The Gardens of the Future

The gardens of the future are resilient to climate change, are more sustainable by reducing waste, recycling materials and saving water and produce healthy vegetables by being more biodiverse.

And the good news is: Everyone can be part of the solution, even if space is scarce:

Gardening in containers, on patios, balconies and rooftops are all suitable options in a more urban environment. And for people with no gardens and none of the above there are community gardens, buyer cooperatives and community supported agricultural schemes available nearly everywhere and if not can be organised.

The current climate crisis forces us to think more long-term about our gardens and how we grow our own food. As the seasons become more unpredictable and weather patterns change we have to prepare ourselves for more periods of hot, dry spells as well as more rain. Future-proofing our gardens means making them more resilient to changing weather conditions and also chances in our lifestyle and needs. It also means reducing the environmental impact of our garden by saving water, sharing seeds and propagating plants ourselves, recycling and composting and using sustainable materials. We often forget that the simple step to growing “organically” has a huge impact, immediately reducing our carbon footprint.

Here are some practical tips on how to future-proof your garden:

·     Utilise small spaces like patios, balconies, windowsills, grow in pots, containers and raised beds.

·        Choose plants that give you value for space, intercrop and interplant flowers with vegetables.

·        Consider vertical solutions to maximise your space.

·        Plant and grow in succession, to maximise your harvest.

·        Grow herbs on the windowsill indoors or during the summer outdoors.

·        Use companion planting to increase the variety and minimise problems.

·        Choose plant varieties that are suited to your local climate and more resilient to weather extremes.

·        Use sustainable practises like composting, mulching and natural pest control to reduce waste, conserve water and promote a healthy soil.

·        Choose durable and quality materials that last long and require little maintenance, e.g. ceramic and terracotta pots.

·        Design your garden with flexibility in mind.

·        When it comes to more permanent features like hedges or trees consider carefully the ultimate size and the suitability to your local micro climate.