Dark time is planting time
Not many of his customers know that, he experiences. Nor that right now they can make an effort to better climate-proof their gardens, while nature seems to stand still around us:
– The best time to plant is actually from November to March. Of course, you still have to be able to stick a shovel in the ground. That can be the biggest challenge.
– We often have 14 days a year when it’s frozen, he tells one of the quiet days when almost everything goes up in Christmas decorations and chopped fir.
And then you probably also have to accept that everything in the garden will not be like in the old days. When the climate changes and the temperatures move north, some plants hang more with the stem, while others perk up.
The perennial Farvebelg is among Martin Holmriis’ water-swallowing favourites. This is because they are available in several colours. This is a white color pod, despite the red stem. this is because it gets white flowers. Photo: Bo Lehm
For water and heat
Not many garden owners think like him, who has planted quite a few himself. And it’s a shame, Martin Holmriis experiences:
– We have had some very wet springs recently and not long ago some very dry summers. But it’s not something you just have to get used to.
You can plant something that will prevent the lawn from becoming something you slip rubber boots around in when the water meter is about to drown and the driveway threatens to look like the prelude to a swimming pool.
Decisive advantage
For example, you can plant Himalayan birch. A species of birch that is not yet seen very often in this country. It is just as thirsty as better-known birch varieties, but has a decisive advantage.
Many garden owners are a little afraid of planting birch, because the trunks can grow up to 15 meters high, and they seem to be made to form the basis of a neighborly feud.
The Himalayan birch grows only six to eight meters high. There is also good growth in it, so it can provide life-giving shade in a spot in the garden on thirsty summer days.
The Himalayan birch is not so well known in the gardens here at home. But it could be if last year’s rainfall continues. Photo: Bo Lehm
In the same more unknown category is the water fir. It comes from China and has been cultivated to a lesser extent in Denmark for almost 80 years. Besides having thirsty roots, it is also special in shedding needles, just as deciduous trees shed leaves.
In the lower section there are also shrubs that do well in loose soil. And which likes to keep alive within itself if it gets its roots stuck in winter cold soil.
Medlars – there are trees, but mostly planted as shrubs – are among the most obvious. And dogwoods, which can become three to five meter tall bushes.
– Dogwoods are available in both red, green, yellow and orange, so you can put together bushes according to your own taste, says the plant expert.
You can make a difference right down to the flower bed. Here, in particular, the large family of perennials is ready for a small drinking party from the rainfall.
Here, Martin Holmriis is particularly enthusiastic about the color pod species, which actually do best when sown in winter or autumn.
Blue-purple flowers and a fresh green color on stem and leaves do to the eye what the roots’ thirsty suction of water does to dehumidify the garden.
2024-12-03 18:34:00
#Ready #climate #action #Martin #gearing #garden
What advice does Martin Holmriis give for creating a garden resilient to climate change?
## Interview with Martin Holmriis, Garden Expert
**Interviewer:** Martin, you’re advocating for a unconventional approach to gardening. Could you tell us a bit more about why the winter months are actually the best time to plant?
**Martin Holmriis:** You see, most people think of spring as the time to get their hands dirty, but actually, late autumn and winter are ideal for planting. While the ground might be a bit harder, the soil is still workable for much of the season. It allows the roots to settle in before the growing season starts, giving plants a strong head start. [1]
**Interviewer:**
And you mention climate change affecting our gardens. What advice do you have for gardeners who want to create a more resilient garden?
**Martin Holmriis:** Climate change means we’re seeing more extreme weather, from heavy rainfall to droughts. We need to think about plants that can handle these conditions. For wetter seasons, choosing varieties like Farvebelg, which can absorb a lot of water can be beneficial. For drier spells, planting shrubs and trees like the Himalayan birch provides shade and helps retain moisture. [2][3]
**Interviewer:** Many people might be hesitant to plant birch trees due to their size. What makes the Himalayan birch a good option?
**Martin Holmriis:** Many people are afraid of the height traditional birch trees can reach. The Himalayan birch is a good compromise; it grows to a manageable six to eight meters high, still offering beautiful foliage and shade without becoming overwhelming. [3]
**Interviewer:**
Thank you so much for sharing your valuable insights, Martin. Any final words of wisdom for our listeners?
**Martin Holmriis: ** Don’t be afraid to experiment with new plants and embrace the changing climate. Your garden can be a beautiful and resilient space even in unpredictable times.
