Chelsea Flower Show to combat climate change

This year’s Chelsea Flower Show will showcase urban gardens that unlock the potential of green fingers to combat climate change.

Exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show from May 22-26, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and its Environment Section will focus on the science of ‘urban greening’ and how to counter the effects of climate change.

Gardeners will be shown how to help protect habitats and encourage biodiversity in urban areas, especially given the fact that more than 85% of the population lives in towns and cities. Domestic gardens play a significant part in positive environmental impact as they make up a large part of the urban landscape.

Experts from the RHS will be on hand to discuss planting techniques, fruit and veg growing, and how to make positive changes to green spaces that protect habitats and encourage biodiversity.

An array of exhibitors will highlight the benefits of urban greening to inspire sustainable gardening: the University of Leeds will show how to create an ecosystem-compatible garden; Knightsbridge School will encourage children to become involved with gardening; and the Royal College of Pathologists are developing a garden to help understand allergies.

The RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity and horticultural society, and to get millions involved in gardening through scientific research, publications and education and community programmes. The RHS website says, “Our mission is to be the leading organisation demonstrating excellence in horticulture and promoting gardening.

“To translate our vision into practice, and to enable us to deliver real public benefit, we have adopted a strategy setting out the actions we will be taking over the next three years.

“We have also adopted policies to enable us to share our beliefs with others.”

Urban gardens and allotments are becoming increasingly popular around the world, contributing to a more sustainable way of life. As previously reported by Blue & Green Tomorrow, the High Line situated on the western fringe of Manhattan, New York, is an elevated urban parkway that entwines nature and art.

In Blue & Green Tomorrow’s Rise of the Sustainable Home  report, the history of the urban garden from the First World War up until present day is explored.

Further reading:

Hosepipe ban announced for parts of England

High times, high lines