Research

Water-wise gardening

Dry summers, perhaps symptomatic of climate change, have brought the subject of water conservation to the fore. Although the impact of garden usage on water consumption is less than some other activities, it is clearly in everyone's interests to use water carefully and effectively.

The careful use of water in the garden is discussed in a Conservation and Environment Leaflet.
To view the leaflet click here

Mulching around plants helps to conserve water in the soil. It may also benefit plants to include water-retaining granules in compost when potting up.

Further reading

This is just one topic covered by the Society's monthly journal for members, The Garden, and recent articles of interest are listed below.

Dunnett, N & M Qasim. 1996, July. Adapting to drought. The Garden (RHS) 121(7): 418-420.

RHS Wisley Staff. 1997, July. Water-storing gels. The Garden (RHS) 122(5): 366-367.

Stebbings, G. 1998, March. A decade of drought? The Garden (RHS) 123(3): 162-165.

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