Homage to the Darkness
In the heart of Hamburg, columnist Benjamin Buchholz embarked on a journey to adapt his allotment garden to the effects of climate change. The relentless heat of the first summer had baked the thin wooden walls of his garden shed, making it unbearable inside.
Initially, Buchholz overlooked the placement of sun and shade in his garden design. The apple tree, preferring shade, was originally planted on the lawn, while the cherry tree, thriving in full sun, was next to the vegetable beds. This year, he swapped the positions of the apple and cherry trees, planting the cherry tree in its new home next to the vegetable beds.
To combat the scorching heat, Buchholz planted a young plum tree in front of the terrace, its purpose being to provide shade from the sun's relentless rays. He also expanded his growing space vertically, allowing plants to grow up the trellises, with vines, garden honeysuckle, and a climbing rose now adorning them.
As the plum tree grows, it may also provide sweet fruits. Buchholz expressed hope that the plan will work out and intends to lie in the shade, which is now where the apple tree is.
To effectively plan a garden in times of climate change while maximizing both sunlight use and tree shade placement, Buchholz suggests several strategies:
- Map your garden’s sun patterns thoroughly throughout the day and across seasons to understand where and when your garden receives full sun, partial shade, or full shade.
- Position sun-loving plants (e.g., tomatoes, peppers) in areas that get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, and place shade-tolerant plants (e.g., lettuce, mint) where partial or full shade occurs.
- Select climate-resilient, native, or adapted plant species.
- Place shade trees strategically to cool the garden and outdoor living areas.
- Create or enhance microclimates by integrating features such as windbreaks, water elements, raised beds, and large rocks.
- Incorporate diverse layers in your garden design.
- Manage water wisely.
By following these strategies, Buchholz's garden adaptation benefits everyone involved, providing shade, pleasant scents, and ample food for insects. His journey serves as a reminder that with careful planning and adaptation, gardens can thrive in the face of climate change.
In the context of adapting his garden to climate change, Buchholz learns the importance of understanding his garden's sun patterns and positioning plants accordingly. He also prioritizes the use of climate-resilient plants and strategically places shade trees for cooling effects. Moreover, Buchholz plans to manage water wisely and incorporate diversified layers in his garden design to create or enhance microclimates.
