RHS unveils drought plan to protect five public gardens

The Royal Horticultural Society says it will prioritise investment in water capture and management across its five public gardens in 2026 after severe droughts last year, and will carry out research on soil health and plant water use.

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced a new water-focused plan for its five public gardens following severe droughts last year. The charity says it will make water capture and management its top investment priority in 2026. It will also review how water is allocated across its sites and expand research into soil health and plant water use. The announcement signals a shift toward adapting garden operations to increasingly erratic weather. Key facts: - The RHS operates five public gardens: Wisley, Hyde Hall, Rosemoor, Harlow Carr and Bridgewater. - The charity will prioritise spending on water capture and management projects in 2026 after last year’s severe droughts. - The RHS is reviewing where and how to allocate limited water supplies across its gardens. - It plans research on soil health and to quantify water use by different plants and landscape types. - The charity is also exploring the use of more grey-water and has urged gardeners to prepare for heavier rain this winter and spring. Summary: The RHS’s plan refocuses its resources on collecting, storing and managing water and on better understanding plant and landscape water needs. Investments and research are set to proceed through 2026 as the organisation reviews water allocation across its sites.