The concept of slow gardening could be translated as “slow gardening”. However, if we put it this way, one would not be able to appreciate its true essence, which goes beyond what can or should be done with regard to plant care.
In this sense, it is considered as such this movement or tendency constitutes a whole philosophy of life, which has not only to do with pruning, watering and transplanting. Of course, to transcend from one thing to another, certain principles must be followed. Read on and we will tell you more about the slow gardening.
What is “slow gardening”?
He slow gardening was started by Felder Rushing, an American horticulturist, who has written several books on this and related topics. Plus, she has her own Blogswhere he provides advice on plants and crops.
This movement is inspired by the slow food movementwith which it shares some principles, common to what today is generally called slow life. From this approach, he tries to reverse or fight the natural propensity for haste, so accentuated in the Western world.
Therefore, it is recommended that at all times we must take the time to enjoy the things we enjoy and be aware of who we are, where we are and what we do. And that covers the various facets of our lives, from dressing and read slowlyto furnish the house calmly and traveling step by step.
In the case of plants, the slow gardening It is also considered a philosophical or life approach, oriented towards the same ends. As, you are encouraged to put all your attention and senses into what you do in the garden.
It should be noted that its principles can be applied to any type of crop: large trees, flowering shrubs, vegetables, fruit plants, even on lawns and bonsai. The idea is not just to cultivate or have a garden, but to enjoy every activity, respecting its times and making the most of the quality time we spend outdoors.
Therefore, slow gardening does not think so much about the visual aspect or the result that will be appreciated in the end, once the work is done. The idea is to focus on the process rather than the product.
In short, we must understand that all things need time to mature. And one of the best ways to know is to plant a seed, water it, watch it grow, little by little, every day, until it becomes a bush or a tree, big and strong.
Benefits of slow gardening
With the slow motion of gardening seeks to restore or strengthen our connection with natureat the same time that it offers us the possibility to enjoy a moment of comfort and the beauty of the plants.
Also, there are other benefits attributed to slow gardening:
- The person can grow his own vegetables and fruits. In this way we ensure that we have organic and healthier crops, without pesticides.
- Gardening is generally believed to have health benefits by helping to reduce stress. More, if cultivated in this way, calmly.
- Slow gardening is an activity that particularly it helps us to be fully aware of what we do. Likewise, it allows us to reconnect with ourselves and with our environment.
- Promotes sensitivity to biodiversity.
- It teaches us to be responsible with what we do and with other living beings. In this case the plants, insects and birds that come into the garden.
- according to investigation done at the University of South Bohemia, slow gardening helps reduce industrialized cultivation, as well as the use of toxic products and means of transporting food, even on a small scale.
- In another study conducted in swedenthe results show that the slow flower, a movement linked to slow gardening, brings sustainable values. It also contributes to the local culture and landscape.
How to grow a slow garden?
It is important to clarify that the slow gardening it doesn’t mean remodeling or totally changing the garden. You don’t need to do something very elaborate.
A few plants, something small, could help achieve the goal: focus on the here and now. Let’s see other tips in this regard
Patience is the key
These are small changes in the way work is done. As, The first recommendation Felder Rushing gives in his book is not to transfer everyday stress into the gardenbut to exercise patience.
Respect the times
Every crop has its ideal moment. We need to know this and see how the plants grow gradually. Don’t try to speed up the process with fertilizers.
Instead, by planting different species depending on the season, they will develop healthily. The best thing is that we can enjoy a garden with plants that bloom throughout the year.
plant varieties
Several types of plants can be included in a slow garden:
- ornamental plantswhich are attractive to the eye.
- Also included especially with flowers or other aromatics.
- Shade trees: the size of these will depend on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe garden we have.
- Edible vegetables: basil, peppers, among others, which can complement our meals.
Native species
These are perfect for a slow garden. Not only are they more resistant, as they adapt to the climate, but we will avoid falling under the pressure of trying to make non-native species of the area thrive, at any cost.
natural fertilizers
Instead of chemicals, we can make our own organic fertilizers. To do this, we will use the remains of vegetables and fruits, coffee, eggshells. All you need is a wooden crate to deposit the natural waste we generate.
Use hand tools
No electric pruners or saws or leaf blowers. Inside slow gardening hand tools should be used, which are silent.
In this way we will reinforce the idea that everything must be done calmly. Also, the hoe and the rake will help us get a little more exercise.
Wild animals
A garden is even more beautiful when wildlife is abundant. But to attract pollinating animals (birds, ladybugs, butterflies and bees), not only flowering plants are needed, but we can also add food and even small spaces that serve as habitats for these species.
sustained work
The last piece of advice from Felder Rushing is that being slow is not being lazy. You have to work continuously albeit at our own pace and ability. The good thing is that this also involves being in the garden.
A garden to enjoy
Carrying out slow gardening work means, among other things, make something with our hands and that is in accordance with our expectations and needs. This way, there is no single rule about what we can include.
The one thing we need to be clear about is that it’s all about enjoying the process, as well as the aromas and colors. We can therefore incorporate many species with flowers, as well as different elements: a bench, a fountain, a waterfall, paths, always respecting the space of the plants.
All of this, together, will help us enjoy the time we are there, away from other matters. Obviously, We must forget electronic devices when we go to our garden; if not what’s the point?
The post Do you know what slow gardening consists of? We tell you that you appeared first on research-school.