Day To Make A Difference
Illawarra Mercury
Wednesday June 4, 2008
With a slightly different approach to what you do in the garden, you can really do the planet a favour, writes DENISE EVERTON
With people becoming more aware of the environment, there is concern that we aren't doing enough to save the planet.Sure we recycle bottles, newspapers and plastic containers, cycle to work in summer and say no to plastic at the grocery checkout but is it making a difference? Does every little bit really help?The answer from most pundits is yes and, with tomorrow being World Environment Day, it's the perfect time to try and do a little more for the planet.What's a good way to start or take that next step? How about in your own backyard.To celebrate World Environment Day and give us all a gentle push in the right direction, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia has started the Our Environment - Your Backyard initiative.The industry body has teamed up with some of Australia's gardening experts to provide handy tips to get you started."Saving the environment is an issue that can often feel too big for just one person to tackle, but the reality is that one person can make a substantial impact," says author and ABC TV's Gardening Australia presenter Meredith Kirton."Trees and shrubs play a key role in the answer to global warming by not only storing carbon in their structure, but also turning carbon dioxide into oxygen during the transpiration process. By planting a few trees near your home, you can reduce your heating and cooling energy consumption, offset your carbon impact and reduce your home heating/cooling costs." As part of the initiative, garden centres will provide customers with tips on how to keep your backyard environmentally friendly.If you have a yen to grow your own veggies, build a herb garden in a pot or just want to know what kind of trees and bushes would best suit your area, get in to see someone and have a chat.In the meantime, here's some general hot tips from a selection of garden experts. Happy gardening.* "Choose plants that are tough as old boots, but use them in creative ways." - Brendan Moar, Landscape Architect, host of Dry Spell Gardening and Moar Gardening. * "Deciduous trees are nature's reverse cycle airconditioners - they let light through in winter and provide shade in summer." - Melissa King, Garden Guru presenter and author of Garden Feast.* "Wherever possible, encourage animals and insects into your garden with interesting plan choices, biodiversity and habitat." - Meredith Kirton, Gardening Australia presenter and top-selling gardening book author. * "Rethink your habits; only feed when necessary and use organics whenever you can as they build up the soil structure and encourage microorganisms." - Meredith Kirton.* "Turn bad news into something good - use newspapers to mulch your garden." - Andrew O'Sullivan, landscape designer and environmental consultant.* "The art of reuse teaches us not to abuse - give things a second life before you recycle them." - Andrew O'Sullivan.* "Collect rainwater and reuse greywater safely on thirsty plants." - Josh Byrne, environmental scientist and Gardening Australia presenter.Visit www.lifeisagarden.com.au for more top tips from the experts.Ways to make your garden grow* Mulch around soft fruit and flowering shrubs to reduce evaporation.* Use solar-powered pond fountain and pool pumps, garden lights and hot showers.* Exercise by using hand tools rather than energy consuming petrol, diesel or electric-powered garden tools and machines.* Increase the carbon sequestration of your soil by mulching to ensure healthy soil.* Last night's dinner could bring life to your garden - composting is the way to reduce waste and improve your soil.* Grow your own vegetables.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury