CUMBERLAND, R.I. -- Rosanne Sherry forecasts a rosy future for gardeners despite some of the dark-cloud scenarios of global warming.

Sherry, the University of Rhode Island Master Gardener coordinator, recently spoke at the Cumberland Public Library on how gardeners and others can weather climate change by adapting their landscape. The presentation was one in the library's ongoing master gardener's lecture series.

"The real impact of global warming on gardening is that the growing zones are all moving north," Sherry said. "That's not necessarily bad... You can grow new things."

As the climate warms here in New England, it will bring new insects and invasives (non-native plants) and that will "wipe out things that have been here for years," she said.

It won't happen all at once, but think long-term, and as things in your garden or yard die, take the opportunity to replace them with the warming climate in mind. If a birch on your property has to come down, for instance, don't plant another one because it will die within 30 to 50 years, Sherry said. The effects of global warming will mean extreme swings, she said, including more significant weather events, such as when 2 inches of rain falls within 48 hours. The average for significant weather events is about four a year now, but climatologists are predicting six or seven a year once global warming worsens.

Sherry pointed to plans already in the works for planting different crops to adjust to climate change. North Carolina, for example, is experimenting with citrus crops as its growing zone jumps to 8 or 9, something that could eventually supplant its tobacco crops.

Commercial apples are now being grown in coastal Alaska, Sherry added. "You don't think of Alaska as a hotbed of apple growing."

In New England, the native blueberry crop should be able to weather the effects of glocal warming, but apples probably won't, she said, because they need an extended cold period. As a result, more farmers are experimenting with peaches, a crop usually grown in warmer zones.

"Global warming cannot be stopped, even if all the (industrial) plants were closed and nobody drove," she said. "You don't stop Mother Nature, but you can adapt."

Sherry offered these suggestions for gardeners to adapt to climate change:

Start looking at zone 7 plants and flowers; experiment more. You can expand your palette of plants and still keep it native to the Northeast.

Keep in mind that birds, butterflies and bats have evolved in New England to feed on insects and flowers. The butterfly bush, for example, is not native to New England; it's not even native to North America. Butterfly larvae do not feed on it and if there are no larvae, there are no butterflies. "I'm not saying don't grow (the bush); it's good for the adults," but consider plants that caterpillars will feed on, like Joe-Pye weed, to become butterflies.

Realize that exotics may not be the best choices as you move toward zone 7 plantings.

Challenge landscape designers and retailers to carry more appropriate and varied plants, trees and shrubs. "Some independent retailers have more choices, but 50 percent of gardeners buy from three stores - Home Depot, Lowe's and Wal-Mart." Be persistent in your requests, say, for viburnum. Continue to plant trees. They may not offset the carbon that we are trying to eliminate, but they have other benefits for the long term health of the planet - and your yard. They provide homes and food for wildlife and shade your house in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning. Also, more energy is wasted cutting down trees than planting them.

To improve energy efficiency in yards and gardens, switch to low impact fluorescents in outdoor lighting where possible. Consider solar-powered landscape lighting and solar power to run fountains. Think about gardening needs early in the season to combine and reduce trips. That saves gas.

Reduce the use of gas-powered equipment. "An older model mower gives out more pollution than your car does." Gas mowers spew as much pollution in one hour as a new car does in 40 hours. Try cordless electric equipment if it's a big job. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gasoline-powered lawn and equipment accounts for more than 4 percent of urban air pollution.

Compost kitchen and yard wastes; replace synthetic (chemical) fertilizers.

Reduce the threat of invasive species, like the bush-type honeysuckle, by getting rid of them "and don't buy new problems." Invasive plants include bittersweet, multiflora rose, Japanese bamboo, Japanese honeysuckle and Japanese barberry. They can strangle and out-compete native species.

Reduce water consumption. Outdoor landscaping accounts for nearly three-quarters of total potable water use. Estimates vary, but each person uses an average of 80 to 100 gallons each day. (Source: USGS)

Mulching helps to reduce the amount and frequency of water needed for irrigation. For those who have irrigation systems, make sure the water goes into the flower beds and not wasted on pavement.

Develop rain gardens. During this rainy period, look at your yard and see where it puddles, where the water gushes into the street. Check where the water is going from downspouts. Common landscape plants can be used to create a garden in those areas which can be designed to handle temporary flooding - 5 or 6 hours - and then will drain away. The best thing about a rain garden is you don't have to water it! (More information: healthylandscapes.com.)

SUSAN LaHOUD can be reached at 508-236-0398 or at slahoud@thesunchronicle.com.