Gardening has been a longstanding passion of the British people, regardless of where they live in the country. With the average GB garden size reported as 14m2, that seems like plenty of space to get out, relax and unleash your inner gardener. However, many city dwellers have far less than the average, with many having no green space at all. For those living in urban spaces, having time in green areas and engaging with nature has proven to be extremely beneficial for health, both mental and physical. If you are lucky enough to be a big city inhabitant with a garden, we’ll share some great lawn care and garden tips, including lawn treatments and maximising your space, and if you don’t, we’ll share our garden alternatives.
What are the UK doing in their gardens?
Everyone is guilty of home envy and spending a bit too much time on social media planning their next home and garden overhaul. Garden makeovers are having a significant impact on British outdoor living, with 81% reporting that they spend more time outside after doing a garden makeover. Gardening is no longer the top use of outdoor space, however. The British public now prefer to relax in their outdoor spaces (70%), with tending to their gardens coming a close second (65%) and enjoying family time being important also (36%). This shift in behaviour suggests that the population are now focusing on the enjoyment and visual aspects of their garden, rather than the maintenance of it. If this resonates with you, you might be best relying on a lawn care expert or landscaper to create a perfect, relaxing green space.
Your urban garden:
Gardens in big cities tend to be characterised by being lacking in size and privacy, and suffering from pollution issues. One way to maximise your space is to try vertical gardening, which is where you plant upwards as well as outwards. This is great if you don’t have much area to work with, but you want plentiful flowers and fresh produce.
One way to add a private and relaxing element to your garden is to hang a hammock with climbing or tall plants around it. This doesn’t take up much room or effort, but will add a lot to a small garden. Double up on space by choosing furniture that functions as storage as well as a comfortable resting place.
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Growing fresh produce in an urban garden is all about utilising every inch of space. Grow things that don’t require much space, such as herbs, tomatoes, salads or pea shoots.
Poor air quality may affect your lawn, so invest in good lawn treatments to prepare your grass for each changing season. The winter can hit a lawn hard, so make sure it is fed and protected with a good fertiliser and moss treatment.
Garden alternatives:
If you don’t have any garden space, don’t despair! You can enjoy the pleasures of nature with a few simple tricks. Try windowsill planters, which hang outside to get plenty of sunshine and rainfall. House plants are growing in popularity and have been shown to improve health and the enjoyment of your home space. They take minimal upkeep, but give the impression of bringing nature indoors.
Another choice would be to get involved in community gardens, allotments of gardening initiatives in your town or city. These will not only give you a greater sense of community and belonging, but they will give you that satisfaction of gardening without the need for your own garden. Community kitchen gardens have started popping up across the UK, with particular popularity across London.
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