Monty Don says paved and tarmac driveways in the front garden are one of the "worst contributions" to climate change.
Writing in BBC Gardeners' World magazine, the presenter urged households to opt for soft, absorbent surfaces to help water flow freely, such as permeable paving. Gardens are great for soaking up rainwater and attracting wildlife, but solid surfaces can prevent water getting into the ground.
"A garden compromised mostly of hard surfaces is making everybody's problems around water worse," Monty said, reports the Daily Mail. "One of the worst contributions gardeners and householders have made to the problem is the tarmacking and paving of too many front gardens. Although we certainly need to reduce the number of cars and the amount we use them, cars are not going away any time soon."
One of the main reasons it has become an issue is a rise in the number of cars each household has. "Car parking is part of the horticultural problem - and local authorities and governments need to join up their thinking to be part of the solution," the Gardeners' World presenter adds.
"The long and short of it is that we all need to make as many soft, absorbent surfaces in our gardens as possible."
According to the RHS, permeable paving can help reduce local flooding, create a green oasis for enjoyment, and help with subsidence problems, too.
Elsewhere, last year the presenter also explained that we should not be buying plants grown in peat compost, saying that gardeners who stock them are "actively choosing to do harm".
It seem harmless, but peat spread on the ground can quickly turn into carbon dioxide, adding to greenhouse gas levels. "If you don't care about this you are sticking your head in the sand, not least because it will affect the quality of life for your children and grandchildren. For gardeners, this means we have to consume less and think more about the connections... never buy peat in a potting compost."
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17 best gardening tools to buy now including spades, trowels and rakes
Give your garden plants some love this summer with this useful multi-tool. Finished in titanium with brass fixings, this tool features six different functions including secateurs, a root remover, knife, saw, bottle opener and an easy weeding utensil.
Protect your knees when gardening with this practical green kneeler and seat. It has been made with steel tubes and comfortable polypropylene foam so you can garden comfortably. There's also a small pouch on the side, making it easy to pop your tools in as you work.
Protect your hands with these practical grey gardening gloves, made from a comfortable nylon and spandex liner. Best suited for potting and pruning, they have breathable lining and a nitrile grip coating.
Developed alongside Kew Garden's horticultural team, this set features a weedfork, hand trowel and transplanting trowel. Ideal if you're on the hunt for a gift.
Crafted from wood and stainless steel, this lovely garden tool set is just what every gardener needs. The leather hooks make it easy to hang up in a shed, while the trowel has been marked in centimetres and inches to make planting easier than ever.
Every garden needs a wheelbarrow. In a classic green, this lightweight style from Argos is ideal for gardening, DIY work and equestrian uses.
With a longer handle to ease back strain, this stainless digging spade has been created for all digging jobs. As well as this, the hardened steel blade is rust-resistant and will hold its edge without regular sharpening. Perfect for every avid gardener.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with this terracotta watering can. Designed by Shane Schneck, it boasts a no-spill lip and a shape that keeps water weight at its base.
Tried and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, this garden fork from Sophie Conran is a stylish addition to any outdoor space. Made of stainless steel with a waxed beechwood handle, it has sharpened tines which cut through hard and soft soil very easily.
When life gives you lemons...buy a stylish kneeler pillow. With a generous size and soft foam filling, you can be sure to tackle those weeds comfortably without any pain.
Looking for some summer seeds? This pack includes thyme, mixed herbs, oregano and summer savoury, too. Ideal to spruce up a tired-looking lawn patch.
READ MORE: Plant these 11 wildflowers to create a bee motorway in your garden
You'll find eight handy tools in this set, including pruning shears, a hand trowel, transplanter, weeder, cultivator, hand rake, gardening gloves and a tote bag. At just £40, it's a real steal buy.
Trim your hedge just as you like with these 66cm topiary shears. Ideal for trimming and shaping, they have narrow pointed blades, rubber shock absorbers and a long length ergonomic design.
READ MORE: How to get rid of moles in the garden
Providing high performance cutting with a clean finish, this grass trimmer from Bosch has an easy edging function which enables quick changes from trimming to edging. Ideal for reaching those tricker spots with ease.
Sweep up leaves and fallen debris with this practical wooden rake from Garden Trading. Crafted from Beech, the strong wooden handle offers support, while the prongs allow for effective raking.
Presented in a beautiful box, this set includes a trowel and secateurs. Featuring artwork from the RHS Lindley Library, they're both a stylish and practical addition to any garden.
This electric lawnmower helps you to cut through long grass with ease, thanks to its innovative inset grass combs and lightweight design.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
