During our recent visit to Dubai and the Emirates we encountered millions upon millions of Petunias being grown in sand along roadsides and in public spaces.  We have been asked to look into how to reduce the environmental impact of establishing and maintaining these plantings.

On our return we set up trials of Petunia plug plants potted into pure sand and super absorbent polymer mixes.

In the UAE the plantings are irrigated by drip feeders at every plant station, so we emulated that in our trails. 

Above you can see that even after just one week roots have colonised and are exploiting the water stores held in the Super absorbent polymer.

After two weeks the Petunias are colonising and exploiting the specially formulated polymer water stores.

More to follow as things develop.