Climate-resilient plants
The south-east is already the driest region in England — and summers are getting hotter. These are the plants that will still be thriving in your Kent or Sussex garden in 2035 and beyond.
What climate change means for Kent and Sussex gardens
The Met Office projects that south-east England will see summer rainfall fall by up to 20% by 2050, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C. Hosepipe bans — already a near-annual event under Southern Water and South East Water — will become more frequent and longer-lasting.
The good news is that our region's free-draining soils and long, warm summers are exactly what a whole world of beautiful plants loves. Mediterranean perennials, South African bulbs, and prairie natives from North America all thrive in conditions that are becoming the norm across our region.
The key is choosing plants that are genuinely drought-tolerant once established — not just tolerant of occasional dry spells. Look for the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) symbol, which indicates a plant has been trialled at Wisley in Surrey under conditions very similar to our own.
Principles for a drought-proof garden
Plant in autumn
Autumn planting gives roots time to establish before summer drought. A plant put in the ground in October needs far less watering the following August than one planted in May.
Improve your soil first
Adding organic matter to sandy or chalk soils dramatically improves water retention. On clay soils, it improves drainage — preventing waterlogging in winter while helping roots access moisture in summer.
Mulch generously
A 7–10cm layer of mulch applied in spring reduces soil moisture evaporation by up to 75%. On the free-draining chalk soils of the South Downs, this single step is transformative.
Choose AGM plants
The RHS Award of Garden Merit is your best guide to plants that genuinely perform in UK conditions. Many AGM perennials are also excellent for pollinators — a double benefit.
Group by water need
Keep thirsty plants together near a water source, and drought-tolerant plants in the driest, sunniest spots. This makes watering more efficient and reduces waste during hosepipe bans.
Think long-term
A garden planted for 2035 conditions will look different from one planted for 1985 conditions. Embrace the change — the palette of plants available to south-east gardeners is expanding, not shrinking.
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