Sustainable water use policy in gardens 'imperative'

Thursday, June 25 2009 12:04:39 by Editor

A code of practice is being urged to help gardeners deal with the issue of drought and climate change.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) said that such a code is "imperative" as the summers become drier and the winters wetter.

Tim Briercliffe, director of business development at the HTA, said that a sustainable approach must be developed.

"An agreed code of practice for water usage in times of drought would allow the public to continue to water their gardens responsibly without being unfairly penalised," he said.

Jacob Tompkins, the managing director of Waterwise, also urged a "sensible" approach based on practices in "countries such as Australia".

Earlier this month the UK Climate Projections 2009 report suggested that the increase in temperature in the UK would lead to an increase in floods and droughts.

The south of England will experience particularly dry summers, while the north of the country will see wet winters.