Grow – All Gardens Great & Small by Sophie’s Patch
I believe that gardens and gardening hold the solution to many of the problems we face, such as the cost-of-living crisis, food insecurity, a lack of affordable nutrient dense food, a lack of social connection and the epidemic of loneliness. Other problems we face are environmental with climate extremes and heat related challenges from Climate Change to the Urban Heat Island Effect. Nature is also being challenged with the biggest threat to wildlife in our urban areas being a lack of urban habitat.
With themes of sustainability, affordability, food security and habitat creation at its core, I am keen to show that all gardens make a difference, whatever their size. This year’s 12 x 6m display is divided into three sections – a balcony, a courtyard and a backyard. The idea is to demonstrate that each of these spaces can be beautiful, cool, livable, and productive while supporting the birds, bees, butterflies and other creatures with which we want to share our gardens with.
Grow produce: at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is hurting many families, growing at least part of your fruits, vegies and herbs will helps give people access to fresh, nutrient dense food – the ultimate food security. Whether you have got large vegie beds in a backyard, a green vegie wall in a courtyard or smaller troughs on a balcony, your garden can still be productive if it’s small.
Grow habitat: for birds, bees, butterflies and other creatures that live in urban areas including garden guardians like microbats and beneficial bugs. This is done by including food plants and water bowls, nesting boxes for birds, microbats and possums, and native bee hotels. When the biggest threat to urban wildlife is a lack of habitat, every garden great and small can make a difference and become a biodiversity hotspot.
Grow cooler, greener and more liveable outdoor spaces. With concern about climate change, the Urban Heat Island effect, unsustainable development, and with heat being the number one natural killer of Australians, making sure your garden is cool and green, will also make it more liveable. Some backyards include a limited area of lawn to help cool the area down and for kids and pets to play on, however in reality in many gardens today, this is optional due to limited space.
Plant Selection The plants used in this garden are a mix of Australian natives and local indigenous species and climate compatible exotics which do not have weed potential. There are some mature trees to demonstrate scale and shade. Always check with the knowledgeable gardening personnel at your local nursery or garden centre about the suitability of plants you choose for your garden.
