During our November 2025 meeting Nick Turrell entertained us with his thought on Front Gardens, their use in galvanizing communities, how they contribute enormously to our wellbeing, and how we can work towards alleviating the flooding issues that we see today.

Nick is an Award winning freelance journalist for the Sunday Times, Guardian, and RHS. He began his horticultural career on Radio Leicester and is a BBC Radio gardener. He also does garden designs and talks. For more information go to:

https://www.facebook.com/nickturrellgardens/

https://nickturrell.wordpress.com/

Front Gardens are more important than we think. We use them every day so good design can affect us in a positive way, affecting our wellbeing, and has the power to cheer you up every day of the year.

The fashion for paving front gardens has contributed to the flooding issues that we have seen in recent years and Nick had suggestions to help mitigate this including using gravel instead of pavers, and plants with roots to absorb water. Plants to trap airborne pollutants, attract wildlife and pollinators, create shade, and filter high winds all contribute to increasing and sustaining the biodiversity that we seek in our gardens.

Further ideas and information:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-design/permeable-paving

https://thefloodhub.co.uk/unpave-the-way/sustainable-solutions-for-front-gardens-and-driveways/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permeable-surfacing-of-front-gardens-guidance/guidance-on-the-permeable-surfacing-of-front-gardens