This column first appeared in May 2021, and over the years it has covered all sorts of stories, some quite topical, touching on events of the time such as bird flu, tomato blight, egg shortages and even mushroom poisoning.
Gardening isn’t just about growing vegetables and digging the soil. It connects to broader ideas such as farming, caring for the land, and thinking about the food we eat.
Once upon a time, garden columns were mostly about producing food. But as we move into 2025, it’s clear that things have shifted. Gardens now serve many roles beyond food and flowers: they can be places of wellness, creativity, habitat preservation, and even community life.
A common excuse people give for not gardening is lack of space. But over the years this column has shown many ways around that problem, from vertical gardening to planting crops close together.
Even those living in small apartments can grow things – indoor plants thrive in low light, and balcony planters can be both beautiful and practical.
For those who travel, holidays needn’t interrupt gardening. In fact, they can be the perfect time to start seeds, which often take weeks to germinate and require little water in their early stages.
Food can be grown all year round, even in cold or difficult weather. Frost covers and floating row covers help protect plants and extend the growing season. And if you’re looking for the simplest way to begin, try sprouts.
With just a jar and seeds, you can produce nutritious, crunchy additions to any meal. Start a new batch each week and you’ll have a steady supply.
Gardens also bring people together.
Neighbours swap vegetables, share stories about their prize tomatoes, or compare tips for growing pineapples.
Families are adding fire pits to their gardens, turning them into focal points for social gatherings.
So don’t hide your garden behind a shed. Let others see it, it might just become a local talking point.
Even a few planters on the porch, whether filled with vegetables or flowers, can brighten the space and spark conversation.
Till next time.
