Southern Water has created a series of Drought Tolerant and Water Efficient Gardens in public places to show visitors how drought tolerant species can look attractive but are low maintenance and require no extra watering.
A glorious herb garden on the Isle of Wight was opened in 2007.
The attraction at Ventnor Botanic Garden displays a range of culinary, medicinal and perfumery plants, as well as a range of plants which have had prominence in pharmaceutical research and or folkloric herbal remedies.
The garden is not static and year on year a variety of plants will be displayed thus making it worth repeat visits.
Our latest dry ‘Sea Garden’ is situated on the seafront at Ramsgate. The Sea Garden is situated on the old boating pool and is located beneath the chalk cliffs which provide a rare habitat for plants and wildlife. Created by local artist Ruth Cutler in 2008, the garden has many drought tolerant coastal plants that are able to withstand both the coastal wind and harsh dry environment of a chalky soil.
In Horsham, West Sussex, a beautiful garden centered round a sculpted totem pole has been created in conjunction with Horsham District Council, in the town's main park next to a children's playground. The totem pole shows a happy face on one side - the careful use of water - and a sad face on the other - wasting water.
At the RSPB Reserve at Pulborough Brooks visitors will find a dry garden designed by horticulturist John Marder next to the children's playground.
In Crawley town centre, in West Sussex, next to the main shopping centre, a water efficient garden has been developed at the Memorial Gardens, which is popular with office workers and residents, in conjunction with Crawley Borough Council.
At Testwood Lakes, near Southampton, John Marder has again created a flourishing garden outside the visitor centre which is managed by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
On Worthing seafront, in West Sussex, we have worked with the borough council to develop an attractive amenity for visitors and residents - our most ambitious garden to date at 100 metres by 20 metres with local schools involved in the planting.
All our water efficient gardens have information boards explaining how the gardens were made and identifying the plants.
To choose water efficient plants for your garden use our interactive plant guide.
