Paul Bradbury, Transition Town Totnes 

Growing plants in sand or concrete rubble might seem rather counterintuitive but sand and rubble are both fantastic, low maintenance growing mediums which will support a wide range of plants. Rubble gardens in particular can be a great way of using waste materials to create beauty. Moreover, a 30cm layer of sand or rubble will be enough to sustain plants, whatever is underneath. If you're looking to make an edible garden, Mediterranean herbs will all do well in sand or rubble. In fact, herbs such as Rosemary which hate having "wet feet" and often suffer in our wet Devon winters will fare a lot better in these free draining mediums than they do in soil.  This method is also perfect for long flowering perennials which are brilliant nectar sources for pollinators. Flowering plants that will thrive in sand and rubble include Lavender, Salvias, Echinacea, Tulips, Yarrow, Sea Holly, Catmint, and Sedum, along with ornamental grasses like Stipa and Calamagrostis.   

Plants will grow more slowly than in soil, but will produce long fibrous roots. This means that they won't need watering in hot, dry summers. Weeds will have a hard time germinating on the dry top layer of sand or rubble and those that do germinate are easy to pull out. 

When creating your garden, avoid using builders sand as it can become too wet and claggy. Ballast (sand with larger stones in) is perfect, but normal sharp sand will do. If you're growing out of concrete, make sure it is well broken up with smaller powdery bits amongst the bigger lumps. Make sure the plants you put in are bare rooted and well hydrated, so wash off any soil from the root ball, soak them in water overnight and then keep them watered for the first 3 months after planting in. After this they should never need watering again! 

Please note that if you are considering planting on brownfield sites, a botanical survey is recommended prior to any planting as these sites can hold many rare and special species. 

David Curry, Wilding Devon’s Churchyards 

I'm writing these notes with storm-force winds and rain battering against my window. Yet this summer we will probably be complaining about drought. Drought stress affects churchyards in several interconnected ways: soil degradation, plant health, biodiversity loss, aesthetic and spiritual impact. Without proactive care, drought can transform vibrant churchyard ecosystems into dry, barren spaces — undermining heritage, ecology, and community wellbeing. Future-proofing means enhancing resilience. 

1. Build Healthy Soils 

Healthy soils act like a sponge, storing water and releasing it slowly. Add organic matter and avoid compaction  

2. Rethink grass management 

Convert some grass to drought-tolerant wildflower meadows and reduce mowing frequency (don’t forget “No Mow May”). 

3. Plant for Resilience 

Choose plants adapted to variable conditions. Deep-rooted trees and shrubs — species like hawthorn, field maple, and blackthorn cope better with dry soils. Mediterranean herbs and drought-tolerant ornamentals — lavender, rosemary, and hardy sages add colour and need minimal irrigation. Underplanting beneath trees — shade lovers and groundcovers can reduce soil moisture loss. 

4. Capture and Conserve Water 

Rain gardens and swales - shallow depressions planted with moisture-loving plants that capture runoff. Use water butts and storage tanks to collect roof water for use during dry periods. Permeable paths allow rain to infiltrate rather than run off. 

5. Engage the Community 

Churchyards belong to the whole community. Resilience is strengthened when people understand and help care for these important green spaces. Volunteer conservation groups (Green Teams) can assist with planting and maintenance. Educational signage helps build understanding. Link with schools and Devon Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities team for planting events and biodiversity projects.  

Churchyards are sanctuaries — spiritually, culturally, and ecologically. In the face of a warming climate, we must act now to make them resilient. By improving soils, planting smart, conserving water, and involving the community, we safeguard these sacred spaces for future generations.