Wimbledon is planning to introduce more drought-resistant plants, such as lavender, to replace traditional favourites like hydrangeas as rising summer temperatures threaten the grounds. Neil Stubley, Wimbledon’s head of courts and horticulture, said gardening staff are reconsidering what is planted due to the changing climate.
Traditional Plants at Risk
Mr Stubley explained that hydrangeas, which have long been a staple of Wimbledon's gardens, require significant watering. He said: “Historically, we’ve always had hydrangeas which are very thirsty plants. As part of tradition, we don’t want to get rid of them completely so we then just sort of target and make sure that the areas that we put the more thirsty plants, are in the more shadier places.”
Instead, Wimbledon will look towards “more hardy, perennial green leaf” plants, including lavender, which require less watering. The colour scheme of purple, white and green will be retained, Mr Stubley assured fans.
Rising Temperatures and Adaptation
The UK recently experienced sweltering conditions, with the record June temperature broken three days in a row. Mr Stubley said while he isn’t concerned this is the new normal, rising temperatures are “inevitable” and already underway. Met Office scientists warn temperatures in England could reach as high as 45C by 2056.
Mr Stubley, who is working his 31st championships, said they are “looking consciously” at planting less thirsty flora in particularly sunny areas. He noted that Wimbledon’s head gardener is “constantly” in touch with growers in the Netherlands and regularly visits to see cultivar options. “Sometimes you can get certain cultivars in the same plant like we do with the turf where actually they’re more drought tolerant. So you actually get the same plant and look, but it just lives slightly differently,” he added.
Current Conditions and Court Management
London is bracing for another heatwave, with temperatures expected to climb to the early 30s next week. Mr Stubley, who uses around 25 weather apps, said his 31-strong team are “comfortable” with the current conditions. He described the weather as “nice and stable”, but noted challenges when night temperatures rise or when a hot day is followed by rain. Every day, data is taken from the 18 championship and 20 practice courts, which are cut to 8 millimetres.
Player concerns have also emerged: Novak Djokovic said on the opening day that Centre Court felt “more slippery” once the roof was shut, while world number one Jannik Sinner fell during a match against Miomir Kecmanovic, causing concern for the reigning champion.
