Climate change. We hear about its impacts every day. While increased awareness is important, it can also leave us feeling anxious and powerless to make a difference. But what if there was something we could do in our own gardens and landscapes? What if we could build climate resilience through practical, achievable land care practices? By adapting to challenges such as extreme heat, drought, and increasingly unpredictable rainfall, we can create more resilient landscapes. The bonus? Implementing science-based methods to build resilience in our landscapes can also help mitigate some of the impacts of human-caused climate change. If this sounds appealing, then read on!

Let’s start at the bottom by improving soil structure. Healthy soil can hold water longer during drought conditions while also reducing erosion and absorbing water during periods of heavy rainfall. There are many effective ways to build and maintain good soil structure. Applying a generous layer of mulch helps protect the soil from extreme weather, reduces water evaporation, and provides a continuous source of organic matter. As the mulch breaks down, it improves soil structure and supplies nutrients that support both plants and the microorganisms living in the soil. Compost, compost tea, and worm castings can further enhance soil health by introducing beneficial microorganisms and providing food for the microbes, insects, and other organisms that inhabit the soil. It is important to remember that soil is a living system. The organisms it contains play essential roles in maintaining the soil food web that supports life on our planet. Together, plants and soil microorganisms help to capture and store carbon in the soil. 

A significant concern associated with climate change is water availability. Moisture is essential for healthy soil, gardens, and landscapes to thrive. As mentioned above, organic matter helps build soil structure, which improves both water retention and water movement through the soil. Adding compost and compost tea introduce beneficial microorganisms that help create and maintain the pathways through which water and air move. Plant roots also play an important role in soil water management. They help hold moisture in the soil for later use. These deeper roots are less vulnerable to drought and provide the added benefit of improving soil stability. Capturing and storing rainwater can also help landscapes remain resilient during periods of drought and water restrictions. Rain barrels are an effective option for smaller properties, while larger landscapes may benefit from cisterns that can store greater volumes of water for later use. During periods of heavy rainfall, rain gardens can help capture excess water, reduce flooding, and allow water to slowly infiltrate back into the ground. Once established, rain gardens typically require no irrigation during dry periods. Allowing rainwater to return to the soil can be further supported by using permeable surfaces such as grass, ground covers, gravel, mulch, and permeable pavers, all of which promote water infiltration and reduce runoff.

But what about the plants themselves? How can they be part of our landscape resilience project?  We can start by including native plants in our gardens. A large portion of our plantings should be native species that have evolved over time in our geographic region. These plants are adapted to local conditions, and many species of pollinators including bees, other insects, birds, and animals depend on them for survival. The native pollinators attracted to these plants can also increase yields in our vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and berry shrubs. Native plants, in partnership with healthy soil, help protect biodiversity within our ecosystems. Well-chosen perennials, both native and non-native, can also support landscape resilience if they require little maintenance, tolerate the unpredictable weather associated with climate change, and attract a variety of pollinators.Two excellent choices are Echinacea, which is native to eastern North America and widely cultivated across the continent, and Yarrow, that is native throughout much of North America.  Edible plants should also be selected wisely. Perennial food plants are excellent choices because of their vigorous, deep root systems and their ability to withstand drought. Consider rhubarb, raspberries, and blackberries. Herbs such as sage and oregano are hardy choices that provide growth year after year. Asparagus, some onion varieties, and chives should also return each season.  Annual vegetables that are drought tolerant, such as peppers and tomatoes, are likely to thrive even during hot, dry weather. In many parts of Canada, what was once a single long growing season is increasingly being adapted to changing seasonal temperatures. 

Plan ahead! Planning and designing your landscape with the climate in mind can result in minimal maintenance while building resilience  to climate change. Take the time to observe and make thoughtful decisions about placement of your trees, vegetable garden, native plants, rain gardens, rain barrels and compost bin.  

If you would like to learn more about building climate change resilience into your landscape, gardens, and community check out our new short course: Adapting Landscapes to a Changing Climate. Gaia College has put together a comprehensive course including discussion forums and reference materials covering the important climate related topics such as water, food, soil, and landscape maintenance and how each connects to the climate and building resilience.

written by Ann Moolin

Additional reading: https://www.cbc.ca/life/home/how-to-make-your-garden-more-climate-resilient-9.7215598