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Interspersing plants with organic material is a fundamental principle of sustainable gardening, as well as a critical principle of xeriscape and a principle of the Okanagan Xeriscape Association.
I don't think a day goes by without more terrible statistics. This year's alarming population growth coupled with a dangerously low snowpack.
This makes me very worried for next summer and beyond. What should we do? We can all take small steps to make a difference. For example, sustainable gardening has emerged as a way to address the environmental challenges we face.
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The principles of sustainable gardening include organic soil enrichment, water conservation, respect for biodiversity, use of integrated pest management methods, composting of kitchen and garden waste, and community participation in activities such as seed exchange.
Sustainable gardening aims to reduce environmental damage by promoting biodiversity and conserving resources. The aim is to promote harmonious coexistence between people and nature.
• Soil health is a fundamental principle of sustainable gardening and the cornerstone of a successful garden. This includes improving soil structure and fertility through the use of organic matter, manure and natural fertilizers while avoiding artificial chemicals. By prioritizing soil health, sustainable gardeners contribute to long-term environmental protection and the benefits of the plants they grow.
• Water conservation is another important aspect of sustainable gardening. As water scarcity becomes a global problem, efficient water use in our gardens is critical. Sustainable gardeners use techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting to reduce water use. Choosing drought-tolerant plants adapted to the semi-arid climate of the Okanagan Valley not only conserves water, but also supports the resilience of our ecosystems. There are hundreds of such plants in our plant database at www.okanaganxeriscape.org with detailed descriptions of each plant.
• Diversity is celebrated in a sustainable garden, both in plants and wildlife. In contrast, monoculture (the cultivation of one crop) often results in ecosystem imbalance and increased vulnerability to pests. Sustainable gardens include biodiversity that can naturally repel pests and improve the overall health of the garden. Incorporating native species supports local ecosystems while providing vital habitat and food for wildlife.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach favored by sustainable gardeners who recognize that not all insects are harmful. Instead of relying on chemical pesticides that can harm beneficial insects and destroy ecosystems, IPM is about understanding pests' natural predators and encouraging their presence in the garden. This approach minimizes the need for harmful chemicals while maintaining a healthy balance between pests and their natural counterparts.
• Composting is a sustainable gardening practice related to waste management. By converting kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost, gardeners close the cycle of organic matter. Compost not only enriches the soil, but also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. This simple but effective method demonstrates the circular nature of sustainable gardening while reducing the number of visits to local landfills.
• Community engagement is an often overlooked aspect of sustainable gardening. Sharing knowledge, seeds and products with neighbors promotes a sense of community and contributes to a more sustainable local food system.
To purchase seeds and receive gardening tips from master gardeners, visit Seedy on Sunday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Parkinson Recreation Center in Kelowna.
You also have the opportunity to view the latest offers from various providers. Community gardens, where people grow together and share the harvest, are an example of the communal spirit of sustainable gardening.
Sustainable gardening means more than just growing plants. It is a personal commitment to important environmental protection that focuses on both the conservation of natural resources and the promotion of biodiversity.
By adopting the principles of sustainability in our own backyards, together we can promote a healthier planet for future generations.
The Okanagan Heariscape Association appreciates the continued funding from the Okanagan Basin Water Authority and is proud to partner with them in their campaign to build waterworks.
Sigrie Kendrick is Master Gardener and Executive Director of the Okanagan Xeriscape Association and can be reached at 778-363-8360 or by email at [email protected] .
This article was written by or on behalf of a foreign columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
