One thing is sure the climate in your garden will change. You already know one week will be different to the next and I can’t remember when two months or any years were the identical to others. In many areas you can get 3 or 4 seasons in one day (or in Scotland one hour!).

Another thing to be sure about is the ‘law of unintended consequences’ or we might not get the effects we expect and plan for.

The march of insects, predators and undesirables.

Changing climate does not bring more alien species but it can make our environment more welcoming for them when they do arrive. Recent arrivals include but are not limited too:

• Lily beetle the bright red insect devouring my lily bulbs as we read
• The Harlequin ladybird still a pleasant curiosity but rapidly out eating or native species with its voracious appetite.
• Fuchsia gall mite and other species specific insects like Berberis saw fly, Hollyhock weavil and Rosemary beetle are already in the South of the UK
• The vine weavil has a couple of cousins that are now munching plants in London and look like they are here for the duration having moved from the Mediterranean home
• Elm trees were devastated by European insects and Oak trees are now under pressure from sudden death syndrome.
• The Cypress aphid is browning off the Leylandii trees by poison or water transport damage
• The Souther Green Shield bug, a sap sucker progressively becoming wide spread needs stamping out (ouch).
• Will Colorado beetle make a come back in the UK as they are now in mainland Europe after 250 years since the last outbreak.
• I am personally concerned about a specialist rose insect the jewel beetle – I think roses have enough to contend with .
• Trees also have to watch out for the Pine moth and Gipsy moths that are prevalent in Europe.
• I do not know what is happening in the fungus world but hopefully Honey fungus will not become even more active.

We are not expecting a biblical plague of locust but it as well to remain vigilant ( I nearly said ‘keep a weather eye’). Many insects will be beneficial or even fundamental to the health of new plants fruit trees and vegetables that we wish to grow.

How to help Beneficial Insects

• We do not want climatic changes to drive away the pollinating insects or the good guys of the garden.
• It is in our interests to look after bumblebees, hoverflys, ladybirds and the recycling beetles that make up a balanced garden eco-system.
• Make the conditions conducive by providing safe breeding and dwelling conditions with natural shelters like log piles
• No pesticides and avoiding other chemicals where possible
• Grow appropriate food sources with nectar, leaf and insect life
• Maintain a pond even if it is small and relatively shallow