Sprinkle Chelsea
Whether it’s too much or not enough, mirror Chelsea with water conservation ideas
It’s the most prestigious celebration of gardening in the world, the place to see and be seen by everyone from the Royal Family to rock stars. But at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (May 21-25) in the grounds of London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea, it’s the fabulous gardens that take centre stage.
The highlight of the horticultural calendar sets the trends for the year ahead in the gardening world and beyond. Gemma Lake, the show manager, says 2024 will not only be a year of yet more brilliant design, it will be the greenest Chelsea yet, with the focus on sustainability in all the show gardens. So what can we expect to see at the show and how will it filter into our own plots?
Water
Our increasingly dry summers have led to a trend for drought-tolerant planting, with plenty of gravel gardens springing up in the past couple of years. But this year, Chelsea gardens are bucking that trend by reflecting how many parts of the UK still receive plenty of rainfall and, in some cases, suffer flooding.
In the National Autistic Society Garden, rainwater is channelled away from the main terrace via a 'waterfall roof' which feeds into a mossy dell. This can act as a swale during periods of high rainfall, holding rainwater until it can drain away into the subsoil. A wetland meadow embraces the watery landscape.
In our own gardens we can manage rainfall in creative ways using water butts, guttering and waterbowls. But in areas that are prone to waterlogging, putting the right plant in the right place is key. Try planting herbaceous perennials that can tolerate being wet. Iris pseudacorus, Carex pendula and Lobelia cardinalis are all fantastic. In areas that are prone to temporarily becoming waterlogged, there are plants that can survive both extremes. Shrubs such as Sambucus nigra cultivars, Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ and the wonderful Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ are perfect and prove you don’t need to compromise on drama as they all provide it in spades.
