Drought-Resistant Planting: Lessons from Beth Chatto's Gravel Garden

Drought-Resistant Planting: Lessons from Beth Chatto's Gravel Garden recounts how Beth Chatto developed her gravel garden on a site she describes as “possibly the driest, and the most windswept, piece of soil in England”. From the outset, she set a firm principle: the garden would not be irrigated during drought, and once established the planting would need to cope without additional water.

Chatto describes the results of this approach, supported by specially commissioned photographs by Steven Wooster, captured across the seasons. The book also considers how the same underlying principles can be used at any scale, presenting a practical framework for gardeners working with water shortages and challenging soil.

Key details

• Focuses on Beth Chatto’s gravel garden and a no-irrigation rule during drought
• Seasonal photography specially commissioned from Steven Wooster
• Principles discussed for use in gardens of any size
• Written in Beth Chatto’s own style

Synopsis

Beth Chatto documents the making of her gravel garden on an exposed, dry plot, shaped by a decision not to irrigate during periods of drought. Alongside her account, Steven Wooster’s specially commissioned photographs follow the garden through the seasons and record the outcome. The book sets out ideas intended to translate to different scales, particularly where water is limited and soil is poor.