We are the rulers of our gardens, but with power comes responsibility!
We can look at our little kingdom and choose its fate: decide a method of control, choose what we build or plant in it and what we take away from it. We can choose to be an orderly ruler, keeping everything in its place, alternatively we may be rather more relaxed, letting the garden ramble off and do its own thing.
Whatever we do, preferably something between the two, a garden may be defined as “the control of nature for the benefit of people”, it may be an art, a science or a craft, usually a mixture of the three. There are all sorts of rules about gardening – use them, but also use your humanity. If you are king or queen, what kind of ruler will you be?
Whatever your style, don’t forget kindness – consider all the living beings in your garden*, not just the prettier subjects! You could be a hospitable and nurturing ruler, but also sometimes tough and decisive because you know what needs to be done for the greater good. Allow your subjects to live off your land, offer them a safe place to shelter and a place to forage.
*especially those creepy crawlies!
Sarah Ashworth, Garden Designer, wildlife specialist.
sarahashworth.co.uk #sarahashworthgarden
