The Beth Chatto Approach to Sand & Rubble Planting – How to Create Beautiful, Biodiverse and Enduring Public Spaces
Venue: Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens
Date: Friday 6th November 2026
Time: 11am - 3pm
Tutors: Julia Boulton, CEO, and Åsa Gregers-Warg, Head Gardener
This workshop will explore how thoughtful design - rooted in the pioneering principles established by Beth Chatto – can be used to create resilient and sustainable public spaces that are both beautiful, biodiverse and enduring.
At a time when our public spaces are expected to do more than ever – for people, wildlife and the climate - thoughtful planting can reshape neglected urban landscapes, streets, parks and new residential developments into vibrant, resilient places that are rich in character, support biodiversity, and foster stronger connections between communities and the natural world.
Julia and Åsa will be sharing their expertise on planting into sand and rubble to create thriving habitats in the most challenging urban conditions, embracing rather than fighting the realities of a site, Using the award-winning Meanwhile Garden in central Colchester, the nearby Albert roundabout and Chattowood housing development – all created by the Beth Chatto team - as successful examples, the focus will be on practical approaches to increasing biodiversity, selecting plants that thrive in challenging conditions, working with different substrates, and managing planting schemes for long-term success.
The day will include a visit to Chattowood.