RHS unveils plans to future-proof for drought

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has unveiled emergency plans to protect its gardens from future water shortages after severe drought conditions last year.

The charity said water capture and management will be its biggest area of investment in 2026, as scientists warn climate change is making weather patterns increasingly erratic.

Gardeners are being encouraged to take similar steps this winter and spring, using wetter periods to prepare for future dry spells.

Recommended steps include improving soil structure through hollow tining, mulching and "chop‑and‑drop", creating rain gardens, installing rainwater storage and reassessing whether plants are in the right location.

It comes as global warming increases volatility in the global water cycle, with the UK seeing more frequent years of below average rainfall and a higher risk of flooding.

Last year saw the driest spring in 132 years and the hottest summer since records began, pushing several parts of the UK into drought. Some areas were still recovering in January.

In preparation for the next drought, the RHS is reviewing how water is allocated across its five gardens: Wisley in Surrey, Hyde Hall in Essex, Rosemoor in Devon, Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, and Bridgewater in Greater Manchester.

Projects in 2026 will include increasing the storage of water in tanks and lakes, installing ebb and flow benches in its retail centres to reduce water use, and investing in rain garden installations.

The charity will also research soil health, continue measuring water use by individual plants and landscapes, and explore greater use of grey water from baths, showers, sinks and washing machines.

Tim Upson, RHS director of horticulture, said: "Water is the lifeblood of any garden - important not only to human health and wellbeing but the broader environment and wildlife.

"Like the UK's 34 million gardeners, we are having to adapt to the new normal; prioritising collection, storage and management of rainwater as well as relocating and reassessing our collections to future-proof them."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.