A Healthy Planet = Healthy People

Welcome to the online media kit for the Sustainable Gardening Institute and the Sustainable Gardening Library

The Sustainable Gardening Institute’s long view is that human physical and mental health requires a healthy planet and that our planet’s health is inextricably tied to the health of plants. But beyond that, ornamental and food plants also enrich our lives with alluring fragrances, pleasurable textures, the music of rustling grasses and leaves, visual smorgasbords of colors and shapes, as well as by supplying some tasty treats. They soften the harsh lines of the built environment, bringing a sense of beauty, joy, relaxation, and wonder to our homes and public spaces. They provide us the opportunity to slow down and smell the roses.

Ecopsychologists say that when a culture becomes disconnected from nature, there is a negative impact on individual's lives. To some degree, life in the wild forms the basis for human sanity and optimal psychological development. 

By creating a unique collaboration that brings together the accumulated knowledge and experience of public gardens, universities, and government agencies, the Sustainable Gardening Library fills the knowledge gap that exists between traditional gardening, farming, and land use practices and practices are that more mindful and in harmony with the way Nature works.

Our collaborators are the experts when it comes to their local growing conditions and best sustainable horticulture practices, with credibility ratings above 80% among members of GardenComm International, the association for garden communicators.  

SGI’s Sustainable Gardening Library educates and encourages people to use flowers and food in the landscape in a way that respects the “genius of place.” Not only is that better for the planet, but it’s also easier, requires less maintenance, and is more likely to breed success.