Reclaim your green space
The Age
Saturday February 6, 2010
Jim Fogarty looks at what is in store for gardeners in 2010. WILL we get sick of sustainability? The topic is on everyone's mind and there are ripples of discontent.Being environmentally aware will remain the focus for 2010 and gardeners will continue looking for sensible and sustainable products.There is a feeling that sustainable gardens simply aren't attractive but in 2010 you will see some of Melbourne's best garden designers and landscape architects leading the way with good-looking, environmentally smart gardens.The use of rainforest timbers in gardens is frowned upon and Melbourne gardeners are making the switch to either recycled, plantation or regrowth timber, which is properly managed in Australia from reliable sources. Although there are some reliable sources of plantation rainforest timber, there are also many unreliable sources and this is the basis of the problem.It seems contradictory that while everyone wants to do the right thing for the environment, we have given lawns such a bad run. Irrigated lawns cool our cities. If we are serious about dealing with higher temperatures, we need to re-evaluate the role grass plays in our city climates and the importance irrigated gardens have in combating high temperatures. It appears an unlucky coincidence that we have recorded record highs during times of severe garden water restrictions.One thing that can be guaranteed is that stage 3A water restrictions will remain in place for Melburnians in 2010. The positive side to the warm weather is that swimming pools will continue to be popular €” and a great way to save on travel costs.The outdoor kitchen is taking over our backyards. In small spaces, this means more paving and fewer plants. An entertainment area is necessary but having more than one kitchen in each household comes at a price. As the outdoor kitchen becomes commonplace and garden spaces become smaller, 2010 might see a return to the more traditional barbecue.Gardens will become less ostentatious. One thing we may see more of is the outdoor fireplace, ideal for extending Melbourne's outdoor entertainment period.Recent increases in average rainfall have played havoc with many drought-hardy plants, in some cases causing rot and fungal attack.If predictions of better rainfall in the next 10 years are correct, gardeners need to fine-tune plant selections and choose plants that will tolerate periods of both wet and dry. While challenging at the very least, if water restrictions remain, this is part of our gardening culture I suspect is here to stay.Lastly, we should continue to value our gardens, because you can still have a beautiful garden during water restrictions. Consider some of the wonderful Australian native plants that are ideal for our climate. Gardens are an important part of the solution to climate change and we should work hard to preserve Melbourne's garden heritage.
© 2010 The Age
Share This