Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Climate Change and Our Landscapes<br />
By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening<br />
This summer we had many <strong>10</strong>0+ degree<br />
days and the weather services predict that<br />
we may be experiencing even more blistering days<br />
during future summer seasons. Climate change has become apparent<br />
and how these changes will impact our landscapes should be of great<br />
concern to us.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Southern Nevada Water Authority released a study: Climate<br />
Threats to Urban Landscapes in the Las <strong>Vegas</strong> Valley - Initial<br />
Findings that deals with this issue. It predicts that the Las <strong>Vegas</strong> Valley<br />
will see that the number of high heat days (86+ degrees) will increase<br />
from an average of 157 to 172 days by 2025, and to 187 days by 2055.<br />
This will mean not only a significant increase in days but also higher<br />
temperature nights. Many of our native plant species depend upon cool<br />
evening temperatures to recover from high temperature stress.<br />
Increased high temperature periods, combined with minimal rainfall<br />
(4”), low humidity (7% -20%), high winds, and bright unfiltered<br />
sunshine will cause even greater stress on many of our most common<br />
plant species in our landscapes.<br />
This study predicts that by 2025, 16% of these species will either<br />
experience stressed-related decline and premature death or complete<br />
“die-offs” with present day popular species no longer appropriate for our<br />
landscapes. Plants at risk include Euonymus, Lavender, Pyrocanthia,<br />
Hawthorne and Purple Plum.<br />
It is further predicted that by<br />
2055 the percentage of plant<br />
species “at risk” will increase<br />
to 38% and will include Golden<br />
Barrel Cactus, Mock Orange,<br />
African Sumac, Autumn Sage and<br />
even Roses!<br />
Interestingly, this study suggests<br />
that increases in future winter temperatures might allow some present<br />
day “cold sensitive” species to survive during future winter seasons,<br />
assuming that they survive the warmer summers!<br />
What can we do as desert gardeners?<br />
1. We can identify and introduce more climate-resilient plants.<br />
2. Enrich soil with compost and fertilizers.<br />
3. Move away rock mulch and replace with organic mulch to retain<br />
moisture and lower soil temperature.<br />
4. Place drips in appropriate areas and irrigate at appropriate times<br />
to maximize water intake for roots.<br />
As <strong>The</strong> Bob Dylan song states: “<strong>The</strong> times…. they are changing”<br />
Have a question? Contact me at: <strong>The</strong>plantwhisperer28@gmail.com.<br />
Howard Galin, a/k/a: “<strong>The</strong> Plant Whisperer” is a retired NYC<br />
school administrator, transplanted in Las <strong>Vegas</strong> who devotes his<br />
time to communicating with and lecturing about our native<br />
plants.<br />
45
Change language