RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
Why do we need a Flood Resilient Garden?
With extreme weather events an increasingly frequent occurrence, the way we use our gardens will need to adapt to cope, but rather than just making sure that we can continue to grow our favourite plants and enjoy our outdoor spaces, the Flood Resilient Garden shows that gardens can be a tool in the fight against climate change. Simple techniques allow water to be captured and slowed, improving its infiltration into the soil and reducing the impacts of flooding, while thoughtful planting also provides other environmental deliverables such as cooling the air and filtering pollution. In this way, we can help ensure that our own environment remains habitable and healthy.
It is estimated that around five million homes in the UK are at risk of flooding. This can be caused by heavy rainfall, high groundwater, runoff from impermeable surfaces eg roads, as well as overflowing rivers and streams. The Flood Resilient Garden provides a range of ideas to help manage and control the excess water.
©NaomiSlade
The flow of water across the ground was deliberately slowed by dense planting, while an elevated deck and mound provides habitable places for people, refuges for wildlife and also areas of well-drained soil for the plants that need it. A dramatic bridge links the high points, acting as both access and escape route.
Photograph: Sarah Cuttle; ©RHS
The aim was that beauty and resilience should go hand-in-hand, and the planting in the Flood Resilient Garden is lush, green and immersive, with pops of jewel colour. Climate change may present fresh challenges but this garden demonstrates that positive adaptations can be made without compromising on good looks, joy or fundamental habitability.
Photograph: Neil Hepworth; ©RHS
Underpinning the garden is the theme of water management and control, within a space that is beautiful, enjoyable and a pleasure to be in. The garden is packed with inspiration and a range of solutions and techniques that can easily be translated to home gardens of any size.
Photograph: Sarah Cuttle; ©RHS
Keeping water where you want it is key. An ephemeral stream channels the rainwater into a feature pond, where it gradually soaks away. Large tanks double as attractive ornamental pools, capturing and storing water for use as necessary; this can also be discharged ahead of predicted rainfall, manually or via smart technology.
Photograph: Sarah Cuttle; ©RHS
Varying the ground level created different soil conditions, with wetter lower areas and dryer, elevated mounds and banks. The plants were chosen to be broadly tolerant, and while their preferences for moisture or drainage were accommodated, there was an overall focus on species and genera that were tenacious, hardy and well-adapted.
