provide some protection for plants or where temporary shelter like shade cloth can be erected as required. 

If so then looking around the local gardens what types of plants have managed to cope well with the conditions we have just experienced? 

Some plants have got through this heat with only limited damage, others more significant structural damage and others almost fatal damage to them.  

So what are some of the plants that only suffered limited damage to leaves as sunburn and foliage drying but without significant damage to stems and branches? 

If  we could broadly categorize the plants that originate from harsh summer climates like the Mediterranean, South Africa, California, Middle East and Australia have stood up to the conditions well.  In addition the hardy Coastal type plants that are used to extreme conditions appear to have held up well too. 

A quick survey among the staff at the garden centre of their own gardens and neighbourhoods revealed quite a few surprises among those plants that had coped well despite the extreme heat 

These plants include Olives, Manchurian and Ornamental Pears, Pines, Jacarandas among the trees. 

Proteas, Leucadendrons, Oleanders, Crepe Myrtles, Ficus, Coprosmas, Metrosiderous, Roses (of many types), Evergreen Magnolias among medium to large shrubs.   

Lavenders - French and English, Rosemary and other Mediterranean type ground covers and herbs. 

Eucalypts (Flowering Gums), Callistemons, Grevilleas and Westringias among the natives. 

Citrus, Many Stone fruit, Figs, Pomeganates, Mulberries, Feijoas, Loquats, Macadamias, among the  fruiting trees. 

Of course there are many other plants that have done reasonably well in the conditions and will not take long to regain their health.   

It is certainly well worth your while visiting the nursery to speak to our experienced staff and see what we have available.  We can help you design your garden of the future, a future that almost certainly feels like a warmer one!