Climate Resilience: Installing a rainwater harvesting system

In a changing climate ensuring that our gardens are climate resilient is becoming an increasingly important consideration for gardeners and home owners keen to keep things cool, green and bursting with diversity. From green roofs to replaced paving to tree planting there are a number of things we can all do to help protect our precious green spaces and conserve vital resources.

For one National Garden Scheme volunteer and garden opener, horticulturalist Janis Raubiska, an ongoing property renovation provided the perfect opportunity to put a water harvesting system into his garden.

“Our preferred planting style is lush and vibrant and with the current climate trend it is tricky to maintain in the dry summers that are becoming the norm. Having a rainwater harvesting option has allowed us to significantly increase the planting areas in our garden without feeling guilty about water consumption. Also, as part of our ‘green’ garden renovation, we have significantly reduced the size of lawn to increase planting that provides year-round interest in the garden, and created green roofs on all our garden buildings making it an inviting outdoors space for wildlife and people,” says Janis.

The system Janis installed comprises a 7500 litre tank which collects water from the house roof via gutters and down pipes which is then pumped out to not only to feed taps around the garden but also the toilets and washing machine in the house.

“The tank is huge but as we were renovating the property anyway the disruption wasn’t too bad,” says Janis. “But for anyone considering the installation of a system of this size they really need to do their homework and find experts with experience of installing rainwater harvesting systems. And, while there is a significant reduction in mains water consumption – and a reduced flood risk from torrential rain – this isn’t a short term money saving project.”

With very little maintenance the system, now beautifully disguised in Janis’ garden, is providing chemical free rainwater to the luscious planting in the garden and a sustainable supply to essential domestic services too.

About the planting:

It is drought tolerant once established (Delospermas, Erigeron karvinskianus, Stachys, Thymus, Nandina domestica smaller cultivars, bulbs – crocuses in spring, colchicums in autumn amongst others) and as it sits on top of the rainwater harvesting tank, there is a small water feature with gravel/pebbles to mark the area. This however is not directly connected or fed from the tank below but is topped up from the tank as and when needed.

You can visit Janis’ garden, Woodpeckers in Woking, when it opens on  Sunday 24 and Sunday 31 August, 2025 Click here for details.