A CHARD-based gardener is co-designing the ‘Garden of the Future’ for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Joshua Parker and his design partner Matthew Butler have been busy working on a garden design that highlights some of the solutions being developed across the world by scientists, innovators and farmers in the face of climate change.

The pair, which are being supported by the Gates Foundation, said their garden is set in the near future in the UK, in a scenario where the climate is continuing to change.

Joshua and Matthew won a silver medal for their Inghams Working with Nature Garden at RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival in 2023.

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“Countries all over the world, including the UK, are experiencing higher than average temperatures, more extreme weather, periods of drought and sudden, heavy rainfall,” they said.

“These environmental changes also threaten global food security and nutrition, causing declining global crop productivity and a significant reduction in the nutritional value of key crops, leading to food scarcity, malnutrition and hunger.

“Despite these huge challenges, there are incredible solutions being developed by scientists, innovators and farmers that enable healthier, climate-resilient futures both here in the UK and globally.

The Garden of the Future Picture: Butler & Parker

“These solutions include better seeds and tools to grow climate-resilient crops, which can help to make agriculture more both productive and sustainable.

“They can also ensure more consistent food production, even in the face of climate shocks like floods or droughts.

“At the same time, these solutions give families access to affordable, nutritious food and empower communities, particularly women and girls.

“Crops like biofortified sweet potatoes and climate-resilient chickpeas help households meet their nutritional needs and prevent nutrient deficiencies – leading to better health overall.”

The garden will feature climate-resilient crops currently being researched and developed by the global agricultural innovation network CGIAR and other leading experts.

These crops will be grown in test vegetable beds, demonstrating the no-dig gardening method. They will all be crops that can be grown in gardens across the UK.

These include millet, pigeon pea, chickpea, broad bean and sweet potato.

A rammed-earth hub building showcasing the work and research tools of scientists and farmers will feature a semi-intensive green roof helping to insulate and capture carbon, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting and a dipping tank.

An edible boundary hedge will provide foraging, plus habitats for wildlife, and areas of dappled shade with fallen log seating will offer relaxation spaces for those working in the demonstration garden.

This year’s RHS Chelsea Garden Flower Show is taking place from May 20 to 24.