Torrential rain is an unwelcome feature of climate change, relatively little discussed in comparison with rising temperatures. There have been catastrophic instances in the Mediterranean basin in recent months, notably in Libya, Greece, northern Italy and Spain. Sudden downpours on a small scale can ruin gardens, albeit not threatening human life. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s “rain garden” attempts to intercept excessive rain, reducing run-off and flooding, as do experiments at the London Wetland Centre. See the Financial Times’ recent article about the RBGE and how soil, plants and design can combat wetter weather caused by climate change. Members who are not FT subscribers may email MPG to ask for a link. Thank you to Michael Turner for the picture of RBGE’s rain garden.