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Urban Gardening: Connecting City Dwellers with Nature
As city landscapes expand, the need for greenery becomes ever more pressing. Urban rooftop gardens, like those created by Brooklyn Grange, provide not just aesthetics but also practical benefits—promoting biodiversity while improving air quality. Junior Schouten's passion for sustainable gardening highlights the vital connection between urban residents and their natural environment.
Advice from Junior: Grow Your Gardening Skills
In a recent interview, Schouten provided compelling advice for both aspiring and seasoned gardeners. “Make friends with owners of perennial gardens,” he suggests, highlighting how these thriving ecosystems can lead to sharing resources and knowledge. By fostering friendships within the gardening community, one can gain access to a variety of plants and techniques essential for creating a vibrant garden.
Best Plants for Beginners: Make Gardening Easy!
If you're just beginning your gardening journey, don’t fret! Junior highly recommends starting with plants that are both beautiful and beneficial. One of his favorites? The dinner plate dahlia. This striking flower is not only visually stunning but also relatively easy to grow, blossoming into breathtaking blooms that attract pollinators—an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy garden.
Understanding Your Garden Aesthetic: Personalize Your Space
When it comes to designing your garden, Schouten uses three words to define his aesthetic: "Seasonal pollinator magnets." This indicates a focus on plants that thrive in varying seasons, providing sustenance and beauty year-round. By choosing plants that feed local pollinators, you not only create a stunning visual environment but also contribute to your community's ecological health.
Instagram Inspiration: Following the Right Accounts
In the digital age, we can find endless inspiration online. Schouten points to the Instagram account @nativeplanttrust as a valuable resource. Their posts provide region-specific plant information, bridging the gap between beauty and sustainable gardening practices, making it easier for everyone to engage with their green spaces.
Common Gardening Misconceptions: What to Avoid
One caution from Junior that resonates with many gardeners is the tendency to overlook the challenges posed by certain plants. For example, English ivy, while popular, is often more trouble than it’s worth owing to its invasive nature. Understanding which plants can dominate spaces helps first-time gardeners create sustainable, low-maintenance environments.
Conclusion: Start Your Gardening Journey Today!
With the right resources and community connections, embarking on your gardening journey can be both fulfilling and enjoyable. Whether you’re trying your hand at rooftop gardening or nurturing a small patch in your backyard, Junior Schouten’s insights demonstrate that everyone has the potential to cultivate their slice of nature. Take advantage of the growth season and dive into the joys of urban gardening—there's no better time than now!
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