I have a small urban garden right in the centre of the City. It is a wonderful south facing tranquil site which I created myself (it once won a prize in a city centre garden competition). But more than that it represents a space into where I can step out, work, entertain and talk to my plants, relax and restore my soul when the need arises.
This isn’t an especially low maintenance garden either, and I think therein lies some of its value to me. It demands upkeep and the spin-off in terms of being outdoors and staying healthy is unquantifiable. I would be forced to recognise my real age, (which I mainly ignore) and either find less appealing means of maintaining well-being, or possibly succumb to low flying age-related maladies: (As it is I deal with low flying aphids and the like!).
My aim is to continue to live here, independently, cultivate my garden, ignore the vagaries of climate and contribute to the greening of Edinburgh.
In fact Edinburgh is now has a greening policy, providing open spaces for small allotments and gardens in public areas and back greens. This would seem to open up opportunities for others to work outdoors and help maintain health, even where they don’t have individual gardens.
Anja Amsel
