Gardening in a changing climate

Make long-term plantings of trees, shrubs and hedges that are drought tolerant.
Plant long-term shelter to protect the garden from stormier weather.
Improve soil with grit, gravel and organic matter to ensure drainage and nutrients; additional drainage may have to be installed before planting long-term plants.
Build water collection and disposal measures into new hard landscaping, greenhouses and sheds.
Invest in water features and ponds - they will benefit wildlife and will be appreciated in hotter, drier summers.

Make long-term plantings in areas liable to flood.
Clear established vegetation from slopes, but work new plants into existing growth.
Devote extensive areas to plants that suffer in wet winters and summer droughts - including lawns on dry soil.
Remove long-established trees and shrubs - these often have extensive root systems that can withstand drought and protect soil from erosion.