The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced a sweeping set of emergency measures designed to protect its iconic public gardens across England from the increasing threat of water scarcity driven by climate change. The move comes in response to extreme weather conditions last year, including the driest spring in 132 years and the hottest summer on record, which left significant parts of the country struggling under drought conditions and highlighted the urgent need for long-term adaptation strategies.
The RHS, the UK’s leading gardening charity which operates five major gardens — including Wisley in Surrey, Hyde Hall in Essex, Rosemoor in Devon, Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire and Bridgewater in Greater Manchester — said on Saturday that it will prioritise investment in water capture and management projects more than any other initiative in its 2026 planning cycle. These preparations are intended not only to safeguard the landscapes under its care but also to serve as a model for the millions of gardeners across the country.
According to the RHS, managing erratic rainfall and prolonged dry periods will require a fundamental shift in how gardens are designed and maintained. The organisation is encouraging gardeners to maximise rain capture and soil moisture retention in the coming winter and spring seasons, using techniques such as hollow tining, chop-and-drop, and mulching to enhance soil structure and reduce evaporation. The charity is also promoting the creation of rain gardens, the installation of rainwater storage facilities and strategic plant placement to make the most of limited water resources.
Central to the RHS plan is a comprehensive review of how water is allocated across its gardens, ensuring that scarce supplies are used as efficiently as possible. Projects slated for implementation this year include expanding storage capacity in tanks and lakes, installing ebb-and-flow benches in retail centres to reduce consumption, and developing additional rain garden installations to increase natural water retention. The charity also intends to deepen its research into soil health and water use, quantifying how different plant types and landscape features consume water so it can better predict demands under future climatic conditions.
In addition to these measures, the RHS plans to explore greater use of greywater — treated wastewater from sources such as showers, sinks and washing machines — as a supplementary irrigation resource. This reflects a broader shift in the organisation’s approach to climate change, moving from a primary focus on reducing emissions to emphasising adaptation and resilience in the face of mounting environmental stressors.
Tim Upson, the RHS’s director of horticulture, stressed the critical role of water in garden ecosystems, noting that it is integral not only to plant health but also to human wellbeing and wildlife support. He said that both professional and amateur gardeners must accept what he described as the “new normal,” where careful planning and proactive water management are essential. Upson also highlighted the delicate balance required in watering practices, pointing out that while reduced water usage can help build drought resilience in plants, too little water can weaken them and reduce their ability to flower, with knock-on effects for wildlife and visitors alike.
The RHS’s initiative underscores the growing recognition within the horticultural community that climate change is altering traditional gardening practices and that innovative, sustainable water management will be crucial for the future vitality of gardens across the UK.
