Health Warning to Gardeners using Potting Mix LVML & Anthony Scott

Image: Tract MIFGS 2019

Money does grow on trees:

The value of plants in the landscape

The last 18 months have seen people reconnecting with their gardens in the suburbs of Melbourne, across the country, and the globe. As the reality of lockdowns hit, we had the time to re-evaluate what was important to us. We appreciated more than ever, the benefit of green spaces and gardens for our mental and physical wellbeing. From the simplest collection of herbs and flowering shrubs on a balcony to our parks and reserves, green space gave us the respite from restrictions we longed for. As countries have emerged from lock down the love of gardening and value of plants has endured.

Of course, in essence, this was nothing new. In “The Garden State”, drive down any leafy street, and picture it without any plants, a stark collection of bricks, timber, concrete and cars. Gardens make us feel good and reduce stress levels, cool us and our environment down, filter our air and produce oxygen. They are our ultimate life source.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show highlights the importance of plants in the landscape. No matter how impressive the construction, rockwork, and paving, it’s the plants that are the heroes, breathing life into the award-winning structures around them. This is never more apparent than when the gardens are being dismantled at the end of the show. When the plants are gone, all that is left is an empty shell stripped of life, lacking structure, balance and vibrance.

“Planting day” is often referred to by landscapers and clients alike as the most exciting day of a landscape project. When the framework is completed and the foundations in place, the plants go in adding a myriad of colour, texture, height, and form. From ground covers sprawling across newly laid rock to towering feature trees giving scale and substance.

Designers and contractors, when quoting, may fall into the trap of undervaluing the importance of plants. Planting undersized or average plants will not produce an outstanding looking landscape. Including premium plant stock in a garden design is an investment for the future. A recent article penned by Sue Williams of domain.com quoted “Good landscaping can increase the value of a home by 15-20 per cent and, perhaps by 25 per cent.” The return on investment from well-established plants is not only financial. The effect of a visual barrier from plants cannot be understated. It can also help to reduce street noise, create shade in the summer, and add to enjoyment of our surroundings. And whilst it is not always possible to spend time in the garden all-year round, (especially in Melbourne!), the visuals of a beautifully designed and constructed garden are ever-present.

There has been a great deal of commentary recently surrounding the environmental conference COP 26 in Glasgow, with much of the focus on what “big business” and Governments can do to curb climate change. At the end of the day, we all play our part and can contribute to the solution. Planting trees and shrubs is one of the most beneficial and rewarding things we can do, and we have the privilege of making it our job in line with our strong industry drive to increase the amount of green life in the urban environment.

Notwithstanding our environmental responsibilities, the ‘personal wellbeing’ benefits to the garden owner cannot be underestimated. This all plays its part in thinking of and understanding the true value and importance of plants in the landscape. We all know a happy client is willing to invest more in their project – you can keep them happy, and increase your return by planting more trees…

by Ian Firth Warners Nurseries

Image: Ben Harris & Meg Geary MIFGS 2018

Image: Nathan Burkett MIFGS 2015