Forecasted climate projections predict that average temperatures in the UK could rise by 2-6°C over the next century. This stark fact might dramatically change what we currently consider a typical English country garden. We need not sacrifice the beauty of our outdoor spaces, however. Francesca Lawes of Nicholsons explains how to design a more futuristic and sustainable garden.
This article was originally featured on the Nicholsons website.
The rolling lawns and billowing herbaceous borders that are so integral to English garden design today are unlikely to persevere in a warmer climate. Mediterranean plants, such as palms and eucalyptus, might spring up in their place. Adapting to a sunny and warm Mediterranean climate may sound like an ideal scenario for many, but we can also expect far rainier winters. As a result, the future English garden must be tolerant and resilient in the face of both warmer summers and wetter winters.
How can we make our gardens more resilient?
There are some simple steps that we can all take to create a futuristic and sustainable garden design. Firstly, create a good supply of harvested water. You need to also ensure that any irrigation system using this water supply is both conservative and targeted. Growing plants ‘lean’ ultimately leads to them being more resilient. Watering infrequently and heavily will encourage the plant to establish a deeper root system.
You can also prepare your garden for the future by reducing carbon emissions. The simplest way to do this is to cut your reliance on petrol and diesel-powered equipment. Use alternatives such as peat-free growing media for your sustainable garden.
Sustainable garden types
If you are looking to make a more total change to your garden, there are several genius options.
Dry meadows:
Converting traditional lawns to dry meadows is a great approach to sustainable gardening. The naturalised bulbs will extend the flowering period and ensure that water is not wasted keeping a lawn alive in the hotter summer months. A beautiful example of this can be seen at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which exhibits species especially suited to the Cambridge climate. This sustainable garden combines drought-tolerant and temperate species that can withstand long periods without rain in the summer. The final effect showcases soft, naturalistic flowers from spring through to autumn - the majority of which were grown from seed.
Rain gardens:
Rain gardens are likely to become a common feature in the future - especially in dense, urban spaces. Expanding urbanisation combined with increased rainfall during the winter results in increased surface runoff. During periods of peak rainfall, this runoff can cause urban flooding. The design of rain gardens allows them to capture surface runoff from nearby roads, pavements and rooftops. These sustainable gardens reduce the flow rate and clean the water of pollutants. Rain gardens also increase infiltration and percolation back into the soil beneath the planting, returning it to the natural system.
As well as their SuDs (Sustainable Drainage Systems) capability, rain gardens also increase urban biodiversity and create wildlife corridors in otherwise ‘grey’ landscapes. By planting resilient trees in rain gardens, we can also achieve urban cooling to combat rising summer temperatures. Nigel Dunnett’s ‘Grey to Green Scheme’ in Sheffield is a prime example of how impactful such measures can be within an inner city.
In praise of the gravel garden:
Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage in Dungeness, pictured above, proves that you can create a beautiful and sustainable garden in even the most barren landscape. Beth Chatto’s gravel garden experiment in a car park is now famous for never needing to be watered.
And yet, we often overlook gravel gardens in the gardening world in favour of other styles. This is a shame because gravel gardens can work at all scales and with any mix of plants. Herbs are suited to the conditions typical of a gravel garden. Herbs provide ingredients for cooking and fill the garden with their scent.
Texture also adds to the impact of a gravel garden, with silver-leafed plants automatically creating a more Mediterranean feel. Leaf colour, texture and form are important in creating the desired look for the overall garden and help create a rich plant tapestry. People often perceive gravel gardens as being barren, dull landscapes with sparse planting that does not provide much colour. On the contrary, you can create the same beauty as a traditional garden full of perennials, with the added benefit of considerably less maintenance.
Beth Chatto's tribute garden at the 2019 RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival showcased an abundance of colour, texture and form. Many of the plants were drought-tolerant species, whilst others are able to adapt to prolonged dry spells. These qualities proved invaluable when the garden stood unwatered and glorious for two months during a heatwave. At its heart was Beth Chatto's vision for a sustainable garden: 'right plant, right place.'
As the climate changes, we will have no choice but to change with it. This doesn't mean totally abandoning the English garden style, but rather adapting and evolving it.
About Nicholsons
Nicholsons provides a range of professional services, including garden design, garden construction, garden maintenance, forestry and agriculture. They are based on a 23-acre site in North Aston, and also offer retail services including Rosara Outdoor Style and their Plant Centre.
A skilled garden designer can help sculpt your preferred ingredients into a cohesive garden design. This will deliver more useable space and give your garden a sense of purpose.
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