At this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we’re expecting to see three main trends :
1. Restorative gardens
We know that gardening itself is great for physical and mental wellbeing, but having an area of the garden to simply sit and relax, can help the mind rejuvenate and feel better by being in harmony with nature. The perfect plants for this type of garden are sensory, i.e, those that have a pleasant scent, colour, sound or feel.
2. Gardens for wildlife
It is possible to create a garden that we can enjoy alongside supporting wildlife. As well as introducing features such as nest boxes, bird feeders, wildlife houses, and a pond or bird bath, there are also many plants that can add benefit to wildlife in the garden. There are flowers for pollinators, berries for birds to feed on and dense shrubs and grasses to provide shelter and nesting materials for insects, small mammals and birds.
3. Sustainably created gardens
Most of us have become more eco-conscious and are actively looking for ways to become more sustainable in the garden. Our ‘Plant Hope’ campaign encourages our customers to find little ways to be more sustainable for example setting up a water-butt and using drought tolerant plants is a great way to save water.
As much as it would be wonderful to have areas set aside for all three types of gardens, many of us simply don’t have the room. But how about carefully choosing plants that are each restorative, wildlife friendly and sustainable to create a container, bed or border that covers all three trends?
Our Top Five Plants
Here are our top five drought tolerant plants* that are also sensory and great for wildlife :
Lavender – much loved by bees, this plant is known for its relaxing aromas.
Scabious – the flat-headed flowers provide the perfect landing spot for pollinators. They make super cut flowers, bringing the outside in, and can withstand drought.
Festuca – A tranquil coloured grass with dense foilage providing shelter for wildlife and nesting material for birds. The wind gently rustling through this ornamental grass provides a calming sound.
Rosemary – a Mediterranean plant resilient to a dry environment. This plant has a beautiful sense activating aroma and delicate flowers popular with pollinators. It also has the benefit of being useful for cooking.
Thyme – similar to rosemary, another culinary compliment with tiny flowers for pollinators and a pleasant fragrance.
*Please note, plants need to have a well established root system before becoming drought tolerant. When newly planted, they will need watering regularly for the first few months.
