Climate Change Is Already in Our Gardens: What Australian Gardeners Are Telling Us

As the climate changes, so too must our gardens — and the gardeners who tend them. At Sustainable Gardening Australia, we recently surveyed gardeners from across the country to understand how climate change is showing up in their backyards, balconies, and community plots.

Their responses were candid, detailed, and sometimes emotional — revealing a shared sense of both urgency and determination. What follows is a snapshot of those insights, which are helping to shape the resources and direction of our upcoming Climate-Resilient Gardening Hub.

Gardeners on the Frontlines

Gardening is a deeply personal act, but the challenges our respondents face are increasingly universal. Most described themselves as intermediate or experienced gardeners, and they are motivated not only by the desire to grow food, but also to reduce their environmental impact, support biodiversity, and build resilience at home.

“My garden is my way of living more lightly on the planet — but lately it feels like nature is fighting back.”

What Climate Change Looks Like in the Garden

The impacts shared were both widespread and diverse — but common themes emerged across regions:

Longer, Hotter Summers

Gardeners reported more intense summers, with some plants — even natives — showing signs of heatstress and sunburn. Warmer nights and increased humidity are also becoming more common.

Less Reliable Rainfall

Many observed that rainfall is no longer consistent. Some described intense downpours that don’t soak in, while others are seeing long stretches of dry weather.

“We get these huge dumps of rain, but the ground doesn’t absorb it. It just runs off — or floods things.”

Drier Soil, More Drought

Dry conditions are stretching longer, and even with regular watering, soils are struggling to retain moisture. Some gardeners said their soil has become hydrophobic or compacted.

Weather Whiplash

Extreme and unpredictable events — such as hail, heatwaves, and unseasonal temperature swings — are making gardening more difficult and unpredictable.

“Apple blossoms in autumn. Crocus flowering three times. My plants don’t know what season it is.”

Seasonal Shifts and Plant Confusion

Many gardeners noticed plants flowering earlier, fruiting poorly, or germinating later than expected. Traditional planting calendars are proving less reliable.

Ecological Disruption

Several noted a drop in pollinators and insect life, and an increase in unfamiliar pests and diseases. This shift is disrupting food crops and biodiversity alike.

“Queensland fruit fly has arrived for the first time. My fruit trees are struggling. There are fewer bees, fewer worms, fewer everything.”

It’s Not Just the Weather: The Emotional Toll of Gardening in Uncertainty

For many, gardening is not only physical work but an emotional investment. When months of care are undone by unexpected weather or failed crops, it takes a toll.

“I’m growing less now. It’s just too hard to watch things fail after months of care.”

Others expressed concern about water availability, affordability, and the physical demands of adapting — especially for older gardeners or those on tight budgets.

What Do Gardeners Need Most?

The message was clear: gardeners need access to a wide range of strategies and resources. Topics of interest included:

• Water-wise gardening
• Soil improvement
• Adapting planting schedules
• Designing gardens for extreme weather
• Creating microclimates
• Managing pests and diseases naturally
• Gardening for wildlife
• Small-space and balcony gardening

What Comes Next?

This survey confirms what many of us have felt intuitively: climate change is already impacting our gardens. And gardeners are ready to respond — they just need the right tools and knowledge.

To support this, SGA is developing a Climate-Resilient Gardening Hub — a practical and evolving collection of resources to help gardeners adapt and thrive in the face of climate uncertainty. From plant choices and garden design tips to soil care and seasonal strategies, the Hub will provide regionally relevant, action-focused guidance.

Whether you’re an experienced grower or just starting out, the Hub will offer support to help you feel confident and connected through the seasons.

Want to help?
This resource is being shaped by the community, for the community. Your feedback, your stories, and your support — financial or otherwise — help us grow a more resilient future for gardens and gardeners across Australia. Here are a few ways to contribute now:

• Donate to the campaign
• Complete the survey
• Send us an email
• Follow us on social media
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Share with friends: share our social media posts to help us reach more people, and talk to your friends and neighbours about climate resilient gardening

Stay tuned as the Climate-Resilient Gardening Hub grows.