Sustainable gardening, like sustainable farming or industry, can
be defined as satisfying our desires and achieving our targets,
WITHOUT harming the rights of others or of future generations.
More specifically, as horticultural activity consumes resources
and impacts the environment, sustainable gardening is an attempt
to reduce to minimum levels, the exploitation of precious
resources such as water, while attempting to preserve the
environment as far as possible.
There are many ways in which gardening and gardeners pollute the
environment, and deplete resources. They can be reduced though
to five main areas.
Water
The excessive use of water for irrigating parks and gardens is
the single most serious area of concern. Those of us in dry or
semi-arid countries cannot rely on seasonal rains alone, and are
dependent on at least some additional irrigation. However, as
with a private bank account, consumption cannot outstrip
reserves indefinitely. The question we have to ask ourselves is
will there be anything left for our children and grandchildren,
or is the beauty and joy of gardening the exclusive preserve of
this generation? For how long can we continue to take more than
we have?
The problem with water conservation is that it is a very
involved and complicated matter, requiring the direct
involvement of the authorities at the highest level, as well as
a radical re-think on behalf of the consumer, concerning the way
we garden.
Pollution
Horticulture like agriculture is responsible for seriously
polluting a number of resources. Most obvious is the case of
fertilizers and pesticides leaching out of the soil and
polluting the water table. Unlike water use however, much can be
done immediately by the home gardener and the landscape
professional alike. Changing over from chemical to organic
fertilizers for example, does not have to involve any reduction
in the growth or quality of the plants. Abstinence from using
pesticides, except perhaps in extreme circumstances, is no
longer the preserve of vegetarians and organic gardeners, but
now, the generally accepted approach to pest control.
Soil
Inappropriate irrigation practices and the persistent use of
chemical fertilizers are responsible for the increasing salinity
of soils, especially in dry climates. In conjunction with rising
salt concentrations, the soil is liable to become calcareous or
sodic. In both cases, but especially in the latter, growing
plants can become virtually impossible, rendering the soil
useless for generations to come.
Depletion of special habitats
Many special, delicate, and unique habitats are in danger of
collapse as a result of landscape gardening. The worst example
is the degeneration of peat bogs, due to the extraction of peat
that is used as an ingredient in potting media. As there are now
perfectly adequate alternatives to peat, such as Perlite, this
particular misdemeanor is especially unnecessary. We can all put
pressure on plant nurseries and garden centers, to desist from
using and marketing, peat-based products.
Garden waste adding to landfills
All garden refuse, from grass clippings, to pruned branches,
should find its way back into the soil, as mulch, or compost.
Shredding and chipping machines, suitable for the private
garden, are now available, and ought to be considered standard
equipment. Is that not preferable to the waste mountains we are
"bequeathing" to our children?
To conclude, let's remember that gardening is supposed to be
about improving the quality of life and raising the human
condition; physically, visually, and spiritually. At its best,
it is one of the most civilized and civilizing of human
activities. From every point of view therefore, gardening
practices that are non-sustainable, defeat the whole purpose of
the exercise!
About the Author:
My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi. I've been gardening in a
professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener
of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on
building gardens for private home owners. I also teach
horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to help
you get the very best from your garden, so you're welcome to
visit me on Dry Climate Gardening or contact me at
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