eventually become overgrown for the space. I will address the difference between lush and overgrown on page 52, and the consequences of overgrown gardens.
Evergreens provide privacy, but need time for growth
I understand the temptation and have experienced the same eagerness for immediate gratification many times myself. But the most satisfying and fulfilling part of second-half-of-life gardening is building into it the anticipation of what’s coming next. The beauty and reality Mother Nature delivers requires no hurrying, pushing or prodding. Waiting is a lovely way to capture and appreciate what is truly happening in a garden – patiently allowing for a plant to reach its maturity and potential in its own time. It’s a gardener’s reward for a job well done.
Three Sustainable Practices for a Garden in Sync with Nature
Here is a starter list of sustainable practices to make life simpler in the garden. I’ll dig deeper with you as we go along.
1. Reduce weeds by creating heavily planted garden beds. If you walk your gardens, you will notice weeds are usually prolific where plants are not growing. Amazingly, very few weeds grow under a plant. Don’t be shy – fill up your garden beds with the right plant in the right place. You’ll be pleased with the end result and how much time you have to spare! Concerned about overcrowding? Don’t be. There’s such a thing as “crowded but lush” (if that sounds like an oxymoron, I’ll show you what I mean on page 52).
2. Make the most of your water. We all know that water is a precious resource and getting more precious every day. A few ways to hold onto that water:
~ Concaved or flat garden beds. They soak up water very well, but steep garden beds do not. Here’s an example: Berms (raised garden beds) allow you to control the soil and drainage of a new garden bed, which is good. Steep berms (as seen here), however, are not good because water runs off and encourages erosion. Steep berms can be risky business because plants will not absorb the water necessary to develop healthy root systems. An ideal practice when building a berm is to flatten out the top so water can drain down through the soil and not run off. It is also a good practice to create a “mulch well” around newly planted trees and shrubs. The mulch well holds in the water, allowing it to drain down through the root system where it is needed.
~ Less lawn, more garden! Did you know lawns require far more resources than a well-designed, well-planted garden? I’ll have lots to say about lawns and lawn alternatives. I found this information from the EPA very surprising: “residential outdoor water use across the United States accounts for nearly nine billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation. The average U.S. household uses more water outdoors than most American homes use for showering and washing clothes combined.” Once a garden is established, it does not require constant watering, like lawns do – just saying!
~ Water harvesting. This is an excellent way to reduce water usage and costly water bills during the growing season. Water harvesting can have a major impact on the environment and is extremely beneficial to our natural waterways. The ultimate goal of water harvesting is to retain rainwater on your property and out of city storm drains. In the chapters that follow, I will share easy ways to harvest water, like the rainwater barrel above – every drop counts!
3. Replicate a natural forest ecosystem in your garden space. Nature is the expert; we should take more cues from her. We gardeners have the best of intentions, but sometimes less is more. Can you image blowing or raking leaves in the forest? I doubt that ever happens. On page 18, I share why I “leave the leaves,” and the benefits they provide to us, the ecosystem and wildlife.
A Sustainable Garden and Wildlife
One day I was relaxing in a favorite chair in my gardens enjoying the peaceful sound of flowing water in a nearby fountain. Out of nowhere, a sweet little black squirrel hopped onto the fountain and began drinking from it. He did not know I was there; I sat perfectly still so I would not startle him. And then he scurried off, belly full of water, thirst quenched as I watched with sheer joy and deep gratitude. In that moment, the squirrel unknowingly improved my life and wellbeing, and I hope I improved his, too, by providing him a place to rest and find water.
Simple moments like this remind me why I love and appreciate gardening. In fact, I enjoy the wildlife who visit my gardens as much as I do gardening. I believe that in order to have balance and harmony in the garden, we must be more accepting of what nature provides. It may sound cliché, but my second-half-of-life gardening philosophy is that there’s enough for everyone and everything. It’s about cultivating a generous spirit and working with nature, not against her. My gardens would have far less life and meaning without something flying, sitting, resting, drinking, eating or digging in it besides myself. And I include the squirrels, rabbits and other furred and feathered beings that I share my little piece of earth with.
I do not use, endorse or believe in poisonous or inhumane wildlife controls in the garden.
Squirrels are a part of backyard nature
A word about pesticides and herbicides: My theory is that any product that recommends you “suit up” to apply it and posts a sign to keep pregnant women, children and pets off for 24 hours can’t be good. Besides, wildlife can’t read. They don’t know to stay away. Herbicides used on lawns (weed killers) take a terrible toll on wildlife. More than seven million wild birds are estimated to die annually in the U.S. due to the use of lawn chemicals.
I know how frustrating it is to plant lovely spring bulbs, then watch the squirrels dig them up. So how do I rectify their sometimes-damaging (but necessary for survival) behavior? For the most part, I have surrendered. After years of planting spring bulbs, I no longer wait for an arrival that never happens. Thank you, squirrels. I don’t plant spring bulbs anymore; instead, I admire the beautiful displays others have planted. Now, I just throw a handful of nuts to the squirrels and enjoy watching them come close in growing trust. It’s easier that way.
When planting my vegetable gardens, I plant some for me and some for the wildlife. Each season I attempt to harvest strawberries but unfortunately (or fortunately) the wildlife beat me to my best crops. I have simply reconciled myself to their presence in my garden and understand that they belong there, too. Now, I head to the local farmers market, content that I can support the farmers and the wildlife. Most of all, I am flattered that these pesky but very entertaining critters like my choice of crops and that I am able to provide for them, too. If that sounds like a capitulation, maybe it is. But it’s an arrangement the critters, the garden and I can live with.
Sprinkle garlic powder on mature plants to deter rabbits
Plant what you love. If something eats it, be content knowing you contributed to their wellbeing. If they don’t eat one thing, they’ll find something else to munch on. Their playful antics or majestic beauty and presence are well
