Hymn to the Darkness
In the heart of Hamburg, a garden undergoes a transformative change, demonstrating the importance of adapting to climate change and creating a sun-sensitive garden.
Initially, the garden's design did not consider the ecological benefits of plants or the placement of sunlight and shade. The apple tree was planted on the lawn where shade is preferred, while the cherry tree was initially placed in a spot where direct sunlight is most desired, next to the vegetable beds. However, the first summer was extremely hot, with the plants being too small to cast any shade, and the garden shed had thin wooden walls that became very hot due to the sun.
Recognising these issues, the garden's owners decided to make changes. The cherry and apple trees were exchanged in winter to optimise sun and shade placement. The cherry tree was moved to benefit the vegetable beds, and the apple tree was moved to a location preferred for shade. A young plum tree was also planted in front of the terrace for potential shade and sweet fruits.
The placement of sunlight and shade in the garden was not overlooked this time. By integrating a diverse, layered plant palette, strategic sun-shading microclimates, adaptive layout, and environmental resilience measures, the garden is now better equipped to withstand climate stressors.
The garden now boasts a variety of sun-tolerant plants, including drought-resistant natives, that thrive in the increased sunshine hours experienced in Hamburg last year. The paths in the garden were planned to make the 260 square metres appear as spacious as possible, while also incorporating path layouts and sightlines that optimise sun exposure patterns to protect sun-sensitive plants from harsh direct sunlight when needed.
In addition, the wooden walls of the garden shed were turned into trellises for grapes, garden honeysuckle, and a climbing rose, providing shade, a pleasant scent, and food for insects. The size of the shrubs to be planted was also considered this time, ensuring a harmonious balance between the plants and the available space.
By adopting these strategies, the garden not only remains viable but also becomes more ecologically beneficial. This approach aligns with biophilic design principles aimed at creating living, adaptable spaces that evolve with natural conditions rather than resisting them.
Columnist Benjamin Buchholz, in hindsight, overlooked the importance of protecting areas from the sun's rays when planning a garden. However, his experience serves as a reminder for all garden enthusiasts to consider the impact of climate change and the importance of creating sun-sensitive gardens that are resilient, sustainable, and beautiful.
[1] Climate Change and Gardening: Adapting to a Changing Climate
[2] Designing a Resilient Garden for Climate Change
[3] Drought-Tolerant Plants for a Changing Climate
[4] Creating a Sustainable Garden: Soil Management
- To ensure the resilience of their garden, the owners replaced the positions of the cherry and apple trees, optimizing sun and shade placement based on the impact of climate change.
- Recognizing the importance of sun-sensitive gardening, the garden now boasts a variety of sun-tolerant plants like drought-resistant natives, following a strategic layout that conserves water and survives Hamburg's climate change conditions.
- In alignment with biophilic design principles, the garden shed's wooden walls were transformed into trellises for grapes, garden honeysuckle, and a climbing rose, providing shade, enhancing the garden's ecological benefits, and supporting a sustainable lifestyle.
