Climate Change + Gardens.
Climate Change + Gardens: Future-Proofing with Biodiversity and Soil Health.
As climate change intensifies, environmentally conscious homeowners are facing new gardening challenges. Extreme weather patterns, shifting plant hardiness zones, and emerging pests, novel invasive plants and diseases are reshaping landscapes. But by taking proactive steps, we can design resilient, future-proof gardens.
First, embracing biodiversity is crucial. A garden, or landscaping rich in native perennials, trees, shrubs, and grasses forms a stable ecosystem that can withstand unpredictable changes. Native plants are better adapted to local conditions, requiring fewer resources and providing essential habitat for pollinators and wildlife. A varied landscape also creates a buffer against single-species loss due to pests or extreme weather events. Additionally, hedging your bets is a stronger defense against invasive plants species colonizing.
Secondly, soil health is key to resilience. Healthy soil acts as a reservoir of nutrients and moisture, helping plants thrive through droughts or heavy rains. Invasive species often indicate mineral deficiencies or imbalances in the soil. By improving soil health—through organic composting, mulching, and minimizing chemical inputs—you strengthen the ecosystem’s resistance to invasives. This is vital because depleted soils are vulnerable to future infestations, creating a cycle of decline. Regular soil testing isn’t necessary. Just observe what weeds are growing spontaneously. And secondly, interpret your soil quality through that communication of “when weeds talk.”
By focusing on biodiversity and soil health, homeowners can build vibrant, self-sustaining gardens that not only endure the unknowns of climate change but also actively support the environment.
How to hire Jessecology for your native garden project:
We’d love to meet you! Our team specializes in designing and building climate-resilient gardens. “Climate change gardens,” with a diverse mix of native species for your Saratoga, Albany, or Niskayuna region home are what we do. Please fill out our customer intake form, and we’ll be in touch soon.