This supplement is additional information to the following article as seen in Issue Seven:

Sustainability - Gardening and landscaping as if it really matters (pp. 72-73)
...for FAQ's regarding sustainable gardening and another 3 recommended steps to a sustainable garden not covered in the magazine.
by Linda Brennan MAIH, Horticulturist – Brisbane

Linda recently conducted research into landscape sustainability in South East Queensland for a Masters in Environmental Education. To contact her about this research or with further comments, email her directly: [email protected]

In addition to the first three steps to a sustainable garden as featured in Issue Seven of subTropical Gardening magazine, Linda Brennan continues here with the final three steps:

4. Support human life and wellbeing
This may sound a bit strange, but not everyone thinks of supporting a happy and healthy life when they think of growing a garden. Pleasant surrounds, shade, comfort, recreational opportunities, good food (organic and healthy) activity and a sense of fulfilment can all arise from a sustainable garden. The development of gardens in hospitals and rehabilitation centres demonstrates the healing value of a well-planned, sustainable garden.

Community gardens also promote a strong support network with community spirit, and resource sharing. There are many sustainability-focussed community gardens dotted through the subtropics, and if you are interested, ask at your local council or do a Google search to find your closest.

5. Support the social structure
A gardener interested in sustainability will always try to employ local services, buy local goods and use locally produced products. These simple measures support the social structure in your own community as well as saving on greenhouse gases to transport products and services many miles from the source. Some gardeners share their excess bounty with their neighbours or sell at local growers markets, either way, they are helping to grow community spirit, and provide pleasure at sharing local produce.

6. Meet human needs
The sustainable garden is practical in many ways. Simple design features are included such as shady trees on the west side of a garden and providing spaces for play, adventure or reflection depending upon the garden owners, The sustainable garden meets the time constraints of the owners. For example, a vegetable garden would be quite unsuitable for an owner who is away 4 days a week, and a garden of prim hedges and clipped edges would not suit a person with a back problem.

FAQs

Does having a sustainable garden mean I have to have a wild or native garden?
No, not necessarily. But you can include some elements of a natural or bush garden such as layered plantings of shrubs, trees and understorey plants. Ensure that there is a variety of plants that will attract beneficial insects and wildlife throughout the year. A sustainable garden however is not one that is clipped and mown to within an inch of its life.

Do I have to have vegetables?
No, you may not have any vegies at all if it means you can’t maintain the vegetable patch. If you like herbs, why not try them in pots near a door or window? To minimise pests and resource use, plant in groups according to fertiliser water and sun/shade needs.

Can I have a lawn?
You may still have lawn, just avoid heavy fertiliser applications, grow a species suited to your climate and needs, water with grey water low in phosphorous and salt (from the rinse cycle to minimise contamination) or leave to the rain to water. A lush bowling green is not efficient use of resources.

Is it expensive?
No. Some organic things are more costly due to the mode of collection or processing. However, there are significant savings to be made on growing your own food, recycling organic materials through the garden to reduce fertiliser inputs, and reducing pest control expenses through natural plant combinations. Sharing garden tools and machinery within your neighbourhood can also reduce the initial outlay of each household purchasing individual items.

For more reading:

Australasian Biological Control
www.goodbugs.org.au

Bugs for Bugs Website
www.bugsforbugs.com.au

Sustainable Gardening Australia
www.sgaonline.org.au

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