Competition is something that we tend to think about in different contexts. But in garden design, it can be useful to think about competition too. Competition is a normal part of nature – and just like in a social context, it is something that can be beneficial or something which can hinder progress. One ofContinue reading “Competition’s Role in Garden Design”
Tag Archives: ecosystem
Building Natural Capital
When you think about how wealthy you are, you might think about bricks and mortar property, possessions, and money in the bank. But it is important to understand that wealth comes also from the natural world around us. Whether on your own property, in your community, or in your broader environment, building natural capital isContinue reading “Building Natural Capital”
Rewilding Ourselves as Well as the Environment
As I was walking through farmland and woods out the back of our house today, it struck me just how divorced most of us are from the real ‘wild’. Wilderness is something that is in short supply in many of our environments. And it is also something that is in short supply in our livesContinue reading “Rewilding Ourselves as Well as the Environment”
Wildlife Pond Tips
I have spoken before about how wonderful a wildlife pond can be, and what a good idea it can often be to add a pond to your property. I recently wrote this article for Treehugger on the subject – with simple tips for anyone who is thinking about creating a wildlife pond and would likeContinue reading “Wildlife Pond Tips”
Pest Control in an Organic Garden
Organic gardening is easier than many people imagine. But one thing that can take some work is pest control. It is, perhaps, the part of organic gardening most commonly misunderstood. It’s not primarily about finding organic alternatives to chemical pesticides. In an organic garden, pest control is not about eliminating or ridding ourselves of aContinue reading “Pest Control in an Organic Garden”
Building Forest Garden Guilds
In a forest garden, the goal when choosing different plants is to build guilds of beneficial plants which aid one another and us in a range of ways. If you are familiar with the idea of a forest garden, you will already know that they involve layered planting. The top layer are the canopy trees.Continue reading “Building Forest Garden Guilds”
Green Getaway Ideas as Lockdown is Lifted
As lockdowns around Europe are lifted, many people’s minds are turning to travel once more. But those of us who are passionate about sustainability will not rush to book flights or jet off to holiday hot-spots. Aviation is unfortunately not an area where sustainability is top of the agenda. And as most of us areContinue reading “Green Getaway Ideas as Lockdown is Lifted”
Everything Gardens – We Humans Are Not Alone
If you spend any time in a garden, or out in the natural world, you will very quickly notice that we humans are not the only ones who alter our environments. Gardening and growing are, in essence, our own ways of shaping our surroundings to meet our needs. If we are wise about it, weContinue reading “Everything Gardens – We Humans Are Not Alone”