The recent report indicating that half of England is experiencing an “exceptionally serious” drought highlights a critical moment for horticulture, suggesting it may be time to reconsider the longstanding belief in planting only native species. While some maintain that gardens, parks, and roadside landscapes should mimic the botanical diversity of the 1790s, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the environmental conditions these plants thrived in no longer exist.
Efforts to preserve a pre-industrial flora in a post-industrial climate have led to troubling outcomes: young oak trees are wilting, beech forests are losing their vitality, and meadows that were once thought to be restored are transforming into fire hazards during intense heatwaves. In contrast, drought-resistant non-native plants, such as Mediterranean shrubs, prairie perennials, and desert grasses, are well-equipped to thrive under these new conditions. These species can stabilize soil, nourish pollinators, and maintain their greenery even in adverse circumstances.
This perspective is not radical; rather, it represents a necessary adaptation to changing climates. If the alternative is to either embrace non-native species or witness the decline of our landscapes, the decision becomes clear. Holding onto a rigid adherence to native planting while ecosystems are deteriorating cannot be regarded as conservation; it is merely nostalgic. The climate in England has evolved, and our approach to planting must reflect that reality.
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