Planting the seeds of sustainability with GARDENA

Trees not only enhance the beauty of our landscape but are essential for life on earth to thrive. In recognition of this vital role, Arbor Week, celebrated annually during the first week of September, serves as a reminder of the importance of trees in our ecosystem. It encourages individuals and communities to plant trees and promotes sustainable practices that ensure their growth and preservation. 

Excited to get into the spirit of Arbor week? The first step is to consider your space, as depending on the type, trees can grow significantly large and if not suited for the space, their roots can cause issues for walls, foundations and paving. With this in mind, GARDENA has put together their top three picks of small indigenous trees to help you celebrate Arbor week and enhance the biodiversity in your garden. Plus, the essential GARDENA tools you’ll need to make planting a breeze!

1. The Buddleja saligna or False Olive 

This evergreen tree is frost hardy and drought resistant and produces bunches of small white flowers providing a beautiful spring, summer show. This tree can be clipped into a hedge and is ideal for gardens of all sizes. It grows best in sun or semi-shade and can grow to a height of up to 6 metres tall. 

2. Bolusanthus speciosus or Tree Wisteria 

The Tree Wisteria is a stunning deciduous tree that is often mistaken for the exotic Jacaranda due its perfect purple blooms. This beauty can grow up to 7 metres tall and grows best in full sun. The Tree Wisteria can be planted in a medium to small garden, in a pot, or used to create a stunning display for an avenue. 

3. Dais cotinifolia or Pompon Tree 

The Pompon Tree is frost tolerant and a great alternative to the exotic Pride-of-India. This tree produces a stunning display of pink pom-pom shaped flowers and can grow to a height of 6 metres tall. Best grown in an area that experiences both full sun and semi-shade this tree can happily thrive in any garden as well as along pavements. 

Now that we’ve explored a few of GARDENA's top picks, it's time to focus on the tools you’ll need for that perfect planting experience. 

Spades 

Ideal for digging, loosening and moving the soil, a spade is not just an essential tool for this job at hand but is a garden staple every gardener should have in their kit. The GARDENA NatureLine Pointed Spade is created with a D-handle which allows the spade to lie comfortably in your hand providing a back-friendly working posture. It also features a large footrest which provides a firm grip when digging into the bed and soil. 

Loppers 

A lopper is an essential tool for pruning dead and diseased branches as well as overgrowth on trees and shrubs. When planting your tree it can be used to trim roots or branches that get in the way of planting.  

The GARDENA StarCut Lopper uses the bypass cutting principle and features non-stick coated blades, which provides a clean, precise cut every time. It also allows you to easily reach up to 6.5 metres high from the ground, making it easy to maintain tall trees. The 12-gear mechanism also makes tree maintenance a breeze. 

Watering 

Young trees and shrubs need consistent watering to establish strong roots. Water your newly planted tree deeply to ensure it gets a good start in its new environment. Thereafter, continue to water your tree regularly, especially during the first two years after planting to support its growth. The GARDENA Hose Trolley CleverRoll S is a convenient space-saving system which uses a crank to wind the hose for easy use. The hose is fitted with an anti-drip device which prevents water leakage on the go and after use, as well as an angled hose connection which allows for maximum water flow. 

Not only are GARDENA tools innovative but they are designed with sustainability in mind, helping gardeners cultivate their passion while respecting the environment.  

By choosing GARDENA, you’re not just investing in tools; you’re also participating in an initiative that promotes sustainability. GARDENA's Sustainovate program is aimed at innovations that bring people and nature closer together. Some of the goals that have been achieved include: 

• Running all GARDENA production and logistics locations on renewable energy sources. 

• Achieving an overall reduction of over 65% for measured Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission activities. 

• Increasing the waste avoidance and recycling quota to 94,4%. 

• Increasing social responsibility with various campaigns and events such as the long-term partnership with UNICEF. 

• Building our ReTh!nk pledge into GARDENA’s practices and products which helps to qualify how sustainable each product is and, in turn, how sustainable your gardening can be.  

This pledge has led to the creation of the GARDENA EcoLine range, which is made up of 85% recycled plastic, 45% recycled metal and FSC® certified waxed beech wood from European woods. 

So, whether you’re planting a tree in your garden or supporting local initiatives, gear up with GARDENA and make a positive impact on your garden and the environment this Arbor Week!