Aviva Urges Homeowners to Create Flood-Resilient Gardens as Chelsea Flower Show 2025 Unveils British Rainforest Garden

Aviva Urges Homeowners to Create Flood-Resilient Gardens as Chelsea Flower Show 2025 Unveils British Rainforest Garden

(IN BRIEF) As part of its commitment to sustainability, Aviva encourages homeowners to consider climate-resilient materials for their gardens, particularly in light of the risks associated with impermeable surfaces like artificial grass. Research commissioned by Aviva shows that many homeowners are unaware of the flooding risks posed by common garden changes. At the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, Aviva and The Wildlife Trusts will showcase the British Rainforest Garden, which demonstrates how landscaping can help mitigate flood risks and enhance biodiversity. With growing support for nature-based solutions, this collaboration highlights the importance of creating climate-ready gardens.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 19-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — As the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 opens, leading insurer Aviva is encouraging homeowners to think about flood resilience when planning their gardens, ensuring their homes are prepared for the impacts of extreme weather. Research commissioned by Aviva among 2,000 consumers reveals a significant knowledge gap regarding the risks posed by some popular garden changes, such as artificial grass and a lack of natural planting.

The survey found that only 28% of respondents believe artificial grass may increase flood risk, while nearly half (47%) think it has no impact. Similarly, only 33% think a lack of natural planting could raise the risk of flooding, while 44% believe it has no effect. These findings highlight a lack of awareness about how impermeable surfaces can hinder water absorption, especially during dry weather. As a result, rainwater has nowhere to go during heavy downpours, exacerbating flash flooding risks, particularly in urban areas with limited green space.

Jason Storah, CEO UK & Ireland General Insurance at Aviva, warned that flash flooding, unlike river floods, can occur anywhere, even in places without obvious flood risks. “Urban areas, lacking green spaces, can leave rainwater with nowhere to go when drains are overwhelmed. The impacts of flash floods can be devastating. Even a few centimetres of rainwater can damage homes and belongings and take months to dry out.”

Aviva’s previous research found that a significant portion of UK residents have already replaced or planned to replace natural lawns with artificial grass. While artificial grass might seem like a low-maintenance option, it is made from plastic and can end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste.

Despite this, the research also reveals a high level of support for more sustainable landscaping practices. A majority of respondents (82%) agree that landscape restoration offers flood mitigation benefits, while 75% believe nature-based solutions can reduce flood risk. Furthermore, three-quarters (74%) of homeowners are supportive of more investment in such solutions.

To inspire homeowners, Aviva has collaborated with The Wildlife Trusts to create the British Rainforest Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025. The garden showcases plants and designs that can help mitigate flood risk and improve biodiversity. This is part of Aviva’s broader commitment to helping homeowners create climate-resilient, sustainable gardens.

Storah added, “The British Rainforest Garden is a great example of how small changes in our gardens can help restore threatened habitats, improve water drainage, and contribute to overall climate resilience. This year’s display shows that even small spaces can provide multiple benefits, from attracting wildlife to enhancing water management.”

Key Garden Tips for Flood Resilience:

• Use permeable materials: Opt for gravel or block paving instead of impermeable surfaces like concrete.
• Plant native, flood-friendly species: Choose plants that encourage water drainage and are suited for the local climate.
• Create natural planting areas: Even a small border or natural planting helps attract wildlife and improves water absorption.
• Install drains or borders: These features can help redirect rainwater during heavy downpours.
• Rewild a small section: Adding more natural planting or a wildlife-friendly area can increase biodiversity and reduce flood risks.

Plants Featured in the British Rainforest Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025:

• Silver Birch: Supports up to 300 insect species. For smaller gardens, consider a Crab Apple.
• Cypress-leaved Plait-moss: Prefers free-draining, shady, and wet areas.
• Maidenhair Spleenwort: A native fern that pairs well with flowering plants.
• Cow Parsley: Thrives in partial shade.
• Foxglove: Adds color and attracts bees.

Following its appearance at RHS Chelsea, the garden will be relocated to the Bristol Zoo Project. The British Rainforest Garden, designed by award-winning Zoe Claymore, is sponsored by Project Giving Back and supported by Aviva.

References:

1 Research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Aviva among 2022 UK homeowners August 2024. [↑]

2 Research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Aviva among 2004 UK homeowners August 2023. [↑]

3 Analysis of Aviva commercial and personal property flood claims data 2013-2024 (June 2024). [↑]

4 UK weather: Spring may become driest on record – BBC Weather [↑]

Notes to editors:

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Media Contacts:

Liz Kennett
General Insurance — Products and regulation
Phone: +44 (0) 7800 692 675
Email: liz.kennett@aviva.com

Peter Thain
General Insurance & Broker
Phone: +44 (0) 7387 234796
Email: peter.thain@aviva.com

SOURCE: Aviva