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It is easy to feel overwhelmed by climate change, but our gardens can also be a strong place to take positive action. With a handful of considerate decisions, we can build beautiful and strong spaces that will assist the planet within our borders in Aotearoa. It starts with where we source our plants.
Seeking advice and stock from a trusted local nursery is a fantastic first move. For instance, The Plant Company is a great example of a Kiwi business dedicated to providing quality plants. Their focus on a diverse range of species aligns perfectly with the need for resilient, well-suited gardening choices, helping you make informed decisions for your patch.
Plant for the Future
The appropriate selection of plants forms the foundation of a climate-friendly garden. Use trees, which are very useful in absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and storing it. The difference that a little magnolia can produce can be huge.
It is no secret why native species should be given priority, as they are adapted to the local environment, superior in carbon capture, and provide food and habitat to our native birds and insects, which are extremely important.
- Select trees suited to your space.
- Utilize indigenous plants to support local ecology.
- Include biodiversity champions.
- Nourish The Earth Beneath Your Feet.
Healthy soil is a secret weapon for capturing carbon. Give your soil the attention it deserves as a living system by keeping it covered. Cover the soil with living mulches such as borage or nasturtiums, or smear some straw or compost to trap moisture and protect the life in the soil.
A no-dig philosophy, whereby the garden beds are made of heaps of organic materials instead of being ploughed, also enables carbon to remain in the soil.
Garden Smarter, Not Harder
How we handle our gardens greatly influences them. It allows for the emission of methane in landfills to be avoided by composting kitchen scraps at home, and a significant amount of soil conditioner is produced.
Use less water by watering infrequently, which encourages the development of deep roots. You can think of getting a rain barrel to store the water.
The traditional lawn might also be rethought, with part of the lawn replaced by a planting ground or an orchard, potentially making a significant positive difference in the amount of carbon that a garden can capture.
Embrace Natural Solutions
Use no synthetic fertilizers, which are industrially manufactured and create a large carbon footprint. Instead, feed your plants with natural materials like homemade compost, mature manure, or nutritious teas prepared using seaweed or other organic matter.
This highlights the significance of the interdependence between soil microorganisms and plant roots, which creates a healthier and more natural system in the garden.
Every minor modification in our gardening ways counts. Through these practices, we can all create a beautiful and flourishing sanctuary that benefits not only our health but also the environment.
Beginning with an informed nursery like The Plant Company, all gardeners in New Zealand can contribute to shaping the future of our still-changing climate, one backyard at a time.
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