Sustainable gardening practices

Gardens are vital wildlife refuges, and spending time outdoors connecting to nature is a perfect way to spend a day. The natural world provides us all we need and delights us with its beautiful colours, shapes, sounds, smells, the touch of leaves and petals, the tastes of vegetables, herbs, fruits, mushrooms and all else that is edible.

First, it is vital to understand what is growing in the garden and what wildlife lives there. Then, it can be managed to support nature and to provide enjoyable spaces. There are a few simple rules to gardening sustainably:

1. take time to see what is already growing and living in the garden

2. make sure the garden is clean and clear of any rubbish, plastic sheeting, metal barriers and other unnecessary and unnatural things

3. ensure access is possible between gardens and into adjacent land

4. allow trees to grow uninhibited

5. manage grasslands, meadows and hedgerows with consistency through the year and over the years

6. work with the naturally occurring areas to sit and walk, that provide views or quiet secluded spaces

7. take time to enjoy the garden

It is tempting to think it necessary to cut everything once or twice a year, when in fact nature thrives in places that are either left alone or are maintained in a way that is consistent throughout each year and over the years. Trees always need to be allowed to grow uninhibited, and should be left alone to grow, their fruits should be picked and many should be retained on the trees for birds, insects and creatures, as well as for providing nutrients back to the ground for the trees and plants to maintain health.

When grassland and meadowland is managed consistently, it provides flowers, fruits and seeds throughout most of the year, which are vital foods that sustain much of the wildlife. Birds need food to be available throughout the year, near to their territories and nests, to be able to survive and raise chicks. Some animals like hedgehogs and bats hibernate when the weather is very cold, and need safe, warm and dry places to sleep deeply. They need sheltered holes in trees, in walls, under rocks and logs, under hedgerows and in sturdy, well-made roofs that are built using natural materials.

To garden in a sustainable way takes vision and a willingness to allow nature to thrive in a way that provides spaces for people to enjoy.

By following these rules, you can provide places for nature in your garden. Let me know what happens!

Clare Louise Halliday