In a gray city, encountering greenery is a rare treat. Trees that change their attire with each season and colorful flowers that bloom at different times have become something we must make time to seek out. Green spaces enrich our lives, yet they often become a privilege reserved for the 'affluent.'
Numerous studies have revealed a strong correlation between income levels and the size of green spaces. Wealthier neighborhoods tend to have a higher proportion of parks and green areas, as well as more street trees, as explained in the book. The author dreams of a 'garden for all,' lamenting that "individual gardens will become a privilege enjoyed by only a few" as urbanization progresses.
The author, a garden designer working in the UK, studied landscape architecture and architecture in Korea before pursuing garden design in England. She notes that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, which froze the global economy, the garden design industry in London thrived. This surge in demand came from 'homeowners with gardens' who spent more time at home due to telecommuting. She emphasizes that gardens are 'a sanctuary needed by everyone' and 'a right that everyone should enjoy.'
In the UK, gardening is an essential part of life, with each neighborhood having its own garden center selling plants and gardening tools. Why do the British love gardens so much? The author explains that for the British, gardens are spaces of comfort and hope. "They find beauty in keeping plants that appear dead during winter but are quietly breathing," she says.
The book is filled with photos of flowers, grasses, and trees, giving the reader a sense of touring British gardens. It inspires a desire to stroll through gardens cultivated by 'planting drought-resistant plants in dry soil and moisture-loving plants in damp soil.'
The author serves as a friendly guide for those unfamiliar with plants. After reading the book, you might find yourself wondering, "What's the name of that grass?" while walking down the street. The resilience of the grasses and flowers that defy gravity and push their way up from the ground feels refreshingly new.
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