The thuja hedge will disappear in the medium term as a result of climate change in this country.
At least that's what experts predict.
We talked to Heike Grosser about how climate change will affect the district.
District -
The conclusion of the district consultant for garden culture and land care as well as fruit farmer: Climate change also has advantages for the flora and: Most problems in the garden area are homemade.
Is climate change already noticeable in the gardens in the district?
Yes, here and there certainly;
This year, it was the heavy rainfall, not the drought, that was a problem for the gardeners.
Do individual plants have advantages from the changed conditions or are there only disadvantages?
There are definitely advantages.
The growing season has become longer.
In spring you can sow earlier in the vegetable garden, for example lamb's lettuce and radishes.
In addition, the increase in CO2 levels increases plant growth - a method that used to be used in greenhouses.
Disadvantages are extreme weather, sometimes there is too much water, sometimes it is too dry.
That stresses the plant.
Which plants will no longer be able to be grown in this country in the coming years, which new ones will be added?
Trees will prevail especially in cities that can cope better with drought, for example field maple, flower ash, grove and hop beech.
In gardens you will increasingly see figs, peaches and rosemary, which can be easily brought over the winter.
Evergreen plants such as cherry laurel and thuja will disappear because they will perish during long periods of drought.
Small climatic differences in the Weilheim-Schongau district
How different are the conditions within the district?
Very different.
There are around 300 meters in altitude between Wildsteig and Bernried.
So there have always been small climatic differences.
The floors are also very different and wind protection plays a role.
For example, I lost a wisteria because it was exposed to the cold east wind in my garden.
Has the supply in nurseries or garden centers changed due to climate change?
Yes, of course: there is greater demand for native plants and there are so-called climatic trees such as ironwood, magnolia or chestnut, which are supposed to cope better with future conditions.
However, there is still no reliable knowledge about this, and corresponding tests are still ongoing.
How should the gardener react, water more or let nature take its course?
One must pay more attention to the pouring.
You can also raise plants: if you water, then abundantly, otherwise not at all.
The plants then get the water out of the ground - roses, for example, have roots four to five meters deep.
Each plant must also be placed in the right place, and this is where most of the mistakes are made.
Many buy from the gut, for example without paying attention to the local conditions.
More greenery is needed in cities - on the roofs and in the gardens
What do you do differently as a gardener and fruit farmer - due to climate change?
When I grow fruit, I try to protect my apples from sunburn by pruning more cautiously so that the fruits are shaded.
In the home garden, I focus on diversity and serenity - when something comes in, something new comes along.
Very important: Plants need a soil rich in humus.
Man does not thrive so well with bread and water either.
And: Plants can get sick from time to time.
What will the domestic flora look like in 20 to 30 years?
I do not know that.
But I hope that people will become more sensitive and ask themselves more often, what do I really need?
Does a garage entrance always have to be paved in the same way?
In cities, you definitely need a lot more green - on the roofs and in the gardens, for example.
THE CONVERSATION WEDDED BY JOHANNES THOMA
