Backyard Gardens: Boundaries of Nature in Australian Suburban Life

1. Backyard Gardens: Boundaries of Nature in Australian Suburban Life [BRAND LOGO] [INSERT IMAGE HERE] Ashbury Estate 460 Boundary Road, Armstrong Creek, VIC 3216, Australia 1300 303 460 [BRAND LOGO]

2. [BRAND LOGO] Backyard gardens are an important feature of suburban homes and lifestyle. One of the reasons why families choose to live away from the inner city is to have enough space to grow their own gardens. There is a certain gratification that comes with owning a backyard garden. And it is not just about the idea of owning a bigger lot; instead, it is about strengthening a relationship with nature. Studies in ethnography reveal that gardens provide an opportunity to engage everyday with nature, and as a result of this engagement, attitudes and practices change. This is apparent in how Australian suburbia treats their backyard gardens. Creating a Sense of Place In ethnography, there is an immense body of research studying how an individual’s relationship with places influences his or her attitude. These studies are fundamental in understanding how ownership and use intertwine with spatial boundary-making and a person’s attitude towards nature. Backyard gardens provide a sense of ownership and at the same time, a sense of place. They also allow homeowners to have everyday engagement with plants, birds, water and other elements. Studies prove that those who have everyday access to these natural elements tend to develop environmental awareness and positive attitudes towards conservation. [BRAND LOGO]

3. [BRAND LOGO] This probably explains why people living in the outskirts, near the wilderness, live more sustainably, while those who live in highly dense cities with minimal vegetation think rarely about the sustainability of their lifestyles. The Backyard Garden in Australian Suburbia The backyard garden is an integral part of the suburban image. It symbolises privacy and the separation from public space. Greenery and spaciousness are the key characteristics of the suburban lifestyle. Suburbia originated as a reaction to, and to some degree, a rebellion against the rapid industrialisation of the inner cities. This is why trees, manicured lawns and greenery parade suburban streets because it meant to challenge the environmental and social problems of the industrial city. Backyards in Australian suburban homes usually take up a third or less of the lot. The backyard would make up gardens, large trees and sheds that could accommodate [BRAND LOGO]

4. [BRAND LOGO] various human activities. The most common activity is gardening to raise plants for decorative purposes or for growing herbs, fruits and vegetables. Australia’s appreciation for backyard gardens has also played important roles in the environment such as absorbing stormwater runoff, sustaining biodiversity and providing shade from the sun. Australia has a very delicate ecology, and suburban gardens help in addressing problems with dryness of the climate and nature of the soil. The presence of vegetation in backyard gardens aid in microclimate and biodiversity and benefits the homeowner and the community as well. It only goes to show that the stereotype of Australian suburbia as depicted by the media is wrong and inaccurate. In fact, Australia is leading the way in transforming the way people live in cities. They are striking a balance between enjoying the conveniences of the industrial society while minimising the impact of residential communities to the environment. RESOURCES: http://ashburyestate.com.au/ http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1069&context=scipapers [BRAND LOGO]