PlantAdvice.co.uk

A recent RHS study has shown that rooftop gardening can help combat climate change by lowering surrounding air temperatures and the RHS encourages urbanites to make the most out of their outdoor space and help the environment by growing plants.

For this reason, London authorities are making green roofs standard features in developments and the Mayor of London's draft Climate Change Adaption Strategy aims to increase the amount of 'greened' surface area in the city by at least five percent by 2030.

RHS Tijana Blanusa, who undertook the RHS research, says: 'With our climate getting warmer gardeners will be playing an even more important part in helping reduce the effects.'

'Getting planting right in urban spaces, which can be very limited, can have a major effect in not only helping reduce urban temperatures but will also provide other environmental benefits. So, this exhibition is really useful for people looking for tips on how green-roofing can work for them.'

The modern-style rooftop gardens are being designed by two rising stars of the gardening world: RHS Young Designer of the Year 2010, Hugo Bugg and Melissa Jolly who won a top award for a competition in BBC Gardeners' World 2010. They will demonstrate how green-roof gardening and living-wall planting can be stylish and sleek as well as good for the environment.

Twenty-three-year-old Hugo, who also won an RHS Gold medal and Best Show Garden at RHS Show Tatton, said: 'I'm thrilled to be creating another Show garden for an RHS event. It will be a 4 by 5 metre urban retreat that I'm hoping will inspire visitors to go out and exploit every inch of their outdoor space in a creative way'.

Other benefits of green-roof gardening include heat-insulation, water-absorption, providing a safe environment for wildlife and soaking up pollution. Recently, a new industry code of practice has been set up that gives the key requirements for successful green roof design and installation.

Also at the Show will be exhibits by some of Britain's finest nurseries including Hardy's, HW Hyde, Pennard Plants and, due to the success of the RHS London Autumn Harvest Show 2010, our nurserymen and growers will, once again, be putting on interactive seasonal demonstrations.

Visitors will be also able to buy design-based gardening products from the many trade-stands that will be at the show and, of course, plants on display will also be available to buy.

As always, RHS Advisory will also be on call to answer all gardening related queries.