Matthew Wilson, head of the RHS 'Gardens Creative Development, gave a much anticipated talk on 'Gardening in a Changing Climate' to over 150 members and visitors of Grayshott Gardeners in a packed Grayshott Village Hall on Wednesday 13 May.
Despite the joy of a set of month old twins, with the attendant sleepless nights, moving house on the next day and the editors of his next book demanding the final draft by the week-end, the audience, were kept wide awake by his talk which was a model of good sense, laced with humour.
It was quite obvious that climate is changing, since, it was pointed out that the last twenty years have seen the wettest summer, the driest April, and the hottest temperatures ever recorded. Perhaps because of climatic and economic uncertainties, interest in gardening and the natural world has never been higher and reflected by record attendances at the RHS gardens.
The essence of his message was: enjoy your garden, keep it simple and take time out to think about what you want from it. This essential research, he says, is best done by reclining in a chair with a gin and tonic! For example when thinking of climate, how many are aware that in Essex, the rainfall is low enough for it to be classified as a desert' How many of us take into account the microclimate of our gardens, and the vast difference it makes to plants whether they are on the east of west side of a fence' Likewise how many gardeners take the trouble to dig a profile pit and examine the soil their plants have to grow in' Since plants have adapted to the wide range of habitats the world offers, knowing the microclimate and soil characteristics of your garden will enable the gardener to choose plants which are best adapted to those conditions and present the least problems and unnecessary hard work.
Matthew is keen to encourage gardeners to make their gardens wildlife friendly. The audience, to their amazement found themselves being asked to stand up and admit that they loved aphids as you can't have the beneficial insects without the foodstuffs they feed on. Matthew says 'Don't reach for the pesticide gun as soon as you see aphids wait a while and the insects and birds will soon swoop in and help you out.' This and many more worthwhile tips can be found in Matthew's latest book 'New Gardening – Gardening in a changing climate' which won practical gardening book of the year in 2007.
It's been a busy week for Grayshott Gardeners as they hosted their annual plant in Grayshott Square on Saturday morning raising over £1000. Proceeds of the sale will be used to help fund future 'key note' speakers like Matthew Wilson next year. To find out more about Grayshott Gardeners either call the membership secretary, Anne Waddell on 01428 604714 or visit www.grayshott.com/gardeners.
