Author(s): Rob Cross

Gardening

Our gardens are a microcosm of nature; the ecological processes that go on in a garden mirror those operating on a global scale. The better we understand and quantify these cycles and processes, as they operate on both large and small scales, the more effective our management strategies will be."Sustainable Gardens" introduces the reader to the historical context of the global, national and local environmental issues that confront us and examines the idea of sustainable living as a means of addressing these issues. It draws attention to the new discipline of sustainability science with its emphasis on environmental accounting, and how this is being applied at the global, national, country, household and individual levels to establish benchmarks, set management goals, assess trends and measure progress towards sustainability.The contribution of parks and gardens to sustainable living is assessed by quantifying the horticultural consumption of energy, water and materials. A discussion of how gardens can make a major contribution to a sustainable future through increased food production and a close connection with the local environment is also included.This book presents information in a non-technical format. It synthesises sustainability issues, information, language, facts and figures that are currently widely dispersed through a range of media and difficult to access. It provides a context to the many ways in which we can manage our parks and gardens in a way that contributes to sustainable living. It considers ways to think sustainably when designing, constructing and maintaining gardens and landscapes. It discusses and quantifies the ways that the garden ecosystem integrates with the biological, chemical and physical cycles and processes of the biosphere.