Gardening and your wellbeing

Gardening is on the rise in Australia, and with that comes a renewed appreciation for its powers of mindfulness. Whether it be spurred by flexible work arrangements that have freed up our days, or rising costs of produce, Australians are getting stuck into the soil.

The best thing about a garden is its ability to provide, whether that be food, beauty, nature, or happiness. Gardening is a joyous task all about reconnecting with the simpler things and it's a great way to destress.

Greener Spaces Better Places are an organisation who advocate for the increase of Green Spaces in our lives and a key reason for this is mental well-being. According to Greener Spaces, gardening encourages mindfulness. It gets us back to basics - hands in the dirt, the feeling of grass beneath your toes and the smell of soil after rain.

“There’s been a lot of research that shows just by being exposed to nature, we can help regulate the cortisol system and therefore ease stress and anxiety,” Sally Gillespie states in the Greener Spaces 2022 report.

But with life getting busier and the weather getting more unpredictable, people also need gardens that don’t drain our precious resources like time and energy. These days most people are seeking a low-maintenance and resilient garden that doesn't require mountains of tools or a degree in horticulture.

We have collated a few low-maintenance gardening ideas to try out at home. These ideas will get you back to nature sooner and will still produce a garden you can be proud of.

Foster Biodiversity

Biodiversity is key to a healthy garden with a long life. The large-scale definition of biodiversity refers to the abundance of life and environments on the planet; but on a more micro level (say your back garden), biodiversity refers to the diversity of plants, animals, and environments available. Gardens are not natural spaces, they are man-made, so for your garden to support itself and remain healthy like natural environments do, it needs to foster biodiversity. Greener Spaces notes that “planting a variety of different plants in all different colours and sizes is not only incredibly simple, but it also adds aesthetic value to your garden! Trust us, the bees will love it!” Consider plants like Kangaroo Paw, NSW Christmas Bush, Banksia, and Acacia Wattle to spruce up your garden. This will attract native insects, bees, and birds. Water features are also a great way to create habitats for animals in your backyard. “With La Nina knocking on our doorstep this coming summer it can be easy to feel deflated about gardening… but it’s time to embrace the wet!” Greener Spaces states. Ponds, bird baths and fountains all provide a place for animals to breed and make way for new life.

Keep Your Veggies Low Maintenance and Pesticide Free

1 in 6 Australians say that a desire to produce their own food is a big reason behind getting into gardening.

The ability to provide food for yourself and your family can be very fulfilling. However, not everyone has the time to maintain a produce garden. If you are wanting to produce enough to contribute to daily meals, then the best way is to make sure your garden is low-maintenance and pesticide free. Wicking beds are an Australian invention that allows garden beds to water themselves as needed from a reservoir of water. They are an extremely cost-effective and low-effort way to make sure your veggie patch has everything it needs.

There is also a big move away from toxic pesticides - while these products keep off unwanted bugs, they also keep off insects that are good for your garden's ecosystem (like ladybugs). There are many organic and toxin-free pesticides available in the market these days. One way to get a good recommendation for your specific area is to talk to local nurseries and community gardens about what they use.

It can also be useful to plant native foods that are endemic to your region - these will thrive best in your specific climate.

These tips will help you produce an abundance of food that will keep your family smiling and give you a great sense of accomplishment.

Opt Out of Lawns

The traditional lawn is costly, consumes a lot of water, and is extremely delicate. In Australia’s increasingly turbulent climate, lawns are a drain on both physical and personal resources that you can easily avoid.

There are a few great alternatives to the traditional lawn. Native grasses like Red Grass or Weeping Grass are a great option. Native grasses are very drought resistant, and they also help support native ecosystems.

Kidney Weed, despite being called a weed, is a native plant found in Australia and New Zealand. The plant may remind you of clovers as it is low growing and feels lush under your feet. It is a great alternative to grass as it is very bright and green, looks great, and is still low maintenance and hardy.

Rocks, pavers, and stones are a great way to stylishly landscape if you do not want the hassle of a traditional lawn. There are also many different varieties, colour ranges, and styles, so you can really customise it to suit your taste.

Garden Up, Above, and All Around

3D gardening is on the up and we can see why. Vertical gardening, trellises, canopies, and more are all ways in which people can make the most of the space they have.

Greenery can be incorporated into many different spaces. Try weaving leafy vines across a lattice outdoor covering, or up a trellis to make use of all the space you have available. 3D gardens also help keep things cooler, provide shade in the summer, and look pretty magical.

They are a great option for those of us who do not have lots of space to play with. Vertical gardens are also gaining in popularity for these very reasons. “Indoor plants are also a great option for those concerned about the maintenance of outdoor plants. Indoor plants are easier to maintain for the on-the-go gardener & they add a great aesthetic quality to your home,” Greener Spaces notes.

Gardening can often seem like a slightly foolhardy venture for those with limited time, energy, and skills. It can seem expensive and one bad pot plant experience can leave people feeling a little dejected.

But the most important thing to remember with your gardening venture is to have fun with it. Gardening isn’t necessarily just about results - it’s about trial and error, making mistakes, and growing from them.

Gardening is much more than just a hobby. It is a venture that improves your air quality, beautifies your space, maintains temperature, brings life to your home, and above all, helps to regulate your well-being. “Plants create places that are more appealing to work, play, and relax in, and help us feel a sense of place and community within our busy lives,” says Greener Spaces. These tips and tricks around keeping things low maintenance offer a great way to get started on your gardening journey. Gardening is easy, accessible, and fun - and now it's time for you to make the jump!