Defined as 1) The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
or 2) Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance. Applying both to our daily lives; and not just to Gardening we can begin to think of lifestyle choices. A lifestyle which requires us to be a conscious consumer of goods,services and resources. As we all think about better futures, it is important to consider how each small action may add or subtract from our environment.
What makes a Garden Sustainable ? When we think of the word "Sustainable" several meanings may come to mind for example; long lasting, low maintenance; affordable; practical; easy to do. These words actually all apply to the concept of a Sustainable Garden. Planning a Sustainable Garden requires us to consider a careful balance of our Garden Goals, Time, Finances; Space (The Big Four). But getting started is actually a lot easier than we may than than we think !
In Previous posts we spoke about what makes a Garden Sustainable and the "Big Four" (Time,Space,Finances and Goals)
Starting a Sustainable Garden is actually very easy and should be based on what actually interests you! Often when persons hear the word Garden one may think "vegetables" but not all Gardens are strictly a food source. Many Gardens can actually be spaces designed with beautiful ornamental and non-edible plants. So a starting point may just be figuring out your Garden Goals.
You may have heard the expression "Above all things; know oneself" Well.. I found this statement to be quite true when it comes to Gardening. When I first started Gardening I had no idea that one day I would be this addicted and for this long. I began by planting just a few Tomatoes in soil;honestly not expecting them to grow ! But they did ! so I said to myself "Hmmm...maybe I will plant some more !" Fast forward a decade or two :) Today I am today growing Hydroponic Lettuce and Strawberries !
When we think about starting anything new we often think "what's the latest things happening with this ?" Well Gardening is no different ! Gardening has since evolved from our Grandma's Backyard herb Garden. While today's resurrected Gardening trends still retain some resemblance to the golden days. The modern "Garden Bug Human" has also evolved with stylish and modern ways of growing both Indoors and Out.
Today we have Urban Growboxes,Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Vertical Gardens and more.
What exactly is a Modern Garden ? Good Question ! Modern Gardening is the art of creating Gardens which have dual purposes of growing nutrient dense food whilst also having a Design which is aesthetically appealing by incorporating a range of growing methods. Modern Gardens grow a diversity of both edible and non-edible(ornamental) plants for Decorative purposes. A Modern Garden can be an Indoor Garden or and Outdoor Garden. Check out our free E-Guide for Starting your own Modern Garden !
When I began my career as an Educator years ago, my dream was to share my lifelong experience with Modern Gardening.
I taught this to my students and watched them not only "grow"plants but also grow as individuals with a holistic approach to life.
Join us on this Journey as we share our Knowledge and move into our future with a mindset of wellness and learning how to live Sustainable lifestyles.
Cheers!
Mr. Richards..