Conventional gardening can result in neat and beautiful gardens but has some major drawbacks, especially for biodiversity and water retention. More ecological approaches to gardening are becoming widely accepted also because they can save a lot of money. Gardens can provide so many benefits to the wider urban environment and nature in the city. Therefor, I use the following gardening guidelines as much as the garden owner allows me, to create gardens full of life and and to contribute to a livable city.
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No synthetic fertilizers
Plant health is developed over the long term and must include soil health. Synthetic fertilizers can do damage to the soil and makes the plant more dependent on the fertilizers instead of resilient. By opting for organic fertilizers and organic soil amendments, we can develop healthier soils and plants.
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No chemical pesticides
Chemical pesticides have devastating impacts on the local ecosystem far beyond the pest that it was meant for. I never use chemical pesticides but such for more selective organic pesticides or consider if the pest can be reduced by integrating certain plant species.​
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Lush and full plant borders
In conventional gardening, black bare soil is part of the beauty standard, even though nature always works to cover the soil. Often this happens with unwanted weeds, giving garden owners more work. By planting densely and filling empty spaces in our plant borders, we can have more of the plants we want and less weeds.
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Integrating native plants
Native plants are often overlooked even though they are well-adapted to the Dutch climate and often do better during dry spells. I try to use more native plants or at least offer the option to choose native plants. This contributes to more resilient gardens and better food sources for bird-, butterfly-, bee- and insect species.​
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More trees for cooler gardens
By using more trees and shrubs in gardens, we can make gardens comfortably cool during hot summers. Shade provided by trees and shrubs also helps cool down the house and lower electricity bills.
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Reusing garden waste
A garden can produce a ton of biomass and in conventional garden everything that is mowed or pruned is removed from the garden. It is a waste of material, money and time as it can become compost or provide habitat for all kinds of creatures. Small garden clippings, leaves and cut grass can be reused on the compost pile. Bigger branches can be turned into a so-called 'dead hedges' which has a rustic look and provide habitat for birds and insects. Cut logs can be laid in piles to slowly decompose and become a home for bees and insects.
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Reusing materials
Some materials such as old bricks, tiles can be reused in the garden to make improvised stacked walls which can be great for planting ferns and other plants. These stacked walls will also serve as habitat for insects.
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Mulching
Reusing plant material such straw and dead leaves are great materials to cover the bare soil in between plants. They also provide habitat for insects, this is especially important during the winter period.
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Less pruning
Garden beauty standards differ per person, some people like it really neat while others are okay with more natural growing shapes of their shrubs and trees. I prefer to prune trees and shrubs mainly for plant health and to create space for other plants. Very heavy pruning and cutting down perennials plants in autumn is something that I recommend to postpone to the period before spring, providing habitat for animals and insects.
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Food for biodiversity
As host plants provide food and habitat for bees, butterflies and other insects, we can boost biodiversity. By also providing water and other food sources such as bird feeder, suet balls and drinking water, we can help bring different bird species to our garden. This is especially helpful during autumn and winter. In exchange, these animals help to pollinate, fertilize and control pests. ​