Using Water Wisely in Your Garden

Gardens are great for enjoying the outdoors at home, but keeping them green can have serious implications for nature. Our precious local chalk streams are among the many habitats affected by our rising water use. As the weather grows warmer, and many of us reach for the garden hose, could we be using water more wisely?

In this online talk, we’ll explore how gardens are pieces in a larger environmental puzzle and share simple ways to keep the tap turned off. Learn how to get the most out of rainfall, which plants to choose, and how to care for them without wasting water. Join us to hear how your choices can help protect wildlife in Hampshire and beyond.

Our first speaker, Janet Manning, has worked both ends of the hose as a water scientist in a water company and as a production nursery horticulturist. She recently completed a knowledge transfer partnership between the RHS and Cranfield University, which explored ways to help gardeners use water more sustainably.

Our second speaker, Vicky, has enjoyed a 22-year career with the RSPCA as a wildlife rehabilitator. Looking after sick and injured animals, undertaking garden surveys, and releasing species back into the wild has given her a unique insight into wildlife habitats that can be replicated in gardens.

This event is part of Watercress and Winterbournes, a Landscape Partnership Scheme that is protecting, enhancing, and celebrating seven local chalk streams – learn more.