The garden of the future

“Over 2 million gardens in Flanders are more than pleasing to the eye, they are part of the solution for the climate!” Speaking is Dirk Ballekens, director of the Belgian Garden Centres Association. He takes us step by step through the different solutions and the roles we in ornamental horticulture can use to make a difference for a greener future.

The garden as a source of energy

In the future, gardens will increasingly be used to produce green energy. Solar panels and heat pumps will be integrated to generate their own electricity. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to a sustainable energy supply.

Composting: waste as a valuable raw material

Composting is becoming an indispensable part of the garden of the future. By composting garden and kitchen waste, we improve soil quality and contribute to carbon storage in the soil. This process not only helps reduce waste, but also reduces CO2 emissions. And we save costs as the car journey to the recycling park is no longer necessary.

Carbon farming: storing carbon in the garden

This is related to the previous point. Carbon farming aims to extract as much CO2 as possible from the air through natural, biological processes and sequester it in the soil as carbon.

A bit of biology: The most important biological process on Earth is photosynthesis. This is the process by which plants use light, convert CO2 from the air into oxygen. The plants absorb the carbon (C) and the oxygen (O2 ) goes back into the atmosphere. Together with water (H2 O), the carbon (C) part is converted into roots, leaves, flowers, stems, tubers or fruits, or biomass. When we harvest plants, some of the carbon disappears. By smart gardening, you slow down that process and keep more CO2 in the soil. By mulching instead of scarifying where we put the humus (carbon) in the soil. Green cover crops also help increase carbon storage in gardens and thus reduce your carbon footprint.

Less stereotypical gardens, more biodiversity

A tight lawn is out of date. Today, flowery lawns are creating a beautiful scene . Not only do they contribute to biodiversity, they also support insect fauna and act as water buffers. Not to mention the mental effects of greenery.

But one thing is certain: as part of the green revolution, we need to rearrange and cultivate our gardens differently. So more plants that can withstand drought well and don’t need extra irrigation. We should also opt for natural control instead of phytoproducts. And if we mow, it is best to do so with a mulching robotic mower.

The garden as shade provider and cooler of heat islands

The more concrete, the more heat is retained. Many cities therefore have a hard time cooling down. Even at night. To keep the city liveable, we need more greenery and especially big trees. They cool the environment, capture particulate matter, store CO2 and improve liveability in urban areas.

It is important that trees in the city have enough water. After all, they evaporate water through the stomata of their leaves. To do this, they use the sun’s energy during the day. Thanks to evaporation, the leaf surface cools down, which in turn cools the air flowing by and the surroundings. A street with trees can therefore easily be about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than a street without trees.

By the way, did you know that one big tree cools as much as ten air conditioners combined? That’s according to a study by Wageningen University & Research.

Another asset of trees? Because their roots reach deep into the ground, they absorb a lot of water after a heavy downpour. They also retain that moisture for a while, making planted soil dry out less quickly than paved soil.

The garden as water regulator

With increasing rainfall in winter and droughts in summer, gardens are becoming essential for water management. By slowing down water runoff and storing rainwater, gardens can help reduce water scarcity in summer. Rain barrels and wadis are effective solutions to this problem.

The area of Flemish gardens is larger than the area of forests, and four times larger than our natural areas. Logically, gardens play a key role in the green transition.

In addition, wetlands in the garden not only help keep the environment cool, but also provide habitat for aquatic plants and animals. Thus, they act as reservoirs for endangered species and contribute to biodiversity.

Green roofs: high-level gardening

Green roofs are gaining in importance and that’s a good thing. For instance, they slow down water runoff, lower temperatures in summer and capture CO2 . Because these green roofs, also called multifunctional roofs, have an insulating effect, they contribute to energy savings. Again, the more green, the more biodiversity.

Side note: green roofs are more established in the Netherlands than in Belgium. The fact that subsidies are available in the Netherlands certainly has something to do with this . But guidance also plays a role. Because laying a green roof does require some expertise. So there is work to be done in Belgium.

Softening: tile out, green in

Did you know that Flanders is one of the most paved regions in Europe? No wonder we often suffer from flooding here. After all, the water has nowhere to go. That is why we embrace tile-flipping with both arms. This green trend breaks through concrete. Literally. Instead green spaces emerge that, among other things, improve water infiltration. Want to know more about the assets? also read the article on p. 34 ).

The short chain of the edible garden

Growing and harvesting your own vegetables. This trend has been on the rise for some time. Rightly so, because nothing is as healthy as home-grown food and the environment and your wallet benefit too.

The garden becomes more biodiverse

Global warming is also giving garden centres and nurseries a new function. Customers want a varied assortment that is not only climate-proof but also contributes to biodiversity. Governments are also encouraging this. In the future, your knowledge will weigh even more heavily. Which plants and trees are drought-resistant? How do I design my garden with trees that provide shade? And so on.

The garden as a lever for a better world

The future of our gardens is green and diverse. By embracing innovative practices and sustainable solutions, you as growers and retailers in ornamental horticulture can play a leading role in the climate and environmental revolution. Our gardens will not only be beautiful and functional, but also contribute to a more sustainable and liveable world. More green on the street means more oxygen in the mind. The garden as a buffer against the hectic pace of everyday life.