Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)
At Hampton Court Palace, head gardener Graham Dillamore strode across the burnt beige grass in the spectacular formal gardens southwest of London, laid out in the 17th century.
“If we have a summer like this next year, by God, it’s going to be a struggle,” Dillamore said.
The gardens of stately homes are among England’s top visitor attractions. But their ancient trees are being hammered by climate change.
Gardeners said the concern is for the long-term consequences and keeping the spirit of their gardens alive.
Mature trees that take decades to establish are drooping, and some have leaves turning brown in August in a reaction to excessive heat.
“Some of these trees have actually given up. They’re not going to come back; they’re finished,” Dillamore said.
