What Are Urban Gardens?
The word ‘garden’ conjures the image of a privately owned green space, with beautiful rattan garden furniture dotted around plant pots, flower beds, water features, bird baths and elegant trees. These days, urban gardens are a twist on the classic concept that is taking off in a big way.
For people who live in high rise blocks of flats, or in houses without a big enough space to contain a garden, access to an outdoor green space for growing flowers, vegetables and other plants is more challenging than it used to be.
Cities are steadily growing all around the world, and despite fewer people choosing to live in rural areas, there is still an innate human need to be close to nature. Whether it’s to produce delicious homegrown fruit and vegetables or simply to lounge on the grass in the sun with a good book; people have always loved being in close proximity to things that grow.
In today’s fast-paced society, people around the globe have begun a trend for urban gardening; that is, incorporating gardening into cityscapes. From window boxes overflowing with flowers, to cascading vines on a high rise fire escape, to mini gardening plots in backyards and rooftop greenhouses, there seems to be no stopping the human inclination towards green-fingered fun.
Some Urban Gardening Ideas
Urban gardening is highly versatile, hence its great success in cities and towns around the world. It doesn’t matter how big or small your space is, you can grow something in it if you’re clever about it.
If your only access to the outdoors from your home is a windowsill, why not invest in a window box or several pots. Fill with hardy plants and succulents and place in the windows that get the most light. Fill a kitchen window box with herb and citrus plants, or place elegant ferns and hanging baskets in your bathroom if you have space.
If you have a patio area or balcony, this is a fantastic space that can be used to grow a wide range of different plants, and rooftop gardens are becoming increasingly popular. If you have access to a rooftop area, add large potted shrubs and flowers along with high-quality rattan furniture for a fabulously urban garden feel.
How To Keep Your Urban Garden Fresh
As more and more people choose to live in towns and cities, the urban gardening trend looks like it’s here to stay. If you’re interested in starting your own urban garden, here are some tips for how to start and maintain the perfect green space for your home.
You don’t have to be Alan Titchmarsh to start your first gardening adventure: start small by filling small containers with herbs and spices. Growing your own vegetables is also a great way to start gardening, and is a free, sustainable option for food.
Orchids are another great choice for indoor plants and flourish in humidity which makes them ideal for placement in your home’s bathroom.
If you’re lucky enough to have a rooftop space, consider beginning a rooftop garden. A rooftop green space can provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while still giving breathtaking views and connectedness to urbanity. Choose an elegant, space-saving set of rattan chairs or a two-seater rattan furniture sofa and enjoy the sunset from the comfort of your own roof.
Another great option for unleashing your inner urban gardener is to adorn your porch space with flowers and creepers. The porch is a perfect place to grow plants as it often has high levels of light, and what better way to welcome visitors to your home than with the beautiful, calming sight of nature.
Maximise your urban home’s potential by getting clever with urban gardening. Improve the look of your home whilst enjoying all the benefits of being close to nature, and enjoy the balance of greenness with the excitement of city life.
*PR collaboration
My Aunt is Flo the Gardener on Gardener's World and specialises in Urban Gardens. I am often surprised by how beautiful she makes small spaces
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely job to have Kara!
DeleteI am one of those many people who would want to try urban farming. I am currently checking on do-it-yourself ideas for this and also checking out plants that I can plant in my home.
ReplyDeleteLet me know how you get on Anosa.
DeleteI think urban gardens are a really good idea, small gardens mean less upkeep too which is always a good thing!
ReplyDeleteGreenery makes such a huge difference. I wish every person had some sort of small garden or at least a few plants.
ReplyDeleteI think this has to be the way forward since housing plots are getting smaller and smaller and the nation is obsessed with decking, chippings and finding space to park their extra cars on. We already know there is an impact on wildlife from this so anything that brings a bit of green back into the environment is good news.
ReplyDeleteI think so too Linda.
DeleteI have an urban garden and I enjoy the good feelings that come with being close to nature. Most of these plants purify the air and are beneficial to the health. Thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you have an urban garden. You make a great point about the plants too,
DeleteI love the idea of creating your own green and flower space no matter what size of space you have. Plus it looks so pretty as well
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of this. My flat has a balcony that I’m slowly filling with plants x
ReplyDeleteThat sounds lovely Stephanie.
Delete