26 May 2024 , 16:38
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Visitors to Chelsea Flower Show are normally treated to colourful displays and striking structures. But last week they were greeted by something different – a garden highlighting the power of rainwater.
Award-winning designer Tom Massey and architect Je Ahn created the WaterAid garden to show how modern gardens are ill-prepared for the climate crisis, and to give advice on water pollution.
They used flood and drought-resilient plants, which can adapt to a changing climate to act like a sponge and slow the rate rain runs into sewers, where it can overwhelm capacity and lead to sewage discharge.
These include water violet, which can indicate whether water is clean or polluted, and alder trees, which can absorb nitrogen and toxic-heavy metals from the ground, improving soil health.
Garden designer Tom Massey (R) and Garden architect Je Ahn (L) (AFP via Getty Images)But the centrepiece was a beautiful rainwater-harvesting pavilion inspired by WaterAid’s work with communities around the world to develop sustainable water solutions.
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The feature, which included metal and timber decking, also allowed all water that falls on the garden to be stored and utilised, rather than flowing into drains.
Tom said: “In recent years, British horticulture has felt the effects of extreme weather, including heatwaves, drought and flooding.
“As our climate changes, water scarcity and insecurity is becoming more commonplace – here in the UK and around the world. We can all do things to help mitigate climate change, such as improving soil health, planting greenery to provide shade, and, most importantly, managing water sustainably.”
Tom says simple steps such as installing a water butt to gather
rainwater run-off from garden buildings or downpipes, is a must. Mulching is an efficient and cost-effective way to protect soil as the mulch layer creates a protective barrier helping insulate soil, sustain moisture and protect against erosion
Tim Wainwright, chief executive of WaterAid, called the garden a “thought-provoking way of celebrating our most precious resource – water – while also highlighting the need to adapt to the changing climate to ensure water keeps flowing, whatever the weather”.