If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably noticed that gardening in the UK has become something of a challenge lately. One minute we’re basking in a mild spring, and the next, we’re dealing with scorching heatwaves or days of relentless rain. It’s a rollercoaster, isn’t it? Gone are the days of predictable weather patterns, and our plants are certainly feeling it.
I learned this the hard way during the summer of 2022. It was scorching, and my beloved hydrangeas—plants that had always been the stars of my garden—just couldn’t cope. I watered them every day, but it wasn’t enough. Watching them wither away was tough, and it was then that I realized I needed to rethink my entire approach to gardening. The news was full of warnings about climate change, and I thought to myself, “If this is the new normal, I need to adapt.”
That’s when I discovered climate-resilient gardening. It’s about creating a garden that can withstand the extremes—whether it’s drought, heavy rain, or unexpected frost. The idea is to ensure that our gardens not only survive but thrive in the face of whatever the weather throws at us. And let me tell you, this shift in mindset has been a game-changer for me.
If you’ve been noticing that your garden isn’t bouncing back as it used to, or if you’re just looking for a way to make it more resilient, stick with me. I’m going to share some practical tips, plant suggestions, and a few personal stories about how I’ve managed to future-proof my garden over the last few years.
Don’t forget…
We have a whole other blog post about how to tackle waterlogged soil in your wet garden. Click here to read this post.
What is Climate-Resilient Gardening?
Climate-resilient gardening is all about choosing plants and practices that can handle the unpredictable weather we’re seeing more and more of in the UK. This means picking plants that can tolerate drought, withstand heavy rainfall, and bounce back from late frosts. It’s about building a garden that doesn’t just limp through one bad season but thrives year after year.
When I first started thinking about climate resilience, I’ll be honest—I was a bit overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure where to begin, and I was afraid of making the wrong choices. But after doing some research and a bit of trial and error, I found that it’s not as complicated as it seems. The key is to start with the right plants—those that are naturally tough and well-suited to our changing climate. And, of course, it helps to get your garden layout right, too. We’ll get into that later.
Choosing the Right Plants for a Changing Climate
The backbone of any climate-resilient garden is the plants themselves. To create a garden that can handle extreme weather, we need to focus on species that are drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and able to thrive in wet conditions. Below, I’ve listed 10 plants that have helped transform my garden from one that struggled to one that flourishes, no matter what the weather throws at it.
1. Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is one of those plants that does wonders in a drought. It loves full sun, thrives in well-drained soil, and once it’s established, it barely needs any watering—even during those scorching heatwaves we’ve been seeing more often. I’ve planted lavender along the borders of my garden paths, and it’s become a staple. The best part? The bees absolutely love it, and the fragrance is heavenly.
If you’re looking for a plant that’s both beautiful and hardy, lavender is a must. Plus, it’s easy to care for—just a little pruning in late summer to keep it tidy, and you’re good to go.
2. Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinacea is another plant that I’ve found to be incredibly resilient. These cheerful, daisy-like flowers are drought-tolerant and can withstand long stretches of dry weather. I added echinacea to my garden after realizing that I needed something tougher than my usual go-to plants, and I’ve never looked back. They thrive in full sun, attract butterflies, and provide a pop of color that lasts all summer.
One thing I’ve noticed about echinacea is that it’s quite forgiving—if you forget to water it for a few days (or longer!), it won’t hold a grudge. It just keeps blooming away, even in tough conditions.
3. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedums are the superheroes of the plant world, in my opinion. These succulent-like plants store water in their fleshy leaves, making them perfect for drought-prone gardens. I’ve planted sedums in my rock garden, and they’ve been thriving there for years. When other plants start to wilt under the summer sun, my sedums just keep going strong.
I’ve also noticed that sedums are great for adding late-season color. When the garden is starting to wind down in late summer, sedums come into their own with their clusters of star-shaped flowers.
4. Verbena bonariensis
If you’re looking for a plant that adds height and structure to your garden without taking up too much space, Verbena bonariensis is a fantastic choice. Its tall, slender stems and clusters of small purple flowers seem to float above the rest of the garden. Even better, it’s incredibly drought-tolerant once established.
I planted some verbena at the back of my borders a few years ago, and not only does it look stunning swaying in the breeze, but it’s also a magnet for butterflies. And despite some seriously hot summers, it’s never let me down.
5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Not only is rosemary a delicious herb to have on hand in the kitchen, but it’s also a heat-loving, drought-resistant plant that thrives in UK gardens. I’ve planted rosemary near a south-facing wall where it gets plenty of sun, and it’s grown into a healthy, robust shrub that doesn’t need much care.
Rosemary is perfect for those tricky spots where other plants might struggle because of dry soil and full sun. It’s a Mediterranean plant, so it’s used to tough conditions, and once it’s settled in, it’s incredibly low-maintenance.
6. Olea europaea (Olive Tree)
Yes, you can grow olive trees in the UK! I planted one by my patio, and to be honest, I wasn’t expecting it to do much. But to my surprise, it’s been thriving. Olive trees love hot, dry conditions, so they’re perfect for our increasingly warm summers. They’re incredibly drought-tolerant once established and add a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden.
While I’m not expecting a bumper crop of olives anytime soon, the tree itself is a real talking point, and it brings a bit of southern European flair to my outdoor space.
7. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
For a plant that adds color and interest to the garden all year round, heuchera is hard to beat. Its colorful foliage comes in shades of green, purple, bronze, and even red, and it’s surprisingly tough. I’ve planted heucheras in both sunny and shady spots, and they’ve survived everything from heatwaves to frosts.
One of the things I love about heuchera is that it’s evergreen, so even in the depths of winter, it’s still adding color to the garden. Plus, its small flowers are a hit with pollinators in the summer.
8. Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris)
If you’ve got a wet or boggy part of the garden, Siberian iris is a fantastic choice. These beautiful irises thrive in damp soil and can handle the kind of wet conditions that would leave other plants struggling. I planted some near a pond I put in a few years back, and they’ve done brilliantly.
The flowers are striking and add a touch of elegance to any garden, blooming in late spring and early summer. Plus, once they’re established, they’re pretty low-maintenance.
9. Ligularia
For those shady, damp corners of the garden that are tough to fill, ligularia is a lifesaver. With its large, dramatic leaves and bright yellow flowers, it adds a bold statement to any garden. I’ve got a clump of ligularia growing at the back of my garden, where the soil stays pretty damp, and it’s thriving.
What’s great about ligularia is that it tolerates both shade and wet conditions, so it’s ideal for those tricky spots where other plants might struggle.
10. Aquilegia (Columbine)
I absolutely love aquilegia for its delicate, nodding flowers that add a touch of magic to the garden in early spring. But what I love even more is that it’s a tough, cold-hardy plant that can handle those unpredictable late frosts that seem to pop up out of nowhere.
Aquilegia self-seeds freely, so once you’ve got it in your garden, it tends to come back year after year, often in unexpected places. I’ve found little patches of aquilegia popping up in different spots every spring, and I love the surprise of seeing where it will emerge next.
Designing Your Garden for Resilience
Beyond choosing resilient plants, creating a garden that can handle extreme weather also means thinking about how you design it. I’ve learned that with a bit of thoughtful planning, you can create a garden that thrives even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Mulching to Conserve Moisture
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your plants during hot, dry weather is by using mulch. I spread a thick layer of organic mulch—usually compost or bark chips—around my plants every spring, and it’s made a noticeable difference. Not only does mulch help retain moisture in the soil, but it also keeps the soil temperature more stable, which is key during those unpredictable heatwaves.
Last summer, the parts of my garden that were mulched fared so much better than those that weren’t. The plants in the mulched beds stayed hydrated for longer, and I didn’t have to water them nearly as often.
Raised Beds for Better Drainage
If your garden is prone to flooding or waterlogging, raised beds can be a real game-changer. I built a few raised beds in the wetter parts of my garden, and they’ve transformed how well my plants cope with heavy rain. The elevated soil allows for better drainage, which means the plant roots aren’t sitting in water for days on end.
Raised beds are also great if you’re dealing with poor soil. You can fill them with a mix of compost, topsoil, and other organic matter to create the perfect growing environment. I’ve found that my raised beds are especially helpful for growing vegetables and more delicate plants.
Creating Microclimates
Every garden has its own microclimates—those little pockets where the conditions are just a bit different from the rest of the garden. Maybe there’s a sunny, sheltered spot near a wall, or a shady, damp area under a tree. The trick is to plant with these microclimates in mind.
For example, I’ve planted heat-loving, drought-tolerant plants like lavender and rosemary in the hottest part of my garden, where they get full sun all day long. On the shadier, damper side, I’ve got plants like hostas, ligularia, and ferns, which love the cool, moist conditions.
By paying attention to these little microclimates, I’ve been able to create a more resilient garden that can handle a wide range of conditions.
Dealing with Extreme Weather: Practical Tips
These days, we have to be ready for anything—whether it’s a sudden frost in late spring or an unexpected heatwave in the middle of summer. Here are a few practical tips I’ve picked up along the way for dealing with extreme weather.
Protecting Plants from Late Frosts
One thing I’ve learned is to never trust the weather in early spring. Just when you think it’s safe to start planting out tender seedlings, a late frost can swoop in and undo all your hard work. That’s why I always keep some horticultural fleece on hand. It’s a lifesaver when the weather turns unexpectedly cold, and it can make all the difference in saving vulnerable plants.
Last year, I almost lost a batch of newly planted dahlias to a late frost. Luckily, I spotted the forecast in time and managed to cover them up with fleece. They bounced back, but it was a close call!
Conserving Water During Drought
With hosepipe bans becoming more common during hot, dry summers, conserving water is more important than ever. I installed a couple of water butts in my garden to collect rainwater, and it’s been a game-changer. Even during dry spells, I’ve got a good supply of water for my plants, and I don’t have to rely on the mains.
Another tip is to invest in a drip irrigation system. I set one up in my vegetable garden last year, and it’s made watering so much easier. The system delivers water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation and ensuring the plants get exactly what they need without wasting water.
Embracing the Future of Gardening
At the end of the day, climate-resilient gardening is about being proactive and adapting to the new reality of unpredictable weather. By choosing the right plants, designing your garden for resilience, and using smart gardening practices, you can create a space that thrives in any condition.
Since I’ve started embracing these principles, my garden has not only survived some tough seasons, but it’s also become more sustainable and even more beautiful. I’ve learned to accept that gardening isn’t static—it’s always evolving, just like the weather. If you need more guidance, the RHS has loads of information that we use all the time! Click here to read a handy RHS guide on climate resiliant gardening.
So, if you’re ready to future-proof your garden, start by introducing a few of the plants I’ve mentioned, experiment with mulching and raised beds, and keep an eye on those microclimates. With a bit of planning and some trial and error, you’ll be well on your way to creating a garden that can handle whatever the climate throws its way.
