Here are some examples from the
three elements of sustainable gardening
Environmental
1.Reducing gardeners impact on climate change, and adapting to its effects
2.Being aware of the water footprint of purchased food and that of garden plants
3.Looking at the effects of pollution on soils, on crops and on the gardener
4.Designing the garden for biodiversity
Social
1.Growing your own wholesome organic food
2.Gardening as a means to increase our physical and mental health
3.Improving our well-being by creating beauty
4.Growing plants for charity
Economic
1.Becoming an informed shopper
2.Considering the effect of ‘plant miles’ - importing plants (and garden tools and sundries) from abroad
3.Supporting greener businesses, such as organic suppliers
4.Applying more efficient technology in the garden
Health is an important part of sustainable gardening
Valuable Exercise.
Make sure you are not one of the 27 million
adults in Britain who do not exercise enough
Managing Weight.
If your children have access to greenery they could be 5kg lighter than otherwise
Coping with Stress.
Mothers and children able to garden at home or in community gardens have been found to cope better with stressful situations
Treating Depression.
Physical activity such as garden exercise is effective in the treatment of clinical depression
Healthy Diets.
According to Bart’s Hospital, the quality of food now eaten by our infants is causing an explosion of Type 1 diabetes
Psychological Benefits.
A survey in Hortscience showed that gardeners have a more rounded and positive attitude to life.