Name: No-dig gardening.
Age: Its roots extend back to the midpoint of the 20th century, with adherents in Britain, Japan and Australia.
Appearance: People just doing nothing.
I understand. I don’t dig gardening either. It’s not a matter of not liking gardening; you just do it without digging.
Gardening without digging? That’s like no-wash laundry, or no-read book club. It may sound like some lazy oxymoron, but it’s a genuine technique, pioneered by gardeners such as Charles Dowding.
How does it work? Instead of disturbing the natural structure of the soil by turning it, you just keep adding more organic material on top, letting the worms pull it in.
What about weeds? The thick layer of mulch kills the weeds by cutting out light. When the time comes, you simply plant. It’s better for the gardener’s back, the soil and the environment.
How long do we give this fringe idea? It’s actually pretty mainstream. Some say it’s the future of British gardening.
Like who? Like Tim Clapp, head of the horticulture and garden care range at Kingfisher, the parent company of B&Q.
Home of digging implements? Yes, but they’re looking at the bigger picture. Clapp says B&Q is preparing to “bring no-dig gardening to the masses”.
What are they really doing? They’re launching a range of sustainable gardening products.
I see. Are there any other outdoor activities that involve zero activity? You could try transforming your lawn into a wildflower meadow.
By sourcing plants and seeds and relandscaping the whole area? No, you just stop mowing it.
Then what? That’s it. Let nature take its course.
I’ve heard of No Mow May, but this is June. Don’t worry – hold your nerve and just keep on not doing anything.
My neighbours might have something to say about the long grass. That’s because they hate nature.
Suddenly it seems I might have a bit of time on my hands this summer. If you’re not busy, you could set about creating some wildlife habitats for beneficial insects and hibernating creatures.
Sounds ambitious. What do I do? You know those piles of dead leaves, fallen petals, old branches and other detritus piling up in the corners of your garden?
Yes? Leave them there.
I’m beginning to get the hang of this. Can I leave my dog’s turds in the park? No, you have to pick them up.
Do say: “This is a dedicated wildlife conservation area – please do not disturb the person in the hammock.”
Don’t say: “I’m also really getting into no-work employment this year.”
