Your garden is doing more than you think.

In the conversation about climate change, it’s easy to feel like the small decisions don’t matter. But they do — especially when it comes to gardens.

Private gardens make up nearly a quarter of urban land in the UK. That’s not just a statistic — it’s a quiet opportunity. One that’s right outside your door.

Here’s how your garden can pull more weight — without shouting for attention.

1. More plants, less bare ground

Plants absorb carbon through their leaves, roots and stems. Shrubs, trees and layered planting do this especially well. But even a modest border or a few well-placed pots contribute more than you might think. The key is to keep soil covered, avoid over-clearing, and think in layers — roots, groundcover, structure.

2. Shade and moisture in a heat-prone world

Towns and Cities heat up faster than rural areas. That’s partly down to paving, concrete, and lack of vegetation. Well-planted gardens — even small ones — offer shade, cool the air, and reduce the need for mechanical heating or cooling. Green roofs and climbers near buildings can lower local temperatures by several degrees.

3. Space for nature to get a foothold

British gardens cover more than 2,000 square miles. That’s a lifeline for wildlife. A pond, a patch of long grass, or some nectar-rich planting can provide food, shelter and connection. It doesn’t need to be wild or messy — just intentional.

4. Smarter ways with water

Climate change doesn’t just mean hotter summers. It means extremes — droughts and downpours. Collecting rainwater, improving soil structure, and choosing resilient plants can help your garden handle both. Permeable surfaces, mulch, and considered planting all make a measurable difference.

5. How you garden matters too

Peat-free compost, less machinery, more composting, better plant choices — it all adds up. A few shifts in how you garden can lower emissions, increase carbon storage, and make your space more resilient in the long run.

What this really means

You don’t need a meadow or a masterplan to make an impact. You just need to make a start.

Because when enough people take small, thoughtful actions, they become something bigger. And the good news? A garden that works for the climate usually works better for you too — more shade, more interest, less stress.

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing something, and doing it well.

Corsten Steel Water Feature with planting and turf lawn

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