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Gardens Brace for Drought: Water Capture is Top Priority
24 Jan
Summary
- RHS will prioritize water capture and management in 2026.
- Gardeners are advised to prepare soil and install rain gardens.
- Research will explore grey-water use and soil health.
The RHS, a prominent environmental charity managing five public gardens in England, announced significant investment plans for 2026. Water capture and management projects will receive the highest priority, a direct response to severe droughts experienced last year. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the effects of increasingly unpredictable weather.
The charity is also issuing a call to action for the UK's 34 million gardeners. Home gardeners are encouraged to implement similar water-saving measures this winter and spring. Preparations include enhancing soil with techniques like hollow tining and chop-and-drop, constructing rain gardens, and installing rainwater storage systems.
Across its gardens in Surrey, Essex, Devon, North Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester, the RHS is re-evaluating water allocation and research. Studies on soil health and detailed quantification of water use for individual plants and entire landscapes are underway. Additionally, the exploration of using grey-water from domestic sources is a notable part of the plan.
