“Embrace the Bog: Designer at Chelsea Flower Show Encourages Gardeners to Embrace Record Rainfall”

With record rainfall causing boggy conditions in backyards across the country, gardeners are being encouraged to “embrace the bog” by designer Naomi Slade. At this week’s Chelsea Flower Show, Slade will unveil her Flood Resilient Garden, showcasing colorful flowers that thrive in wet conditions.

The unusually wet weather in recent months has impacted gardeners, nurseries, and growers alike. According to the Met Office, England saw a record amount of rainfall in the 18 months leading up to March, with 1,695.9mm of rain falling from October 2022 to March 2024.

Slade’s garden design demonstrates how a boggy area can be transformed into a vibrant and resilient space. By planting species that thrive in wet conditions, such as buttercups, ragged robin, and primula, gardeners can make the most of their waterlogged areas. Slade emphasizes the importance of embracing these conditions and selecting plants that can adapt to a wide range of moisture levels.

The Flood Resilient Garden features innovative design elements to manage floodwater effectively. Dense planting arrangements slow the flow of water, while an elevated mound provides a dry area for plants that prefer well-drained soil. A central swale channels rainwater into a feature pond, and large water tanks store water for later use. Smart technology drains the water butts ahead of heavy rainfall to prevent overflow.

By storing water in the garden, Slade explains that gardeners can help reduce the amount of runoff into drains, ultimately benefiting the wider environment. This practice can prevent sewage discharge into rivers during heavy rain events.

Slade discourages the use of paving stones in the garden, as they contribute to flooding by preventing water absorption into the soil. Instead, she recommends minimizing paved surfaces and incorporating permeable materials like gravel or stepping stones. By making space for water to infiltrate the soil, gardeners can create a more sustainable and accessible outdoor space.

As climate breakdown continues to impact weather patterns, Slade emphasizes the need for gardeners to adapt and embrace change. By planting climate-friendly gardens that are resilient to extreme weather, gardeners can make a positive impact on the environment and create dynamic, ever-evolving outdoor spaces.

Overall, Slade’s Flood Resilient Garden serves as a model for how gardeners can embrace boggy conditions, harness water as a feature, and create beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces in the face of changing climate patterns.