Community Garden Week is all about celebrating shared green spaces, bringing people together, and embracing sustainable gardening. Across the UK, community gardens play a vital role in creating greener spaces. They improve biodiversity, and help people connect with nature. Whether you’re part of a local gardening group or looking to get involved, it’s the perfect time to explore how we can all garden more sustainably.
Why water-saving matters in community gardens
Gardens are an important part of our environment, but they can be water-intensive, especially in the warmer months. By making small changes, community gardeners can help reduce water waste. They can also keep plants healthy, and ensure these green spaces thrive for years to come.
Top water-saving tips for community gardens
Plant smart
Choose plants for your garden that aren’t so thirsty. Drought-tolerant plants like English lavender and ‘Blue Spire’ thrive in hot and dry conditions, so don’t need to be watered as frequently. Native plants also help support local wildlife and adapt better to UK weather conditions.
Keep your plants cool by moving your potted plants into the shade to make sure less water is lost through evaporation.
Choose the type of pot carefully – ceramic, metal or wood pots lose less water.
Harvest rainwater
Many community gardens rely on rainwater collection — installing a water butt is a great way to store rainwater for use during drier periods. Collecting rainwater can save up to 50 litres for the garden.
If you haven’t already got one, you can purchase a water butt in partnership with SOLO and GMB group.
Use mulch to keep soil moist
Adding mulch, such as bark, straw, or compost, helps soil retain moisture, meaning you don’t need to water as often.
Water at the right time
Watering early in the morning or late in the evening helps prevent evaporation. You can save 80 litres at a time by watering your plants with a watering can instead of a hose.
Fix leaky taps & hoses
A dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water each year. Regular checks can help conserve water and save money for community gardening projects.
Find a community garden near you
If you’re looking to get involved in a local gardening project, there are many community gardens across the UK where you can volunteer, learn new skills, and help create greener spaces.
For those near Iver Environment Centre, our water-saving garden, originally showcased at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, offers inspiration on how to create a sustainable, low-water garden.
Get involved!
Community Garden Week is a great time to make small changes that have a big impact. Share your own water-saving tips with us on social media using #SaveOurStreams and tag us in your garden photos!
By working together, we can create greener, healthier spaces while protecting our precious water resources – one drop at a time! 🌍💚