The challenge of climate change is one that affects everybody and now gardeners are being asked to help reduce the impact of global increases in carbon dioxide emissions.

The first day of the Chelsea Flower Show saw Horticulture Minister Lord Bach visit the Defra-sponsored exhibit addressing the challenge of climate change.

The exhibit "Climate change: the global challenge", has been put together by the Eden Project and the Institute of Horticulture at their stand in the Great Pavilion.

Lord Bach said: "Scientific evidence, put forward at the recent science conference at the Met Office, has shown that man-made climate change is accelerating and that it is vital that we use a wide-range of technologies to bring down carbon dioxide emissions."

"Many gardeners have already seen changes in their gardens with some having to mow their lawns all the year round. Daffodils and snowdrops are blooming earlier due to the longer-growing season."

"The UK can expect to see milder, wetter winters with fewer frosts and drier summers with erratic temperature extremes."

Action Lord Bach said gardeners could take for themselves to help:

• Use sustainable products, such as timber and charcoal that have been harvested without harming the environment
• Plant a tree - they help to remove carbon from the atmosphere
• Choose plants that like a warm climate but can cope with both drought and waterlogging.
• Water wisely and use irrigation methods that direct the water to the plant roots. Collect water and store it in butts.
• Compost what you can and add organic matter top retain moisture while improving drainage
• Choose pest and disease resistant plants

"It is important that all of us - government, industry and indeed gardeners - take action to reduce carbon dioxide levels to combat climate change," said Lord Bach. "The challenge for future generations is a tough one and one that we can only tackle together."