The news that we are heading for another early spring after premature sightings of primroses, frog-spawn and snowdrops may be causing concern among many gardeners - but a leading horticultural expert has said there is no need to panic just yet. It often gets to this time of year and then we get two weeks of sharp weather so everything is held back until March, says Guy Barter, head of the RHS advisory services. It is unlikely that gardeners will lose a lot of spring flowers which have bloomed too early and then fallen victim to frost, he says. Evidence shows that in future winters are likely to be milder and wetter across the country, but data also indicate there will be cold snaps. Climate change in the past 50 years has brought the season forward by about three weeks, from April to March, with plants blooming earlier. What is important to plants when they are dormant is cold weather. Plants can measure the amount of cold they have had and only come out of dormancy when the time of year is right. During their dormancy period they are able to sustain a lot of wet soil at their roots, but the question is, will they remain dormant if the weather is warm and wet? Plants may be damaged if they are warm and wet, says Barter. If dormancy is broken by an early spring and the plants are trying to grow in wet roots, they will suffer. It is possible that we could have losses of woody plants. Its notable that orchards can suffer heavy losses because the plants are trying to grow but their roots are waterlogged. Flowers such as bluebells may be among the casualties of an early spring as they occupy the slot between the warming of spring and the leaves coming out on the trees. If the leaves come too early they will shade the bluebells before they have done their growing. Daffodils, however, are unlikely to suffer this year, says Barter. They get their required cold temperatures early in autumn and the low temperatures we had in November would be sufficient to sustain them. Mild winters allow many plants to become well established, he adds. Grasses will shade off moss earlier and by and large a warm mild spring gets plants off to a good start and makes it easier to plant things out. But are early springs likely to create more problems with garden pests? Says Barter: Pests are so well adapted now it wont make them much worse, although greenhouse pests such as the western flower thrip will survive better outdoors. While there should be no immediate panic about spring arriving earlier this year, the long-term effects of changing climate are far more serious, he agrees, as the country experiences warmer winters and drier summers. Plants that could become less common include cottage garden favourites such as delphiniums and lupins, which require fertile, moisture retentive soil and will not enjoy the drier summers. Spring bulbs and tuberous plants will be susceptible to problems with wet winters, while alpine plants may be harder to grow in mild areas. So, now you have made a promise to yourself to adapt your garden to the changing climate, there are a few simple rules to remember to make your garden grow: DO: lMake long-term plantings of trees, shrubs and hedges that are drought tolerant.
lPlant long-term shelter to protect the garden from stormier weather.
lImprove soil with gravel and organic matter to ensure drainage and nutrients.
lBuild water collection and disposal measures into new hard landscaping and greenhouses. DONT: lMake long-term plantings in areas liable to flood.
lClear established vegetation from slopes but work new plants into existing growth.
lDevote extensive areas to plants that suffer in wet winters and summer droughts.
lRemove long-established trees and shrubs which often have extensive root systems that can withstand drought. | 
