Bewl Water reservoir reached its lowest levels in autumn this year

Decking was installed this year and the ground levelled on the seafront site in Worthing with planting set for 2006.

Southern Water, which supplies water in Kent and Sussex, is creating the garden with Worthing council. It hopes people will try similar ideas at home.

The whole of the South East has been affected by a drought this year after several months of low rainfall.

We are forecasting that 50% more rain than normal is needed this winter to allow resources to recover David Williams, Southern Water

Hosepipe bans imposed in the summer remain in place across the region.

The site opposite Marine Gardens, designed by a gardening expert, is to be made up of locally-sourced plants which need no water other than rain to survive.

The garden will also have information boards explaining why water-saving measures are necessary.

Southern Water spokesman David Williams said: "We are forecasting that 50% more rain than normal is needed this winter to allow resources to recover, because we are still experiencing the worst drought since 1976.

Driftwood designs

"This garden has been designed to show residents and visitors the importance of conserving water and to encourage them to try this type of planting at home."

One of the South East's most well-known shingle gardens was created by film-maker Derek Jarman at Prospect Cottage, a fisherman's house in Dungeness, Kent.

The avant-garde artist created the garden from driftwood, beach pebbles, old fishing tackle, broken garden tools, pieces of twisted metal, shells, stones and plants that could survive the wind and salt spray.

Jarman - at first a relatively inexperienced gardener - wrote about the creation of the garden in his diaries and used it in his films.