Garden column: Gardening in an urban environment

The  April/May issue of National Wildlife is largely devoted to urban gardening.

They quote a United Nations report that says by 2050 about 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. When that day comes, the extensive gardens of our grandparents will no longer be possible. Lack of space coupled with loss of habitat and changing climate patterns will call for creative solutions from urban gardeners.

Gardeners are important contributors to the preservation of the diversity of wildlife now on the planet. What we plant in and where we plant our gardens influences food selections for mankind and wildlife. Urban gardeners can look around their landscape and find surprising and attractive spots to put small or large containers that will supply what pollinators require to thrive. Many plants that support pollinators also contribute to diversity and healthfulness in the gardener’s menu.

Other creative uses of space in urban gardens include vertical growing opportunities. Have you seen the hanging pot pockets that are just right for an herb garden and add interest to fences and walls? Densely populated areas often provide small balconies for apartments in high-rise buildings. A pot or two or more can supply peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers enough for one or two persons. Plant hybridizers have also helped urban gardeners by developing plants that  require less growing room.

City planners are getting into the act also with a sort of space recycling. Such changes involve using areas like vacant lots or unused rail right of ways to grow series of community gardens. Some cities are encouraging tree planting projects. “Forest therapists” are promoting a Japanese practice called shinrin-yoku. The practice is slow and meditative and studies from Japan show that the practice reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure and improves cardiac function, mood , memory and concentration. It has also been found that the trees send off chemicals called phytoncides which boost the immune system. What pleasant benefits come from trees that also supply shade and beauty!

Space challenged urbanites can make some philosophical changes in their landscape planning. Drive through any subdivision and you will see carefully manicured lawns with absence of weeds. Such lawns often contain non-native grasses and are treated with chemicals maintain their perfect appearance. As they grow the lawns require frequent mowing with engines that are unhealthy for the operators and the air that all of us breathe. Lawn owners can opt for native grasses and landscape plants that promote diversity and do not produce the environmental challenges. Even front yards can become home for fruits and vegetables if the owner so wishes. The plants are readily available and literature searches, online classes and public programs from extension offices or libraries are easily found. Substituting useful plants for grass gives the gardener an additional benefit in time available for other pursuits.

Give urban gardening some serious thought. You may find urban alternatives are less work and rewarding for the gardener, the planet and for all of us!

Submitted by Pat Smith, Licking County Master Gardener Volunteer