A really hot Open Day

 Visitors to the Eco-Garden enjoy cool drinks in the shade.

When I heard the cicadas singing at 6 a.m. in the morning yesterday, I knew we were in for a really, really hot day. Those guys don't start to whistle until it is over 16 degrees. I was out in the garden early, watering the veges and doing some last-minute clipping and weeding before opening the garden to visitors in the afternoon.

By then the temperature was in the 30s, and our plan to make most of the plants in the Eco-Garden trees was making a lot of sense. Eventually the 'garden' will consist of clearings in a forest, with just enough sunny space for growing veges, fruit and flowers, and for sitting out in on fine days from late autumn to early spring.

The visitors certainly appreciated the shade as they sat sipping iced tea or elderflower cordial, or went strolling along the paths. One remarked how much cooler it was among the trees. I know on days like yesterday I feel very grateful for green leaves releasing oxygen all around me.

At 9 p.m. I was back in the garden giving the veges some more water. The cicadas were still singing, and I felt almost over-dressed wearing just a fine cotton sarong. I was thinking about the heat, and if (or when) this would go from being a four or five times per summer event in Canterbury to being the 'new normal', and happen every week. I wondered if I would live to see it happen, given that there is currently almost no effective leadership (let alone action) happening on climate change at the national and international levels. One of the most important actions that could and should be taken, of course, is total protection of all natural forests, wherever they may be, and (re)planting of forests wherever possible. Forests play a huge role in helping stabilise the planet's climate, keeping oxygen and carbon dioxide at optimum levels for all other life forms. 

 A cool green pathway in the Eco-Garden.

I can't make that happen globally, but locally, where I can do something myself, I plant trees. For the future of all, and to enjoy the lovely micro-climate they create in the present in my own garden.