Might the future of gardening lean towards compact, enclosed plots of greenery? Could we strive for more sustainable and diverse ecosystems instead?
Revamped Perspective on Gardening: A Wildlife-Friendly Approach
Hey there, garden enthusiast! In a world where the hustle and bustle of urban life seems relentless, taking a more relaxed stance on gardening can be both rewarding and beneficial for our furry, feathered, and crawly friends. Unfortunately, not everyone shares this perspective. A knock on my door from the local council, stating that my compost bin and windfall apples could be harboring pests, left me pondering the disconnection many have from the natural world.
If you're into gardening, remember you're the guardian of a vital ecosystem. The wildlife, people who enjoy your garden, and the larger environment all depend on it. According to Jennifer Owen's 30-year journey documenting her garden, gardens are teeming with biodiversity – more so than we might initially think!
With the increasing pressure on land, however, it's hard not to imagine that gardens will gradually shrink or even vanish. Developments often feature barren, soil-devoid spaces, offering little in terms of vegetative structure or even basic creature comforts, like worm-friendly earth. Tackling these issues would be an uphill battle for dedicated gardeners, and the apathetic among us might be uninspired by a lifeless grass rectangle surrounded by dreary fencing.
Instead of focusing on the costs associated with better gardens, let's consider the value they bring. A prime example: native hedges. They're cheaper than fencing in the long run, as they're long-lasting and require little maintenance. And as an added bonus, they provide vital habitat, promote wellbeing benefits, are permeable to wildlife, reduce flooding, and are less likely to be toppled in storms – that's what I call a win-win situation!
Clare Matterson of the RHS recently suggested the Garden Performance Certificate as a means to add value to gardens, making them more appealing to home buyers and developers alike. By placing a measurable value on gardens, we might think twice before excessively chopping, mowing, or paving. How would my garden fare under this assessment? The small pond, long grass, hedge, trees, and even the infamous apple tree could earn me a decent rating! Extras points for hedgehog scat?
For those without gardens, it's a different story. One in eight households lacks a green space entirely, and while parks offer alternatives, they often lack the resources essential for wildlife, due to excessive mowing and management. To bridge this gap, we should champion communal gardens designed to foster human-nature connections. Inclusively and thoughtfully designed, shared green spaces can provide countless mental and physical health benefits. Let's advocate for landscape-led developments that prioritize communal spaces over private gardens – maybe we've been too focused on protecting the integrity of private gardens.
Private gardens are crucial for wildlife, and they may indeed be under threat. But let's not forget the importance of communal green spaces. I dream of future generations enjoying a more harmonious relationship with nature and seeing the significance of shared gardens rise.
In the meantime, share those windfall apples with your neighbors. Who knows? They might just be inspired to plant a tree of their own.
In this context, the importance of using native plants, incorporating wildlife habitats, and participating in community gardening efforts can't be overstated. By embracing these practices, we can create a more biodiverse, connected, and sustainable urban environment.
- Embrace gardening not just as a hobby, but as the responsibility of tending to a vital ecosystem that benefits wildlife, people, and the larger environment.
- Native hedges, with their long-lasting nature and minimal maintenance requirements, offer a cost-effective solution, while providing vital habitat, promoting wellbeing benefits, reducing flooding, and being more resilient.
- The RHS's Garden Performance Certificate could help elevate the value of gardens, encouraging homeowners and developers to preserve and enhance their gardens, and even earn points for providing essential habitat for wildlife.
- Lack of access to private gardens or green spaces in some households highlights the need for communal gardens designed to foster human-nature connections and provide mental and physical health benefits.
- When it comes to creating a more biodiverse, connected, and sustainable urban environment, the use of native plants, the integration of wildlife habitats, and community gardening efforts are key strategies to prioritize.
- Sharing windfall apples with neighbors not only reinforces connections within the community, but also demonstrates the significance of small, everyday actions in creating a more wildlife-friendly and sustainable urban lifestyle.
