Opening
The conditions Surrey gardens face have measurably changed. Wetter winters, drier summers, and both extremes intensifying. The growing season has extended by nearly a month. Species we'd never have recommended 20 years ago are now reliable choices.
This month we've been writing about what that means in practice — for the plants you choose, the materials under your feet, the soil beneath them, and the real cost of getting it right.
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Featured Article
Gardening in a Changing Climate: What Surrey Gardens Need Now
Met Office data shows spring temperatures in South East England have risen 2.1°C above 1970 levels. The winter of 2023-24 was the wettest on record for England and Wales. The 2022 drought delivered just 46% of average summer rainfall to the Thames region.
For anyone investing in their garden, these aren't abstract statistics. They change what "good design" means — from drainage and plant selection to soil preparation and material choice. We looked at the evidence, the projections, and what it means for Surrey gardens specifically.
[Read the full article →]
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Also This Month
Contemporary Garden Design in Surrey: Beyond the Trend
"Contemporary" is one of the most requested and least understood words in garden design. We explored what the style actually means, why some contemporary gardens date within five years while others improve with age, and the principles that make the difference.
[Read →]
What's Happening Under Your Lawn
A single handful of healthy soil contains more living organisms than there are people on the planet. We wrote about mycorrhizal networks, why unnecessary digging causes more harm than good, and the simple things you can do to support the ecosystem your garden depends on.
[Read →]
The Real Cost of a Garden Project
Honest cost ranges for garden work in Surrey, where the money actually goes, why the cheapest quote is rarely the best value, and the lifecycle cost comparisons that most people don't see until it's too late. We published the numbers because transparency builds trust.
[Read →]
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One Thing Worth Knowing
For every 1% increase in soil organic matter, the top 30cm of soil can hold an additional 16,500 gallons of water per acre. That buffer works in both directions — holding moisture through dry spells and absorbing rainfall before it runs off.
A 5-7cm layer of organic mulch applied to your borders this spring is one of the simplest, most effective things you can do for your garden's long-term health.
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From Montrose
Fifty years of building gardens across Surrey means we've watched our own projects age through changing conditions. What we plant today will experience a climate through its lifespan that is measurably different from 20 years ago. We design for that reality — and we'd be happy to show you how.
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Montrose Landscapes | Woking, Surrey | montrose-landscapes.com
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