The premise that having a beautiful garden is a privilage is in fact true! However, now it is not wealth that dictates that. Now thoughtful planning and the privilage of living in an ideal climate dictate it. With the climate constantly changing, it has now become essential to plan your garden to suit climate changes. Things that now need to be considered are (which will be discussed further later on):

• Plants that require less water - Droughts are becoming quite common in previously wetter areas.
• Companion Planting - Pests & Disease are more prevelent now, being introduced by the increase in visitors from & to other countries.
• Planning & Design - As cities grow upwards residents now have more limited space in which to enjoy gardens.
• Proper Irrigation - To reduce water consumption while properly caring for your plants.
• Water Features - With the stress of a faster lifestyle, having somewhere to sit back & relax to the soothing sound of water flowing is a must.
• Budgets - No doubt, gardens can be expensive, but fear not, beautiful gardens can be created on minimal budgets
• Creating Biodiversity - Bring back the birds, insects & frogs. Urban & City planning also created a loss of biodiversity. Create an environment condusive to these species again, and watch them start to return.

There has been an influx of gardening shows on television & in media lately that can get the creative juices flowing. Dont be intimidated by some of the designs. Have a go! Even someone with the brownest thumb & busiest life can adapt a garden that will suit their talent & lifestyle.

And dont under-estimate the advantages of indoor planting. NASA has reported that being more than decorative, they absorb pullutants & noise, reduce stress and encourage serenity. Monsanta have even brought out a genetically modified plant that absorbs toxins released from glues on furniture etc. (ask your local nursery for information on this plant).