At our recent Landcare Linkup, Shaun Walsh, a local landscape architect and member of Urban Wildlife Gardens, outlined the predicted climate changes and challenges in the Noosa Biosphere and practical ways to make our landscapes more climate resilient.
The current modelling states hotter temperatures, prolonged droughts, extreme storms, severe winds, and flooding—leading to more bushfires, increased pests and diseases, and biodiversity loss.
Understanding these shifts helps us to be better prepared.
Shaun’s top climate-resilient garden tips, include:
🌱 Using climate-suitable plants that thrive with less water and withstand extreme conditions.
🌳 Planting native species that support local wildlife and require minimal irrigation.
🍃 Designing gardens passively to mitigate climate effects—replacing hard surfaces with ground covers, using trellises for airflow, and incorporating rain gardens for water retention.
☀️ Smart shade planning: Placing trees on the southwest side for summer cooling while allowing winter sun to reach northern gardens.
Looking ahead, Noosa’s climate in 2050 is expected to resemble Sarina near Mackay – 1.9°C warmer with a 6% decline in rainfall. Choosing resilient species today will help prepare for tomorrow.
Ready to future-proof your garden? Check out Shaun’s presentation here.
