Sustainable gardening uses waste to promote biodiversity

Sustainable gardening practices are evolving to utilize waste materials for urban and climate-resilient environments. One approach involves repurposing kitchen scraps to enrich balcony gardens. Methods such as vermicomposting with red wiggler worms, Bokashi fermentation in sealed bins, or traditional aerobic composting can transform organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments. Additionally, vegetable bases like lettuce, celery, and spring onions can be regrown in water to provide a continuous supply of fresh greens.

Another emerging trend is the creation of ‘rubble gardens’ using construction waste like concrete, gravel, and sand. At London’s Horniman Museum and Gardens, horticulturist Errol Reuben Fernandes has utilized 25 tonnes of waste concrete aggregate to plant a diverse selection of xerophytes. These drought-tolerant species, sourced from regions such as the Mediterranean, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Mexico, are well-adapted to extreme temperature shifts and require minimal water, offering a more biodiverse and eco-friendly alternative to traditional monoculture landscaping.