Chelsea garden reimagined as a flood resilience campaign
Sponsored by Flood Re, the garden reimagines the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Flood Resilient Garden as a joint initiative with the UK government that provides a blueprint for how outdoor spaces can help reduce flooding risks.
Flood Re: The Flood Resilient Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. Credit: RHS/Sarah Cuttle
The original silver-medal winning garden was designed by Dr Ed Barsley and Naomi Slade, built by Belderbos Landscapes.
Newly relocated to Howbery park in Oxfordshire, the garden has since been transformed with additional landscaping and planting design by Barsley and Belderbos Landscapes.
Built using specialist plaster, raised eclectic sockets and tiled floors, the intention of the space is to show a combination of functionality and aesthetics in garden design.
The new pond also acts as a sump to collect water and slowly allow it to drain away, while a smart rainwater tank allows remote drain down ahead of predicted rainfall.
Dr Barsley reflects on RHS Chelsea:
“The original garden at the RHS Chelsea was a magical moment. In reimagining it for a permanent setting, we’ve worked hard to ensure it can endure and thrive for decades to come.”
The garden also supports the Build Back Better scheme, which enables policyholders to receive up to £10k towards the installation of flood resilient measures.