Gardens of climate: How to protect your plants from the heat!

Gardens of climate: How to protect your plants from the heat!

Niederösterreich, Österreich - On August 12, 2025, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner underlined the urgency that the population in Lower Austria should actively contribute to improving the climate in their gardens. This is done as part of the "Nature in the Garden" initiative and the annual focus "Step by step climate!". The initiative aims to reduce the stress of heat and drought through simple measures and thus protect the environment.

mikl-Leitner emphasizes the importance of natural shadow donors such as trees and climbing plants as well as the use of rainwater storage. These measures are not only ecologically sensible, but also help to better manage the high temperatures in the region. A large tree can replace up to ten air conditioning systems and helps to keep the soil moist. Climbing plants such as wild wine or clematis reduce the temperature of house walls by up to 30 degrees Celsius, which is particularly advantageous in hot summer months. Collecting rainwater in tons or cisterns is a further recommended measure, since this water is more advantageous for plants than tap water.

practical tips for your own garden

The initiative offers clear tips for designing a climate cross -class garden. Herbal grass and flower meadows are not only easy to care for, but also resistant to dryness, which makes it a better choice than classic decorative lawn. It is also recommended to replace sealed areas with permeable materials in order to promote the cooling of the soil and the creation of new habitats. "Nature in the Garden" offers further information on your website naturimgarten.at.

In addition, there are specific recommendations for tree species that are suitable for road locations, since some traditional trees such as horse chestnut are no longer recommended due to their sensitivity to dryness and road salt. Instead, trees such as field maple or flower cocks should be planted, which can better adapt to the changed climatic conditions.

The influence of climate change on gardens

climate change also has profound effects on our gardens, reinforced by more frequent dry periods and heavy rain. In this context, the NABU offers ten tips for adapting gardens to the new climatic challenges. This includes planting trees that not only produce shadows and produce oxygen, but also improve the microclimate and contribute to groundwater formation. Hedges and shrubs are also valuable because they accommodate animals protectively and save CO2.

In addition, the NABU emphasizes the importance of plant diversity, ponds or swamp beds that offer habitats for animals and cool the surroundings through evaporation. It is recommended to clear sealed paths and collect rainwater through cisterns or rain barrels in order to reduce the dependence on drinking water. Interested parties can be found on the website of the NABU at nabu.de.

With these active steps, garden owners can not only improve their own habitats, but also make valuable contributions to climate protection and make sustainable change.