Conscious Gardening: Creating Meaningful Outdoor SpacesConscious Gardening: Creating Meaningful Outdoor Spaces Charles Cresson has meticulously preserved the Swarthmore garden, Hedgleigh Spring, established by his grandfather over four decades ago. Cresson’s approach to gardening epitomizes the concept of “Conscious Gardening,” where design and plant selection align with personal values and aspirations. What is Conscious Gardening? Conscious gardening is a thoughtful and intentional approach to creating outdoor spaces that reflect one’s personality, interests, and goals. It involves carefully considering the purpose and desired outcome of the garden before making design and planting decisions. Benefits of Conscious Gardening * Increased enjoyment: Designing a garden that aligns with your passions and priorities enhances the time spent in your outdoor space. * Improved environmental stewardship: Conscious gardeners prioritize sustainable practices, such as rain gardens for stormwater management and the use of native plants. * Stress relief and happiness: Gardening can provide solace, reduce stress, and promote a sense of accomplishment. * Enhanced social interactions: Gardens can become gathering places for friends, family, and community members. Creating a Conscious Garden To create a conscious garden, consider the following steps: * Identify your gardening goals: What do you want your garden to provide (e.g., aesthetic beauty, edible sustenance, wildlife habitat)? * Research plants: Learn about the plants that thrive in your climate and suit your design aesthetic. * Plan your layout: Consider the size, shape, and placement of your garden elements to maximize space and enhance visual appeal. * Experiment and evolve: Don’t be afraid to try different plants and design ideas. Your garden should be a dynamic space that evolves over time. Conclusion Conscious gardening is an approach that emphasizes creating outdoor spaces that are meaningful, sustainable, and reflective of our values. By carefully considering the purpose and desired outcome of the garden, we can create spaces that bring joy, beauty, and fulfillment to our lives.
Image via Rob Cardillo.
Charles Cresson has been responsible for the Swarthmore garden created by his grandfather for more than 40 years.
If you want to bring more design and better plant choices into your garden, and not just impulse buys from the local nursery, then you might want to look into ‘Conscious Gardening’, writes Margaret Roach for The New Yok Times.
Charles Cresson has overseen the Swarthmore garden Hedgleigh Spring, which his grandfather founded, for 40 years.
Cresson is featured in “Private Gardens of Philadelphia,” by garden historian Nicole Juday and garden photographer Rob Cardillo.
His garden mission is clear, Cardillo said, “To honor his family and their horticultural traditions, while bringing them into this century with new plants and new ways of managing things.”
Creating a garden can be done for environmental reasons, such as the rain gardens at Caren Lambert’s home in Wayne, as a way to manage stormwater runoff.
Others use gardens to grow edible plants, create an inviting environment for guests, or create art.
Cardillo and Juday agree that the best gardens are created by what you care about most.
Ask yourself, “What is the one thing you do in your garden that brings you the most happiness and satisfaction?” Juday suggested.
Read more about the benefits of conscious gardening in The New York Times.
