Nature loves humanity and wants to be loved and protected by humans. Healthy environment ensures the survival of all creatures living on the planet. Our ecosystem includes water, trees, air, wild & birds, aquatic and maritime creatures; protection of all these will protect our planet. Under United Nations Organization (UNO), 2020 to 2030 is, “a decade of ecosystem restoration”.
Living around nature enables us to reconnect with our inner selves; we can feel and think with purity. “The garden suggests, there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway” – Michael Pollan, 2007
There is a proverb, “gardening adds years to your life and life to your years”. It creates scenic views for all creatures living around as well as a value addition to your property.
How can you contribute to the environment? There is a concept known as “Eco-gardening” which means adoption of those techniques through which natural growth takes place. It is a more sustainable concept of gardening that contributes towards the environment. Eco-friendly gardens are places where birds roam around and sing songs; it could become your morning alarm. Another aspect is, eco gardening is a non-toxic way of getting organic food, as products available in the supermarket titled “all natural products” are actually not. (Gilbert, 1993)
How to create eco-friendly gardens? There are multiple ways & means which can be practiced making gardens ecofriendly with minimum use of resources. Let's discuss them briefly.
- Gardening Purifies the Air
Trees and plants in the front or back yard of home not just beautify the planet but also purify the air from pollution. Different plants have different eco-impact ratings that mean the capacity to absorb carbon and release oxygen. Plantation of eco-friendly trees at home also becomes a source of peace and freshness for the creatures living there. (Lewis, 2018)
- Veggie gardening
If gardening is your hobby of choice, you must go for veggie gardening as organic vegetables are not just healthier but also remain available in all seasons. Once you start growing vegetables at home, you will get addicted and will never stop doing so. It doesn't require a large space, you just need to select a small sunny spot (piece of land) anywhere in the house, place containers with nutrient-rich soil and plant veggies of your choice eg, spinach, tomatoes, carrot, green beans, peppers, peas, radishes, lemon, mint and coriander leaves etc.
- Compost gardening
This technique enables the use of decomposable leftovers in the gardens ie food & veggie waste, they may be called food wastebins as they convert kitchen waste into nutritious plant food. It is part of permaculture gardening that enhances eco-credentials; use of recycled plastic pots, companion plants etc. Fruit & veggie skins, eggshells, peas and beans, leftover or rotten food items are the best soil fertilizers and can be used for compost gardening.
- Eco Gardening for Animals
Normally animals are considered foes for gardens but eco gardening also facilitates animals living around as they are part of ecosystem. Different hedges serve differently but they are multi-functional; provide privacy & security to gardens as well as shelter to animals. Different types of hedges include evergreen hedges, conifer, viburnum, cherry laurel, cypress, red robin, boxwood shrubs etc.
- Eco Gardening for Bees and Birds
Eco gardening cares every creature living around as they play vital role in balancing the ecosystem, they benefit the gardens as well. Bees help you to prevent the use of pesticides as they are natural pollinators. Plantation of flowers, rich in pollen and nectar attract bees and butterflies to step into the gardens; they also increase biodiversity. (Matthew, 2013)
Birds are worthwhile creatures whose sound romanticizes the environment. A garden lover must put some feeding spots for birds around garden to invite them and wake up early in the morning with their chirping sound.
- Optimal use of natural resources
Eco gardening ensures optimal use of natural resources. Watering plants is a central aspect of home gardening, what if, one stores and utilizes rainy water for this purpose. Rainy water can be stored in large containers. Apart from this, dry gardening is another important aspect of eco gardening; grow those plants that consume less water.
- Nutrient-Rich Soil
The sustainability of plants in the garden depends on productivity and efficiency of soil. The healthier soil attracts microorganisms and tiny creatures that provide required nutrients to plants for their growth. In making soil rich, organic matters should be used it home-made compost. Layering with “peat-free compost” is also beneficial for the soil.
- Resilient Plants
Economical gardening depends on the choice of plants being planted in the garden. Weather friendly plants is a step towards sustainable gardening that takes less time & resources to grow and adapt changing weather conditions.
“Remember that children, marriages and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they receive” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Gardens purify not just the environment but also our soul and become a source of physical, mental and emotional well-being. (Zhang, 2021)
In the era of climate change and rising trend of global warming, eco gardening is a concept that relieves some pain. It is a self-sustaining idea that adds value to its surroundings by consuming less number of resources and pays back multiple times. Multi-faceted concept also shelters / benefits other creatures including wildlife, bees and birds.
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