What is a low-carbon garden and how can we create one?

Low-carbon gardens will be a highlight of the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but what exactly are they?

Heavily planted spaces are environmentally friendly. Picture: Alamy/PA

Looking to reduce your carbon footprint in your outdoor space this year? Low-carbon gardens are going to be among the highlights of this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but what exactly are they?

Well, they favour planting over hard landscaping, creating a softer, more heavily planted space which is usually much more environmentally friendly and “will also pay back with a bounty of wildlife that you can enjoy”, according to Harry Holding, award-winning designer of this year’s RHS No Adults Allowed Chelsea Flower Show garden.