Who remembers when the phrase ‘The Great British Summer’ was basically shorthand for five-minute of sunshine, bookended with heavy downpours? Well it's not any more. 2026 saw months of record temperatures and weeks without rain, leaving our garden shrubs one pair of dungarees away from being mistaken for scarecrows. And the likelihood is that these weather patterns are here to stay.
So how do you prevent your once verdant green haven from turning into a dried-out disaster area? By employing some water-saving garden design, that's how.
We've asked garden and plant experts what they'd do to create drought-tolerant flowerbeds and planters, and for clever landscaping tips that use what little water there is to best effect, without waste.
11 water-saving garden design ideas
1. Harvest water with rain chains
A good start is to make use of what water there is available through rainwater harvesting. "Plants actually prefer to 'drink' rainwater as it does not contain unwanted chemicals and minerals like calcium and fluoride," says David Nicholson of sustainable plant pot company, Elho.
Rain barrels and water butts are a great way of harvesting rainwater for the garden, and many – like the recycled plastic Elho Green Basics Rain Catcher, £72.50, – can easily be installed to drains and downpipes.
But for a more decorative option, consider using rain chains. "These guide water from the gutter into storage tanks of your choosing," says Victoria Parkinson, garden expert at Arctic Cabins. "These tanks can even double as ornamental ponds. Some modern tanks even feature smart technology that can be programmed to release water before a downpour, making the ground more absorbent and freeing up capacity to capture more rain.”
Designed by Belderbos Landscapes, in association with Water Artisans, the garden sanctuary shown below featured at RHS Chelsea Flower Show back in 2024, and does exactly that. Rain chains are a central part of the design, collecting rainwater and directing it into galvanised metal reservoirs that serve as both ornamental ponds and water storage. When needed, the tanks can be emptied to irrigate the surrounding plants.
Shop decorative rain chains
This rusty rain chain is made from durable steel, yet its weathered appearance is perfect for more traditional gardens. It comes in a number of different lengths.
This 2.59m copper-plated chain features a series of cups that are designed to collect and cascade more rain as it falls. Pop a pretty watering below it for easy harvesting.
Supplied by the metre, this chain is pricier, but is made from durable 316 marine-grade stainless steel. Choose it if you want something tough and contemporary.
2. Install an attenuation pond
In gardens starved of water, adding a water source makes a lot of sense. But while conventional garden pond ideas will naturally store rainwater for use in dry periods, specialist pond designer Michael Wheat says an attenuation pond is a better solution.
"An attenuation pond can be specifically designed to capture rainwater from roofs, patios and other hard surfaces, rather than allowing that water to disappear into the drainage system," he explains. "It means the pond isn’t simply an attractive feature – it's a reservoir in the garden that can help manage rainfall, reduce pressure on drainage and keep useful water on the property."
But won't a pond lose water through evaporation during hot, dry spells? "Yes," admits Michael, "but a properly designed pond contains a substantial volume of water and won't simply dry out." Good design can also reduce unnecessary water loss. "Planting and areas of shade can help, and collecting rainwater from roofs and buildings provides a much more sustainable way of replenishing a pond when rainfall returns," he says.
Cost-wise, Michael says a small DIY wildlife pond will cost hundreds but no more than a few thousand pounds.
"At the other end of the scale, professionally designed landscape and swimming ponds are significant constructions," he tells us. "The excavation, drainage, structural work, specialist waterproofing, filtration, planting, electrics, landscaping and sometimes heating needed can total thousands to tens of thousands of pounds. Bespoke natural swimming ponds can comfortably run into six figures."
"The most important thing for homeowners is to establish what they want the pond to achieve first," Michael adds. "Is it primarily for wildlife, appearance, swimming, water storage or a combination of those things? Once that is clear, the design, size and budget can be built around it."
Michael's love for all things botanical started in 2003 when he started work at his dad's plant nursery. Within six months, he was drawing up plans for customers' gardens, and in 2005 took his first 'dip' into pond design. By 2010, it was time to leave the family business and focus exclusively on pond and garden design. More than a decade later, Michael and his team have designed and built hundreds of ponds.
3. Choose drought-tolerant plants
If you fear that warmer summers will turn your garden into a dull, desert-like space, welcome to the world of drought-tolerant plants. These beauties can withstand extended periods of heat and limited water supplies, yet still provide the bursts of colour we love.
"Choosing resilient plants that naturally thrive in drier conditions, such as Agave, Echinops and Eryngium, is a simple way to create a beautiful garden that requires less watering," says Charlotte McGrattan, Hardy Nursery Stock Buyer at Hillier Garden Centres. "Agave is an excellent option, storing water in its fleshy leaves and requiring very little maintenance, making it an ideal choice for those wanting a hassle-free garden with a hint of exotic charm."
Plant expert Sarah Raven suggests some of her favourite drought-tolerant varieties below. She's also a big fan of Limonium ‘Dazzle Rocks’ (£2.95 for 3 x 9cm pots, Sarah Raven): "They produce an array of stunning pink-purple flowers, which attract bees and butterflies into the whole garden through summer. Drought tolerant and heat resistant, this compact Limonium is actually small enough to thrive in a perennial pot or front of the border."
Sarah Raven's drought-tolerant plant picks
"The most floriferous of the compact lavenders, these beautiful purple-blue flowers are rich in pollen and nectar and loved by bees and butterflies. To suit its original climate of the Mediterranean, Lavandula is both heat and drought tolerant."
"Truly the perfect plant for lining paths and adding froth to flower beds. Place in full sunshine for flowers from June through to August. They are particularly drought tolerant so are really easy to maintain, though to protect from winter weather, mulch in autumn."
"Providing a stunning display of purple flowers at head height from late summer through to autumn, these Verbena are drought tolerant perennials so need little maintenance, but you should protect with a layer of leaf mould or compost mulch in autumn."
Charlotte is the Hardy Nursery Stock Buyer at Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres. The role involves ensuring that the garden centres are well stocked with the appropriate type and quantity of hardy plants for the relevant time of year.
Charlotte works very closely with Hillier’s own nursery as well as external nursery suppliers to ensure Hillier Garden Centres get the best plants in the right volumes when they need them.
Since the publication of her first book, ‘The Cutting Garden,’ Sarah Raven has led the way in introducing a new kind of productive gardening. Her popular gardening podcast ‘Grow, Cook, Eat, Arrange’ is continually #1 in the Apple Home & Garden chart. She’s published 15 books and runs sarahraven.com, an online gardening brand providing everything you need for a beautiful garden and a stylish home.
4. Surround water-hungry plants with shade planting
If you can't bear to give up your favourite needier blooms, one option is to protect them with the shade of other species. "How you arrange your planting can make just as much difference as what you plant," says Charlotte McGrattan. "Positioning taller shrubs and structural plants to cast light shade over lower-growing varieties helps keep the soil cooler, reduces evaporation and protects plants from the hottest part of the day."
For example, in the Gold Medal-winning Ecotherapy Garden exhibited at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2024, maple trees and multi-stemmed hawthorns cast afternoon shade over ferns, hostas, tiarella and other woodland plants, reducing their demand for water without compromising their growth.
Top tip: If you're planning to install extra trees as shade to protect other plants, choose younger saplings. Why? "A young tree will require less water than a mature one, and will catch up within 5-7 years, while making a healthier, more drought-tolerant specimen," advises garden designer Wendy Smith, AKA The Plantsmith.
Three of the best drought-tolerant trees
Dr Russell Sharp, founder of law and crop care company Eutrema, suggests three trees homeowners should consider if they want their garden to cope better with hotter, drier British summers:
1. Golden hop tree: "If you haven’t got a huge garden, golden hop tree, Ptelea trifoliata, ‘Aurea’, grows to roughly 2.5 to four metres and has lovely golden-green leaves, so you get plenty of colour without ending up with an enormous tree. I’d also consider it as a drought-tolerant alternative to common ash."
2. Strawberry tree: "Arbutus unedo, ‘Atlantic’, is a compact evergreen with white flowers, colourful fruit and attractive bark, so you get interest at different times of the year rather than just for a few weeks. It handles dry conditions well once settled in, and at around four metres it’s still a realistic option for plenty of ordinary gardens."
3. Whitebeam: "If you’ve got more room to play with, try Sorbus aria, ‘Lutescens’, or whitebeam. Its young leaves have a lovely silvery appearance that helps reflect strong sunlight, and you also get white flowers followed by red berries. It copes with dry conditions and urban pollution, which makes it a good option for a larger suburban garden."
Wendy is a garden designer, horticulturist, and hands on gardener with a lifelong pull towards the outdoors. After graduating from Writtle College in 2007, she founded The PlantSmith and has grown the business through a practical, plant-led approach rooted in care and experience. Wendy designs gardens of all sizes, always with an eye on how they will live, change, and mature over time. She believes that thoughtful design only truly works when it is supported by knowledgeable, ongoing gardening.
5. Try planting into sand
A switch that may seem strange at first, but makes sense the more you think about it, is to swap soil for sand.
“Sand can be used as a planting medium, as we’re seeing in some gardens by designers including Tom Stuart-Smith (see the Plant Library, below) and at places such as Knepp and Beth Chatto’s garden," explains Wendy Smith. "The idea is to plant bare-root plants or small 9cm pots into around 20cm of sharp sand. It creates tougher growing conditions, which encourages plants to develop deeper roots."
"They may be slower to get going initially, but in the long term you can end up with tougher, more climate-resistant plants that are better able to cope with dry conditions. It’s a really interesting approach if you want a garden that can thrive with less watering.”
But what plants are most likely to survive in these sandy conditions? "Look to nature, and hotter countries in the Mediterranean. Ask yourself what thrives there? Lavender, salvia, rosemary and grasses are all a good start," says Wendy.
6. Add garden structures
"A little shade goes a long way, which we don't always appreciate until experiencing extreme heat," says Wendy Smith. "In the past, clients would often ask for sunny patios, but as summers become hotter and we become more conscious of water use, creating shaded outdoor spaces is increasingly important."
While Wendy is a big fan of using stylish umbrella trees to create protection, she isn't averse to using manmade structures in her designs, too. "Pergolas and gazebos are a great instant way to introduce shade, and they can be particularly useful for creating cooler areas without relying on water-hungry planting," she says.
Shop shade-giving structures
This 3m x 3m x 2m gazebo made from fir wood can be used to train climbing vines for shade. It comes varnished with L-shaped metal foot plates and expansion screws for stability in up to level 7 winds.
This steel arch comes in a ready-to-rust bare metal finish so it will quickly look like a classic. Train plants around it and the use it to shelter more delicate species.
Use this weatherproof rectangular sun sail as permanent protection from direct sunlight and UV radiation. Potted plants and patio beds will thank you for it.
7. Swap all-over paving for gravel and planting
If you’re looking for ways to make your garden more drought-tolerant, you might think that introducing lots of paving and ditching the majority of plants makes sense, but not having anywhere for precious water to run off could cause structural issues to your home, and doesn't make the best of the water that is available.
Instead, Wendy Smith prefers to use some paving with gravel. "Leaving gaps between pavers and creating little planting pockets can make a surprisingly big difference. You could even plant something like creeping thyme through a gravel path," she says. "Gravel and natural stone allow rainwater to soak into the ground rather than simply running off a hard surface, while planting helps to soften the look of a patio or front garden."
"I walk past so many front gardens, especially, which are completely block paved or concreted," she adds. "Just leaving a little space for plants can transform the whole frontage of a house, adding life and energy – chi, if you will.”
8. Lawns aren't off limits
Gravel isn't for everyone, and you might not want to give up on grass so easily. If that's the case, there are plenty of lawn care tips that will keep it in shape.
Established lawns are surprisingly resilient, so they’ll bounce back when the rain returns. “Brown patches, slower growth and dry, compacted soil are all common after a heatwave, but most lawns will bounce back with the right care," says Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra. "If some areas are still brown, don't be too quick to replace them. Grass often enters a dormant state during prolonged heat and, given time and the right conditions, many lawns will recover naturally over the coming weeks."
During a heatwave, avoid watering the lawn little and often, as this can encourage shallow rooting and leave turf more vulnerable to drying out. Instead, aim to water thoroughly and less frequently to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil, where moisture remains available for longer.
Once the temperature drops, be gentle and resume mowing gradually rather than shocking the lawn with a heavy cut. "As growth returns, regular mowing at a raised height will encourage the lawn to thicken up while allowing the grass to rebuild its strength," says Peter.
“Looking ahead, adopting drought-resistant mowing practices can help your lawn cope better with future periods of extreme weather," says Peter. "Mowing little and often, keeping mower blades sharp, and avoiding cutting the grass too short all help to reduce stress and improve drought tolerance. Leaving the grass slightly longer during warm weather also shades the soil, slowing evaporation and helping retain valuable moisture."
Peter is the managing director of Cobra, one of the UK's leading brands of garden machinery, and Henton & Chattell, one of the largest garden machinery distributors in the country. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Peter is also a passionate enthusiast when it comes to lawn care and seasonal gardening tasks.
9. Look at alternatives to traditional turf
Not everyone can bear the thought of looking at or fixing brown grass after a hot summer, but there alternatives. "If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even replace part of your lawn with low-water, alternatives like clover or creeping thyme, which stay green with far less effort," says Victoria Parkinson .
Another answer lies in eco-friendly garden ideas, and specifically wildflower meadows. "Most native wildflowers have evolved to cope with dry spells and drought once established, and still deliver an impressive display," says Dr Emily Attlee, a conservation scientist and co-founder of seed company Seedball. "Many store seeds beneath the soil, ready to regenerate when conditions improve. So, if you're looking to future-proof your garden, wildflowers are a smart, sustainable choice.”
Among Emily's top wildflower picks are Cornflowers and the not-to-be-confused Coneflower: "a feast for the eyes, easy to grow and adored by pollinators, Coneflowers are also tough, reliable perennials that return year after year," she says. Musk Mallow is another favourite. "With its soft pink blooms and classic cottage garden appeal, musk mallow is both hardy and low maintenance. It tolerates drought well, disappears in autumn, and returns reliably each spring, making it a wildlife-friendly favourite."
Dr Emily Attlee is a conservation scientist, and along with her partner Dr Ana Attlee, founded Seedball, a multiple-award-winning, not-for-profit organisation. Ana and Emily’s mission is to help increase the abundance of British wildflowers and wildlife that depend upon them by encouraging people to maximise the outdoor space available to them and scattering seed balls of native flowers.
10. Improve soil health
The next effective ways to create a water-wise garden is to focus on improving the soil rather than simply watering more.
"Healthy soil that's rich in organic matter – such as well-rotted farmyard manure – acts like a sponge, absorbing rainfall when it arrives and holding onto moisture for much longer," explains Matt J Adams, founder of The Relentless Gardener. "This means plants have access to water over an extended period, reducing the need for frequent watering during dry spells while also encouraging stronger, deeper root systems that are naturally more drought-tolerant."
"Products such as Blooms Booster feed plants while improving the soil's ability to retain moisture due its 25% liquid seaweed content. It can also be used on lawns to further significantly reduce summer watering, helping create healthier, more drought-resilient gardens without relying on the hose."
Matt is both the founder and lead gardener at The Relentless Gardener, a specialist grass seed and plant feed company on a mission to make garden care easy and convenient for everyone in the UK.
Shop resilience-building plant feeds
Recommended by Matt, this feed can be used on every plant in your garden up to an area of 100 sq m. Use it once a month between March and October to turn tired soil into nutritious compost, reducing the need to water or mulch.
This vegetable feed combines nutrition with natural seaweed extract, supporting both plant growth and resilience, for more productive harvests, and plants that are less vulnerable to drought and disease.
Once the worst of the hot weather has passed and the rain returns, applying a quality slow-Nitrogen-releasing lawn fertiliser like this can help replenish essential nutrients and encourage lush, healthy growth.
11. Incorporate mulch
According to Michael Wheat, mulching is the single highest-impact water-retention technique you can try in a garden – whether around your pond or otherwise. "Adding a top cover bark or composted material around plant roots reduces surface evaporation significantly, particularly on free-draining soils during dry spells," he says.
Sam Proctor, founder of Chiltern Garden Design, agrees. "Apply a thick layer of mulch around your plants, but keep it away from any woody stems to prevent them rotting," he advises. "This will help to keep moisture in the soil and enhance the soil’s texture as it slowly breaks down."
Michael recommends applying a 7-10cm deep layer in early spring before the ground dries out. And Victoria Parkinson also warns: “Choose your mulch wisely, as the type of mulch you use makes a big difference. For the best water-saving results, use a pale-coloured, large-particle mulch like sheep’s wool, straw, or chopped herbaceous stems."
"These reflect heat, insulate roots and allow water to drain straight through to the root zone," she says. "Dark, finely divided compost can actually encourage surface roots and increase water loss through evaporation."
Q&A
What can I do to protect plants in a heatwave?
When the thermostat starts to rise, David Glass, Head Gardener at Bowood House & Gardens, advises you take the following actions:
1. Move your potted plants
“During the middle of a hot spell, give your potted plants a break from the heat by moving them to a slightly shadier spot," says David. "Positioning pots in a cooler spot helps the soil hold on to moisture for longer and protects your plants from drying out too quickly."
2. Water at the right time
"I always recommend watering during the coolest parts of the day, either first thing in the morning or in the evening," says Peter. "This gives the water more time to soak into the soil and avoids it evaporating in the sun. If you water during the hottest parts of the day, most of the moisture disappears before it even reaches the roots. Also, established plants usually don’t need as much water as you think and overwatering can actually do more harm than good," he adds. "Water less often, but thoroughly, to encourage the roots to go deeper into the soil, making the plant stronger and more drought-tolerant in the long run."
3. Do some weeding
You might prefer to be soaking up the rays on a sun lounger, but donning your gardening gloves and doing a bit of maintenance could be worth the sweat and tears. "Weeds are surprisingly thirsty, so keep your borders weed-free and make sure the water you do use goes to the right plants," says Peter. "It’s a simple job that makes a real difference, especially when water is scarce."
4. Use water-retaining crystals in containers
“For baskets and containers, I suggest mixing water-retaining gel into the compost," says Peter. "The granules absorb water and release it slowly, which means plants stay hydrated for longer and don’t need to be watered as frequently."
Feeling more reassured you can save your garden, or even incorporate many of these ideas into your next garden design? You can also find more inspiration in these Mediterranean garden ideas which are designed for warmer climates, along with garden sunshade ideas to help you keep warm while you're outside enjoying your new space.
