As a prelude to a series of blogs I'm preparing on sustainable practices in the garden environment, and as a response to some excellent technical blogging from Pip Howard (also on LJN - as you are no doubt already aware), I wondered if we could restart a good old LJN debate about sustainability in our respective industries.
Furthermore I wonder if LJN could actively become a vehicle of promotion, guidance and advice for sustainable practices for members and non-members alike.
With SUDS legislation, the recent attempt to hike landfill tax, and a general increase in awareness of "carbon-footprint" principles, it is clearly something we as a large association should be discussing.
I am a member of the Scottish Green Party, though did not join them in particular for their environmental policies, but rather for their socio-political aims; nevertheless I am becoming increasingly motivated by environmentally conscious initiatives and recognise that many fellow-practitioners as well as clients are too.
It would be great to utilise LJN for this end in the way it has been employed in other ways: to become a resource of knowledge, learning, and even political pressure for the mutual benefit of all members.
A couple of examples: Technical advice on specification, method and practice for sustainable developments including SUDS, Rain Gardens, Living roofs and walls, using recycled materials, ethical product sourcing etc would be particularly useful to the landscapers and designers among us - perhaps regional workshops would be an idea since access to informed education is evidently lacking elsewhere. Subsequent advice on how to maintain these developments effectively would be beneficial to the maintenance practitioners, as well as advice and tips on alternative methods and materials used in this particular frame of work. And so on.
Now obviously this may be perceived by some (or even many) as an ideological goal, but lets at least open up some serious debate on the issues in a plain-speaking and democratic manner.
Nicky Patterson @ GardenImprovements.com | Twitter: @gardndesign
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Replies
I agree with John - All these are areas I am interested in, especially the soils and living content of a garden - but I dont feel I could ask constructive questions, or add to, until I see where this debate is going to go. I certainly think SUDS is a good area to start (given the number of landscapers who seem to ignore the law in my area on this!) Also perhaps looking at soil life (such as with the Johns lawn care thread), and gardens which support invertibrate life, as opposed to sterile plantings.
Thanks for the response guys: I suppose I am trying to gauge how receptive LJN members are or will be to the idea of Sustainable Development. I note that most of the environmentally sided posts on the forum are met with underwhelming enthusiasm, but since it is highly likely that future legislation will oblige us all to practice sustainable methods, it makes sense that we try to stay ahead of the game and instead of simply waiting for the 'shock and awe' of future legislation changes to affect us, we can actually collectively use the power of LJN to influence and even form policy:
Democratic policy making by the industry practitioners rather than autocratic policy making by commissioned 'suits'.
Who better to discuss the possibilities and set the standards within our industry than the guys on the ground?
Nicky @ GardenImprovements.com | @gardndesign
Hi Nicky,
Could be 'cos us environmentally friendly folk are too sensitive
e.g. how do you control weeds without killer death sprays
you can't be proper professional gardener unless you are wielding the 'cuts grass even under water mower', use sprays to control weeds, use petrol machines for everything else.
are these methods sustainable?
could there be a different approach, oh not if you're a pro
Maybe with the increase in media debate over green and landscaping/urban development of late, LJNers can offer some more input on this topic?