Hello gardeners!

Extreme weather events are no longer rare—they are becoming the new normal. Defined as unexpected, unusual, severe, or unseasonal weather conditions, extreme weather includes heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall, ice storms, windstorms, and sudden temperature shifts. In Canada, we’ve experienced all of these and more. The heat dome British Columbia experienced in 2021 seems to be a significant memory for most citizens and a turning point in accepting that climate change is unlike anything we had experienced before. For gardeners, these extreme weather events are more than headlines—they directly affect the ecosystems we tend and treasure.

Ice on Korean Spice Viburnum. iStock Photo: Credit Katie Mathews

The Garden Under Stress

Extreme weather can wreak havoc on gardens in multiple ways. Prolonged drought can stress or kill plants not adapted to dry conditions. Torrential rains compact soil, leach out nutrients, and drown root systems—many plants do not like soggy feet. Sudden frosts, especially after heavy rains, can freeze roots or frosts can damage emerging buds.

Trees, once considered stable anchors in the garden, are also vulnerable. Drought weakens their resistance to pests and disease. Ice storms break limbs. Windstorms can uproot trees entirely, especially when soils are saturated.

Insects and pollinators—essential to garden health—are also impacted. Insect life cycles are closely tied to temperature. Sudden warm spells can trigger insects to emerge earlier than usual, leaving them vulnerable if cold conditions return. Conversely, early frosts can interrupt their development before they complete their life cycle. Late frosts can destroy early blooms, removing key nectar sources. Extended heat waves cause plants to bolt prematurely or shut down photosynthesis altogether. Bumblebees may struggle to forage during heatwaves. Migrating species may arrive too early or too late to sync with the plants they rely on. Even soil life suffers; temperature extremes and waterlogged soil can reduce microbial diversity and function.

Wildlife faces similar challenges. Birds may find fewer insects to feed their young. Amphibians can perish when garden ponds dry up or freeze unpredictably. Habitat loss compounds these issues when shrubs and trees fail to recover from repeated weather events.

Why Traditional Methods May No Longer Serve Us

Many of us learned to garden during a more stable climate era. Practices like rigid planting calendars, traditional lawn care, or reliance on imported ornamentals may no longer be appropriate—or sustainable. As gardeners, we’ve always adapted to the seasons, but the rules are shifting. Timing is harder to predict, and “hardiness zones” are in flux.

These extreme weather events are not the same weather patterns our grandparents faced, why are we using the same gardening practices?

This means it's time to evolve our gardening methods. We must consider drought-tolerant and native plants, water-wise soil building techniques, and habitat-supporting garden layouts. Practices like mulching, layered planting, and regenerative soil care, not only increase resilience but help gardens recover more quickly after extreme events. Plants and trees need to be in optimal health to manage stress. Trees subjected to years of poor pruning practices are more likely to fail during extreme weather. Plants located in less than ideal spots in the garden are also more likely to fail. Right plant, right place—an important gardening principle more gardeners need to become familiar with.

Gardeners have always been observers and problem-solvers. Now, more than ever, we need to lean into those skills—not to maintain control, but to work in partnership with nature. It is important to become very observant of changes in the garden. In my own garden I have found a couple of areas with good drainage, yet the area is wetter than previous years and takes longer to dry. I need to move some plants out of this area because they are no longer flourishing.

Extreme weather is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. By shifting how we garden, we can create landscapes that are not only more resilient to climate shocks but actively support biodiversity and ecological health. It’s not just about surviving the next storm—it’s about helping our gardens thrive despite it.

Come on, let’s get our hands dirty,