BOMB-PROOF PLANTS
Some of the potential hazards of climate change are heatwaves, long periods of drought, strong winds and heavy storms. This could mean an increase in flooding, erosion, pollution, food scarcity and water scarcity, as well as declining numbers of pollinators. Although plants themselves can’t stop what is happening to nature, they can play a big role in minimising the effects. Let’s look at some multi-purpose plants that will fit in with all of the other measures we can use to try to help our ailing environment.
Trees for shade and shelter
We have come a long way in eradicating invasive trees and replacing them with indigenous species. But don’t get stuck on what is commonly planted, what is ‘fashionable’ at the time, or what a nursery hand is telling you to plant because it is in stock (water pear). It is not a bad choice and is a pretty, fast-growing tree (although this tree grows naturally in water or in swamps), but it is creating a corridor of monoculture and not encouraging biodiversity.
