With climate change, flooding has become an increasingly common challenge, particularly in floodplain areas of the UK. As water levels rise, many of you face the risk of seeing your beloved gardens submerged and destroyed. But fear not, it is possible to create a beautiful garden resilient to floods.
This guide will give you the insight, tips and tools needed to design, create and maintain a garden that can withstand the whims of weather, particularly flooding. You will learn about the best types of plants to use, the importance of soil and drainage, and how to incorporate these elements into your garden’s design.
Understanding Floodplains
Before diving into the design aspects, it’s crucial to understand the nature of floodplains. These are low-lying areas adjacent to rivers, prone to flooding. They are characterised by their fertile soil, which can make them ideal locations for planting.
However, the risk of flooding in these areas necessitates smart design. This is where landscape architects, with their extensive knowledge of urban and rural planning, come in. They incorporate the flood risk into the design, ensuring the garden is not only beautiful but also resilient.
Choosing the Right Plants
When creating a flood-resistant garden, the selection of plants is fundamental. Certain species are more flood-resistant than others, having adapted to thrive in waterlogged conditions.
These plants can tolerate being submerged for a period and will bounce back once the water recedes. Examples include marsh marigold, willow, and various types of reeds and grasses.
However, it’s not all about picking water-loving plants. You also need to consider the overall design and aesthetic of your garden. This is where a landscape architect can help in guiding your plant selection to achieve beauty, functionality, and resilience in your garden.
Designing for Drainage
Proper drainage is a crucial aspect of flood-resistant garden design. It allows water to flow away from your garden instead of pooling in one area, reducing the risk of water damage.
The type of soil in your garden plays a key role in drainage. Sandy soils, for example, drain water more quickly than clay soils. You may need to amend your soil if it doesn’t drain effectively.
Raised beds can also help to improve drainage, keeping your plants elevated above the water level in case of a flood. Other drainage-enhancing features include gravel pathways and permeable paving.
Incorporating Wood in Your Design
Wood can be a valuable element in your flood-resistant garden design. Not only can it add a beautiful aesthetic touch, but certain types of wood can also withstand water damage.
Consider incorporating features such as raised wooden walkways or decks. These provide a practical way to navigate your garden without damaging the plants, even during a flood. Wood such as cedar or redwood is ideal due to their resistance to rot and decay.
Remember, though, that any wood used in your garden will need to be treated and maintained to ensure it remains resilient in the face of flooding.
Engaging Expert Help
Creating a flood-resistant garden can seem challenging. However, with the right knowledge and planning, it is entirely possible. If you’re unsure where to start, consider seeking the help of a landscape architect. These professionals can provide valuable insights and advice tailored to your specific garden and flood risk.
They can assess the area, taking into consideration factors such as soil type, drainage, and the risk of flooding. From there, they will help you create a garden design that not only meets your aesthetic desires but also offers the best chance of weathering any future floods.
Designing a flood-resistant garden in a floodplain area doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty. With smart design, the right plants, and good drainage, you can create a garden that is both stunning and resilient.
Case Studies of Flood-Resistant Gardens
There are numerous case studies of flood-resistant gardens in the UK, which can serve as inspiration for your own project. One of the best examples is the Bog Garden at Westbury Court in Gloucestershire. This garden, designed in the 17th century, was built on a floodplain and used the regular flooding of the area to maintain a lush and diverse range of plant life.
Flood-tolerant plants are the stars of this garden. Plants like the water iris and marsh marigold, which thrive in waterlogged conditions, are abundant here. The garden also uses clever design features, like raised pathways and strategically placed trees, to manage flood waters and minimise damage.
A more modern example is Eden Project in Cornwall, which was designed by a team of landscape architects to be both stunning and resilient. The project uses bioengineering techniques to manage water flow and improve water quality. It is also home to a wide variety of flood-resistant plants, showcasing the diverse range of species that can thrive in such conditions.
These case studies illustrate that it is entirely possible to design a garden that is both beautiful and flood-resistant. By cleverly incorporating elements of landscape architecture and urban design, along with the right selection of plants, you can create a garden that is resilient to floods.
The Role of Environment Agency and Design Studios
Professional help is essential when designing a flood-resistant garden, especially in floodplain areas. The Environment Agency can provide crucial information about flood risks in your area, and guide you on how to manage these risks.
They can also help you understand the local climate and how it impacts your garden. Climate change has made flooding more unpredictable, and it’s crucial to take this into account when planning your garden design.
Design studios and landscape architects are also key resources. They can provide expert guidance on the best plants to use, optimal placement of features to support drainage, and how to create a beautiful, cohesive design that incorporates flood resilience.
Studios like Naomi Slade’s Design Studio specialise in creating gardens that are not only resilient in the face of flooding but also support local ecosystem services. It’s about creating a space that is not only personally enjoyable, but also contributes positively to the local environment and urban areas.
Conclusion
Designing a flood-resistant garden in a UK floodplain area may seem like a daunting task, but it’s entirely achievable with the right planning, design and expert help. By understanding your flood risk, choosing the right plants, designing for drainage, incorporating resilient materials like wood, and engaging expert help from landscape architects and agencies, you can create a garden that is beautiful, functional, and resilient.
Remember, your garden is more than just a personal space; it’s part of the broader ecosystem. A well-designed, flood-resistant garden can provide valuable ecosystem services and contribute to the overall resilience of urban areas in the face of climate change.
In the end, the goal is to create a space that you can enjoy, regardless of the whims of the weather. So don’t let the risk of flooding discourage you. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can create a garden that is truly stunning and resilient, a haven in the face of any future flood water.
