💧 Water Management in Your Garden - Sustainable ideas for gardens in a changing climate
Managing water wisely is key to sustainable gardening. With heavier downpours, longer dry spells, and increasing pressure from climate change, every gardener can help create a more resilient landscape.
Around 5 million people live in flood risk areas in England and Wales, and by 2050 that number could rise to one in four homes (Environment Agency, 2024). By adapting our gardens, we can reduce flooding, save water, and support wildlife.
Some useful things to do are to mulch your garden to keep in moisture and choose plants with deep roots. To hold soil, install terraces on slopes, change to permeable paving instead of concrete, and consider green roofs and water butts to manage roof runoff. In dry times, practise drought resistant gardening and save household water to water plants.
🌱 Choose Plants Wisely & Improve Your Soil
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch (compost, bark chips, or leaf mould) around plants. Mulch locks in moisture, reduces evaporation, and slows down water runoff.
Use Deep-Rooted Plants: Plants with deep or spreading roots stabilise soil and absorb water more effectively. They’re better equipped to survive both drought and heavy rain.
Improve Lawn Drainage: Aerate lawns using a garden fork to create air pockets. This helps water soak into the soil instead of pooling on the surface.
Choose Drought-Resistant Plants: Perennials and drought-tolerant species cope better with irregular watering. Remember the RHS rule: “Right plant, right place.” 🔗 Right plant right place
💦 Manage Water — Slow It, Spread It, Sink It
Rain Gardens: Create a shallow planted basin that collects and absorbs rainwater from roofs or paths. Use water-tolerant plants and well-draining soil. 🔗 How to Make a Rain Garden – WWT
Swales: Dig shallow channels or contour lines that slow the flow of water, filter it naturally, and let it soak into the ground.
Terracing: On slopes, build terraces or small retaining walls to break up the slope. This helps water infiltrate rather than run off.
Water Butts: Install water butts under downpipes to collect rainwater. Use it during dry spells to water plants.
Soakaways: A gravel-filled pit or crate system underground lets excess rainwater slowly seep into the soil.
Grey Water: Reuse household grey water (from baths or washing) for watering plants. Use it within 24 hours and choose eco-friendly detergents.
🪴 Replace Hard Surfaces
Permeable Paving: Swap concrete or tarmac for gravel, grass grids, or permeable paving that allows water to drain through.
Green Roofs: A green or living roof absorbs rainwater, provides insulation, and supports pollinators.
Gravel Gardens: A gravel garden reduces water use and thrives in dry conditions.
🔗 Gravel Garden Ideas – Gardeners’ World
🌻 Extra Tips for a Resilient Garden
Water early or late in the day to reduce evaporation.
Direct water to roots using watering cans or drip irrigation.
Add compost and biochar to improve soil structure and water retention.
Create shade layers with trees and shrubs to protect soil from drying out.
Link water butts together to store more rainwater for free.
📚 Useful Books & Resources
The Climate Change Garden: Down to Earth Advice for Growing a Resilient Garden, Sally Morgan & Kim Stoddart
RHS New Gardening: How to Garden in a Changing Climate, Matthew Wilson
🌿 Together, we can build gardens that thrive — come rain or shine 🌿
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