Welcome to Outside Space Blog
Commercialisation of ecological gardening.
I wonder whether commercialisation of ecological gardening is a barrier for ordinary urban home gardeners. If they imagine that improving biodiversity requires hiring designers, buying expensive native plants, enrolling in courses, or purchasing specialised products,...
What is success?
The measure of successful ecological gardening advocacy isn’t how enthusiastically the converted respond. It’s how many ordinary gardeners change what they do.
Are people more likely to adopt small ecological actions than one large lifestyle change?
I’m sure many city gardeners want to help biodiversity. The messaging is everywhere. Yet, there’s no evidence that it is getting through. The advice is focused on a few specific actions or is monetized. However, urban ecology evidence tells us there are many ways...
The ecological challenge.
Why private gardens matter. Why participation matters as much as ecological effectiveness.
Questions I’m pondering.
Ecology says…Plant diversity matters. Behavioural science asks…Will people actually plant more species? Ecology says… Leave stems. Behavioural science asks… What stops people doing this? Ecology says… Reduce mowing. Behavioural science asks… What social pressures...
Are expenditures focused?
One question these data don’t answer is whether our management effort is aligned across the landscape. Volunteers contribute thousands of unpaid hours removing invasive plants from Toronto’s ravines, but if adjacent natural areas continue to serve as sources of...