Make a fresh start in 2021!

Transform your outdoor space with a happier, healthier, more planet-friendly approach. Naomi Slade explores the future of gardening in the 21st century

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The last year has been epic, and not in a good way. The pandemic came out of the blue, suddenly turning our lives upside down and bringing with it tragedy on every scale. We have faced fears and dangers that, previously, were the preserve of history books and disaster movies.

But we are resilient: the seismic shakeup has prompted a grand re-evaluation of what is important. Our mental and physical health and the people we cherish are suddenly more significant and precious. And, as climate change becomes more evident and wildlife continues to decline, we are wondering, quite literally, what we can do to save the world.

Stuck at home, legions turned to gardening. With chaos and crisis comes opportunity and, as gardeners, our green-fingered efforts can make a difference. Gardening can heal society, mitigate our impacts on the natural world and make the future a better place to be. Gardens are, and will remain, important.

I live in hope that these new ‘lockdown gardeners’ stay with us, bring in new ideas, energy and enthusiasm, creating a new and invigorated gardening generation, people who are prepared to experiment, collaborate and come up with solutions. It’s happening already: in tune with nature and inclined to patience, post-pandemic gardeners are likely to embrace healthier attitudes to self-care and the environment, while the stress of the experience makes us all less inclined to tolerate things that are utilitarian or merely adequate.

Together we could create new garden cities – a world where bare concrete is unthinkable and reliance on plastics and peat outmoded. Each backyard, balcony or window box could be a short hop from another, just as lovely, while tree-lined streets and flower-filled verges lead to verdant parks – a fresh air factory where we can unwind.

Currently out of our comfort zone, we must take a good look around, embrace what we need to soothe ourselves and care for others. We must discover sources of strength, courage and motivation. Despite pandemics and politicians, there’s a green-fingered solution just outside the door: our gardens are there for us, and, eventually, all will be well. ➤

We are wondering, quite literally, what we can do to save the world

Creating wildlife habitats has become a priority

Make your garden a wellbeing space

BEE CHIC Pollinator-friendly planting can be very easy on the eye, with Scabiosa columbaria ‘Flutter Rose Pink’, white Salvia sylvestris ‘Schneehugel’, Eryngium zabelii ‘Jos Eijking’, Stipa tenuissima, Allium cristophii and Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’