Designed by James Scott MBALI and built by The Garden Company
FEATURE
The increasing importance of sustainable gardens
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s awareness of the ways in which we can all reduce our environmental impact grows, so too does the realisation that everyone can truly make a difference. The combined actions of the estimated 30 million gardeners in the UK today could create change to combat some of our most pressing issues, including climate change, diminishing biodiversity, and social challenges.
Landscape News editor Olivia McCullough has been speaking to Association members to find out how they are working to make a positive difference and to explore the perceived shift in customer demand for more sustainable gardens.
Changing relationships with outdoor spaces
There is little doubt that the COVID pandemic triggered a reassessment
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LANDSCAPE NEWS SPRING 2022
by the public of its relationship with outdoor spaces. According to a recent ONS survey, the pandemic forced people to interact with familiar surroundings in new ways: ‘While bedrooms have become offices, gardens – and the areas within walking distance of home – have become wildlife-watching spots and gyms. Nature has been a source of solace for many as lockdown rules have heightened our appreciation for local parks and green spaces.’ COP26 and recent flooding events have served to increase awareness of climate change and its impact on society and so we all have to make sustainability a key priority. But is this awareness reflected in a tangible shift in customer demand for gardens that have a lower environmental impact? James Scott, MD and Principal Designer of Hertfordshire-based contractor The Garden Company,
says it’s too early to call: “Enquiries we have received over the last year or so have followed one of two paths. Some clients long for a beautiful haven where they can immerse themselves in nature, relax with friends and family, and, often, share the space with wildlife. And these clients will often show an awareness, interest and desire for sustainability to be a key part of the design and build process.
“In contrast, other clients decide to extend the look and feel of their stylish homes into a ‘boutique hotel’ experience in their garden. This is where it falls to the designer and contractor to work with the client to consider making choices that are more sustainable as well as being functional and aesthetically-pleasing.” A firm advocate of what he calls the ‘sustainable garden aesthetic’ is Ben West, Director of London-based Landscaping Solutions: “In December
