16/09/2026
At Chattowood, the landscaping requires no hosepipe!
We partnered with Beth Chatto's Gardens to do something different with our new-build developments. Instead of the mown grass and evergreen shrubs you see on new builds everywhere, we planted a drought resistant scheme inspired by their world famous Gravel Garden, which hasn't been watered once in over thirty years.
The secret is in the ground. Rather than nutrient rich topsoil, the plants grow in locally sourced sand and gravel. It dries to a crust that keeps weeds out while holding moisture deeper down. No feeding. No constant watering. No weeding. Just the right plants in the right place.
And it works! Even through record breaking hot and dry weather, the plants have thrived.
Additionally, recent surveys found 20x more pollinators here than in standard front gardens nearby, in every kind of weather.
No hosepipe. No fuss. Lower water use, less maintenance, and more life. This is how we think planting should be done.
With thanks to our partners at Beth Chatto's Gardens. Read the full story here: https://www.bethchatto.co.uk/discover/our-blog/guides/planting-at-chattowood-housing-development.htm
