Damon Mcknight
Gardening is a popular pastime in Australia, with many people valuing and spending time in nature, adapting to the pressures of climate change and extreme weather events, and seeking solace and peace in their gardens. The country has a well-known love for its natural environment, and Australians have embraced trends such as fostering biodiversity, vegetable gardening, and creating sensory experiences to escape the disruptions of the changing climate and COVID-19. While there are no exact figures on the number of people gardening in Australia, it is considered one of the top 3 gardening countries worldwide, along with the US and China, indicating a significant number of Australians engage in gardening activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gardening TV shows | Gardening Australia, Gardening Australia Junior |
| Gardening magazines | Gardening Australia |
| Gardening awards | Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Audience Choice Award for Favourite Entertainment Show, AACTA Best Lifestyle Program |
| Gardening activities | Vegetable gardening, growing flowers, creating shady summer ceilings, fostering insects, creating sensory experiences |
| Gardening as a way to relieve | Eco-anxiety, stress, anxiety, depression |
| Gardening for | Creating a beautiful outdoor space, growing food, exercise, improving mood and concentration |
| Number of people who garden | Ranked second in the world after the US |
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What You'll Learn
Gardening for mental health
Gardening is a popular hobby in Australia, with many people valuing and spending time in nature. Climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced Australians to seek solace and peace in their gardens, promoting biodiversity and saving the birds and the bees. Gardening has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.
The therapeutic benefits of gardening are extensive. It is a form of exercise that can reduce stress and anxiety, improve physical health, and foster social connections. Gardening provides a sense of structure to one's day and can create a soothing rhythm to ease stress. The simple act of nurturing plants can bring profound peace and satisfaction to one's life, offering natural opportunities for meditation and reflection.
Community gardens, in particular, provide opportunities for mentorship and learning from more experienced gardeners. This knowledge-sharing improves gardening skills and boosts confidence and self-esteem. The shared responsibility of maintaining a community garden space creates a sense of purpose and accountability, while the collective celebration of success strengthens community bonds and promotes positive mental health outcomes.
The process of planning a garden can also be beneficial for mental health. Designing a mindful garden space involves incorporating elements that engage the senses and provide a peaceful retreat from daily stress. Ornamental grasses, for example, can create a meditative effect with their gentle movement and rustling sounds.
Indoor gardening has also been used to treat patients with mental health problems. Exposure to plants and greenery has been shown to improve patient satisfaction and reduce pain and length of stay in hospitals. Pictures of flowers and plants in indoor spaces can also improve productivity and lower blood pressure.
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Vegetable gardening
The first step to starting a vegetable garden is selecting a suitable location. Choose an area that receives ample sunlight throughout the day, ideally up to six hours, as this will allow you to plant a wide variety of vegetables. Ensure the spot is relatively open and unobstructed by trees or buildings. Consider the proximity to a water source, as access to fresh water will be crucial for tending to your plants. In addition, make sure the soil is healthy and suitable for plant growth. Research your local area's climate and soil conditions to determine the best type of environment for the vegetables you want to grow.
Once you have selected the perfect spot, it's time to start planning your garden design. Consider the size of your vegetable garden and how you want to lay it out. Draw a rough plan that includes your home, existing structures, and any paving. Mark how much sunlight each part of the garden will receive, as this will help you decide where to plant each type of vegetable. There are various ways to plant your vegetables, including garden beds, raised garden beds, wall planters, timber planters, vertical gardens, or pots.
When it comes to choosing what vegetables to grow, consider the season and the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, silver beet, rocket, and spinach are versatile and healthy options that can be grown all year round. Cucumbers thrive in the heat of summer and require a trellis or strings to climb on, while broccoli is an excellent choice for cooler months. You can also weave vegetable vines, such as pumpkins or zucchini, up structures to create garden 'tents' that provide shade. Remember to rotate your crops annually to discourage pests and diseases.
Finally, prepare your soil by creating an organic mix that includes compost, manure, rock dust, and mulch. Determine the soil pH, aiming for a slightly acidic level between 6.0 and 6.8, which is optimal for most vegetables. Ensure your containers or garden beds have adequate drainage, with up to four holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Regularly water your seeds or seedlings and consider using fertilisers or compost to keep your garden well-fed. Protect your vegetable garden from pests and remove weeds to ensure the healthy growth of your plants.
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Gardening shows and media
Gardening is a beloved pastime in Australia, with many turning to it as a source of solace and a way to foster a connection with nature. This love for gardening is reflected in various gardening shows and media in the country, offering Australians valuable resources and inspiration for their own green spaces.
One of the most prominent gardening shows in Australia is "Gardening Australia," a television program produced and aired by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The show, which has been running since 1990, features segments recorded across Australia, offering a diverse range of gardening techniques and tips. The show covers a wide range of topics, from vegetable growing and xeriscaping to artistic and sculptural gardens. It also includes a segment called "Pete's Mailbag" (previously hosted by Peter Cundall), where viewers can send in their gardening questions and receive advice from experts. "Gardening Australia" has expanded beyond television, spawning a monthly magazine, DVDs, and an online presence, making it a comprehensive resource for gardeners. The show's popularity was recognised with the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Audience Choice Award for Favourite Entertainment Show in 2021 and the AACTA Best Lifestyle Program in 2022 and 2024.
In 2023, ABC introduced a spinoff series, "Gardening Australia Junior," aimed at engaging children in gardening. Hosted by Costa Georgiadis, the show features familiar "Gardening Australia" presenters and is designed to inspire the next generation of gardeners.
Beyond "Gardening Australia" and its spinoff, there is a range of other media catering to Australia's green thumb enthusiasts. The Greener Spaces Better Places 2022 Trend Report highlights how Australians are adapting their gardening practices in response to climate change and eco-anxiety. This report showcases the latest trends, such as the focus on biodiversity, water features, and the 'grow-your-own' movement, reflecting the dynamic nature of gardening in Australia.
Australian media also offers specific gardening advice tailored to the country's unique climate zones. For example, suggestions for vegetables to plant each month, taking into account the diverse climatic conditions across the country, help gardeners navigate the challenges of their local environments.
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Gardening as exercise
Gardening is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it can be a fun activity for the whole family. It is also a productive way to improve your health, as it serves the dual purpose of providing physical activity and making your home more beautiful and functional.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gardening qualifies as exercise. Routine gardening activities, such as raking, weeding, and trimming, engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, improving your overall fitness level. For example, chores like digging, shovelling soil, bagging leaves, and mowing the lawn require enough effort to be considered moderate-intensity exercise. These activities can help strengthen muscles in the legs, arms, and core, and can be equivalent to meeting the recommended muscle-strengthening exercises two days a week.
In addition to the physical benefits, gardening can also provide mental health benefits. Many people find solace and peace in nature, and the act of gardening can be a great way to relieve stress and eco-anxiety. The satisfaction of growing your own food and beautifying your yard can also contribute to a sense of accomplishment and improved mental well-being.
To make the most of gardening as exercise, consider creating a routine. Start with a 10-minute stretch, then alternate between light and heavier activities. For instance, you can rake for a while, then dig a few holes, and finish with pruning. Remember to cool down for 10 to 15 minutes afterward, perhaps by snipping flowers or gently walking around your garden. It is important to build up gradually, especially if you have been inactive for a while.
Gardening is a wonderful way to get some daily activity, and it can be as rigorous as you make it. You can even incorporate strength-training exercises into your gardening tasks to increase the intensity. For example, do mini-squats and engage your core while pulling weeds, or take a break from digging to do some lunges.
So, the next time you're thinking of heading to the gym, consider grabbing your gardening tools instead and giving your yard some love. Not only will you be getting some exercise, but you'll also be creating a beautiful and functional space to enjoy.
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Gardening for biodiversity
Australia has witnessed a surge in interest in gardening, with people embracing nature amidst the challenges posed by climate change. This shift towards gardening is reflected in trends like vegetable gardening, wildflowers, micro-wetlands, and water features, all contributing to a greener and more biodiverse environment.
Biodiversity in gardens is essential for supporting animal populations within cities and offering healthier environments for people, along with positive physical and mental health outcomes. Here are some ways to create a biodiverse garden:
- Planting Natives: Choose endemic plants native to your local area, such as flowering trees, shrubs, and local daisy species. These attract native bees, insects, and butterflies while providing food and shelter for birds.
- Water Features: Incorporate water into your space by building a pond or birdbath, or tiered garden system. This provides a water source for wildlife and creates a habitat for aquatic creatures.
- Habitat Layers: Create different layers of vegetation, from larger trees to mid-layer shrubs and ground covers. This provides nectar and shelter for birds, insects, and small reptiles like lizards and skinks.
- Wildlife Corridors: Gardens can serve as pathways for animals to commute between bushland areas, helping maintain viable populations.
- Pest Control: Attracting insect predators can assist in natural pest control. For example, planting blue flowers will attract bees, which are excellent pollinators and pest managers.
- Soil and Mulch: Use chunky wood mulch and leaf litter to provide additional habitat opportunities for beneficial insects and worms, enhancing soil health and nutrient cycling.
- Sustainable Practices: Adopt sustainable gardening practices to reduce your environmental impact. Avoid plastic pots and embrace chemical-free solutions to common garden problems like pests, diseases, or weeds.
By following these guidelines, Australians can create vibrant, biodiverse gardens that contribute to the health and resilience of both wildlife and human communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Nearly 90% of Australians have a private domestic garden.
Nearly 90% of Australians engage with their home gardens at least weekly.
55% of gardeners want to create a beautiful outdoor space, 43% want to grow their food, and 25% see gardening as a good form of exercise.
Gardening has been linked to improved mental and physical health. It also helps to reduce Australia's eco-footprint and can help meet dietary requirements for fruit and vegetable consumption.
