Gardener's Corner
Our Changing Climate
by Judith Rogers

Global warming and climate change; two phrases that are popping up most every where these days but ultimately are not imparting any new information. I remember back in the '60's learning in science that North America would warm in the decades to come and South America would get colder. Seemed impossible then and perhaps not entirely accurate now but we are definitely heading in the direction of a warming trend in our part of the world.

We have learned that a decrease of forested areas along with an increase of forest fires and the burning of fossil fuels is contributing carbon to the atmosphere and resulting in greenhouse gasses trapping heat in the troposphere. Even though the scientists were able to predict that the world would warm up, we are responsible for it warming up faster.

There has been a drastic reduction of observed sea ice in the artic over the last twenty-five years or so and from1854 until 2006 Kempenfeldt Bay is experiencing forty less days of frozen ice in the bay.

Farmers and gardeners are experiencing changes such as warmer spring and summer growing seasons, longer frost-free periods and the boil off date for sugar maple occurring before the first day of spring. In Hamilton the multitude of lilacs at the RBG have been blooming ten days earlier than before, people in Sault Ste Marie find they can grow magnolias now and typical southern crops are now able to survive in Canada.

The warming trend is not without peril though and out west the warm, dry summers along with winters that are not as cold are allowing insects like the pine beetle to endure and kill off more trees than fires or logging. New or invasive insects and plant species are being seen in areas where previously they were unknown. The Inuit are encountering new animal life and the thrill of lightning for the first time without knowing how dangerous it can be.

The temperatures will slowly continue to increase in summer and winter allowing for a longer growing season but also increase the freeze/thaw cycles that are hard on our plants. Water conservation will be very important in our future as rain is becoming less frequent although with a more rapid fall each time so the idea of having a rain barrel or two alongside your house will be essential.

From the dryness we can expect more wild fires and habitats to suffer from less snow which will affect water fowl and the breeding areas for frogs and toads. Our trees and plants are growing in a climate and under conditions they are not used to and this is creating stress for them. We too will feel the effects without a cold winter to kill germs and see more diseases than before.

To quote David Phillips, author and expert with Environment Canada's weather service: "Nature is forewarning us about the changes and we have to learn to read the signs. Don't concern yourself with what was, but look forward to the future; humans can adapt and learn to live with these changes."

Gardeners can help themselves by cutting back on fossil fuels and learning to adapt with the changing climate by making good choices. Plant trees that take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen as well as provide shade to cool your home. By now you know which plants can really handle drought and most will be native, use them and apply mulch to your beds to keep the moisture in the soil. If we reach a level three watering ban, this means the only watering of plants and turf can be done with a watering can.

Start conserving water now so that it becomes a habit; hook up rain barrels to your down spout, use dishwater, bath water and the rest of the tea from your teapot for your plants and shrubs like grandmother did.