Several of you have expressed an interest in sustainability and our approach to making our homes and estates more energy efficient and biodiverse. We heard from Stephen, a long-time resident, about the positive effects of gardening. We’d love to hear more from residents about any tips and tricks you’d like to share about gardening and sustainability. To get involved, please email involvement@nhg.org.uk.
My name is Stephen and I absolutely love gardening. I live in a charming street in Ladbroke Grove and for over 20 years I have been fortunate to have an outdoor space which I have maintained and developed into a beautiful garden. My neighbours often tell me my front garden really lifts their mood every time they walk past it.
Through gardening, I have been able to boost biodiversity and develop opportunities for bees, butterflies and other vital insects to thrive. I’m privileged to have created such a beautiful space that can be appreciated by both myself and my neighbours as they often tell me walking past my garden really lifts their mood.
Gardening has also helped my physical and mental health, especially during lockdown. Nothing beats stress management like an afternoon pottering about in the garden and you’ll be surprised by how many calories you can burn.
Whether it's essential tasks like weeding, deadheading roses and other flowers to allow fresh buds to develop or watering, gardening is all about being at one with nature. When you see bees buzzing around nectar-rich flowers, or butterflies fluttering about then you know that you are doing something special for the environment.
Gardening is for everyone – you don’t need to be an expert on nature or even have your own garden to grow plants. What can be grown in the ground usually will grow in pots - so use your balcony space if you can or even grow herbs in your kitchen. All you need is natural light, water and a bit of care.
And at the end of the day when you finished pottering about, don't forget to sit back and relax outside with a nice pot of tea and enjoy your beautiful garden!
