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Author: Lane, Mark

Literary essays

Published on 15 May 2025 by Melville House UK in the United Kingdom as part of ‘the FUTURES’ series.

Paperback | 144 pages
178 x 113 x 15 | 132g

Gardening is about choices. Which plants to choose for yoursoil type and conditions? Where to place them to maximise their growth? What tofeed them, and when to water them? And how can all of this be done in asustainable way? In The Future of Gardens, broadcaster and designer MarkLane examines present-day considerations alongside those gardeners will need tomake in the future. As Earth heats up and populations soar, water will becomescarcer on many parts of the planet, and efficient management of it will bekey: drought-tolerant planting and smart irrigation systems will likely becomecommonplace, as will vertical and otherwise space-restricted gardening. And as ourworld faces stressed or collapsing ecosystems, gardens will be crucial inimproving wildlife populations – but only if we let them.

Tech will play itspart, too. AI-powered apps already provide tips to the green-fingered, but itsdominance is a concern. How might we find a happy coexistence? Lane also imaginesthe potential for gardening in space: what challenges will interstellartravellers face as they cultivate plants on spacecrafts, or even on distant worldsThe Future of Gardens looks at this evergreen discipline with a bold, vibrant and inquisitiveeye. Lane’s own vision for inclusivity, sustainable practice andforward-looking design shines throughout this extraordinary addition toFUTURES.