Water is a precious resource locally and globally, and the south east of the UK is classed as water stressed. Cambridge receives an annual average of only 557 mm of rainfall per year, with its climate classified as ‘semi-arid’, so the plants in the Dry Garden have been selected for their ability to survive in low rainfall. The plants selected show that gardens can be beautiful, without the need for additional watering.
Daniel Clark, water resources and environment manager at Cambridge Water, said:
“The Dry Garden is a beautiful place, which shows that you don’t need lots of garden watering or to use a hosepipe, to have a beautiful garden, especially when a hose or sprinkler uses enough water to fill twelve baths every hour.
We’re happy to sponsor the Dry Garden and ensure that it remains a wonderful place to visit, as well as serving as an example of how drought-resistant plants can be used to achieve a colourful garden, while using water-wisely.
Saving water is vital, so that future generations will have enough to go round and we can continue to protect our environment, including our precious chalk streams. We are committed to playing our part, by reducing leakage and renewing our network of pipes. We also want to show our customers that by making small changes, everyone can make a big difference.
I’d encourage everyone to visit the Dry Garden and see it for themselves.”
We’re happy to sponsor the Dry Garden and ensure that it remains a wonderful place to visit, as well as serving as an example of how drought-resistant plants can be used to achieve a colourful garden, while using water-wisely.
Sally Petitt, Head of Horticulture, at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, said:
“This sponsorship, by Cambridge Water, is a huge help to us. It means our horticultural team will be able to keep the dry garden up to date and fresh, and continue to inspire gardeners about the use of drought-resistant plants.”
