Urban gardens provide a much needed green oasis for any city dwellers. Having recently been baptized as an urban gardener, I wanted to share a little behind-the-scenes action and a few of the benefits I’ve discovered on my green-fingered adventure so far. Just one of the joys of urban gardening is that you can justifiably swan around the garden centre shopping for plants and flowers or in my Dad’s case make friends with a fellow gnome and raise hell amongst the OAP’s!!
Urban Garden
Urban GardenI took a trip to the local garden centre with my Mum & Dad to pick up a few new additions to my ever-increasing greenery. Here are a few more benefits of urban gardening I’ve discovered so far:
The Benefits Of Urban Gardens
1. Pretty as a picture: Flowers and plants are an absolute joy to look at. They add colour and greenery breaking up the concrete of the city. Our balcony is such a joy to sit on and admire the flower boxes.
2. Cool down the city: Not only is urban gardening both relaxing and thoroughly satisfying it also helps the environment too. Planting within the city helps to reduce the ‘heat island effect’ a heating effect in the environment caused as over populated city centres grow. The ‘heat island effect’ has been identified as a contributor towards global warming, planting trees, plants and flowers within the city can help to reduce this!
3. Pure relaxation: Gardening is a great way to relax. I tend to do a little in the evenings; I’ve found that it’s a great way to wind down away from technology after a busy working day.
4. Go organic: I’ve been slowly planting edibles including spinach, tomatoes, sweet peppers and chillies. I also picked up this beautiful olive tree from the garden centre which I love! As our array of edibles expands I’m hoping we can eat our very own organic produce!
5. Get to know your neighbours: Gardening is contagious; others will follow your lead! Since starting our balcony garden we’ve spoken to several of our neighbours who’ve been taking a keen interest. We’re even discussing starting our own community garden in the shared outside space. As well as fellow residents we’ve noticed a few bees and little birds coming to say hello too.
6. Cook with your own herbs: Being able to grab fresh herbs as you’re cooking is a beautiful thing. I can season homemade chicken with parsley and add my very own mint to salads. Bliss
Happy planting!
Christine
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