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We all need to be responsible when it come to water usage. The UK is not immune to water shortage – in fact, according to the Environment Agency, many parts of England including Suffolk, Sussex, and Cambridgeshire are already experiencing water shortages.
Gardens can require a lot of water, but water conservation and a lush looking garden are manageable with some useful tips and guidance.
There are many ways you can try to reduce the amount of fresh water required to maintain healthy garden. If residents can be mindful of their water usage in well-supplied areas like Surrey, it can help alleviate overall water shortages. Water is a finite resource, and we all need to do our part to conserve this precious resource for the future. Being mindful of water usage for gardening and creating a water-wise garden can be an efficient way to save water at home, and it will bring extra benefits including:
Saving money on your water bill.
Saving your time and energy by creating a low-maintenance garden that requires less water.
Contributing to local and global resource conservation.
Contributing to flood management by slowing the flow of water to drains.
Forget the hose, water with a watering can to only apply water where needed. No more slippery patios or wet grass!
Rainwater harvesting: Water your plants with excess rainwater collected in pots or a water-butt, so simple!
Water wisely! Water your plants during the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation, therefore using less water overall.
Create a water-wise garden by choosing low-water plants like succulents and lavender. These require less water from you and can be sustained by the rain.
Plant smart: Group together plants by water needs, have a zone for self-sufficient plants and a separate for ones that need care and attention. Ensure you're watering the right ones at the right time!
Protecting nature and wildlife ranks as the number one priority for UK residents when asked about policies to tackle climate change and environmental degradation. In Surrey, 11% of our native species have gone extinct in the last few decades, so it's important that we don't just rely on government policy, but that we take collective actions to reverse nature loss.
Read more about making use of your garden
You might have come here to find out how to throw away your garden waste - but did you know you can make useful resources out of your green waste? Instead of chucking your green waste, why not try turning it into compost instead?
Read more about garden waste
What's our planet's most efficient natural method of storing carbon? You might be thinking forests - maybe the Amazon? While the ocean and the forests are our largest 'carbon sink', peatlands are another important natural carbon sink.
Read more about good compost
Getting your hands dirty in nature is a proven recipe for uplifting your mood. You can create a beautiful garden at your doorstep but another popular way of doing this is to join a local community garden.
Read more about joining a community garden
Gardening has been enjoyed throughout history as a way to create beautiful spaces for people while looking after nature.
Read more about looking after your garden
We need to protect and restore around 50,000 hectares of newly identified land in Surrey to do our bit for the national picture - not easy when lots of Surrey already has protection of some kind.
Read more about supporting wildlife through gardening
We all want to protect rare and special places across Surrey - from our ancient yew trees, to bluebell woods, the treasured National Landscape, and even a hidden waterfall!
READ MORE..
Reap the benefits of nature based solutions on your land to help reduce flood risk, support nature, and access grants
Read more about managing your land for nature