Green Garden Month trade-in offer: turn in two garden tiles and get two native plants as a gift
Garden owners consider it important to care for bees, butterflies and other insects. Despite this, they often do not make the connection with native and organic plants that create a healthy habitat for these insects. For example, only one in three say they consciously buy organic plants and one in four native plants. Also, recognized labels are unknown to most consumers. This is according to research by Milieu Centraal, conducted by Motivaction, among 1,015 Dutch garden owners aged 18 and older. The results were presented today at the start of Green Garden Month. The research shows that some 80% of Dutch people buy plants at the garden center. To raise awareness about native plants, Milieu Centraal, together with 75 garden centers, is launching the 'Tile out, plant in!' campaign. For two garden tiles, people receive two native plants as a gift. Green actions are taking place throughout the country until April 30. More information and an overview of all green actions can be found at www.maandvandegroenetuin.nl.
Main photo: Garden owners buy few native and organic plants despite good intentions for bees © Sjon Heijenga
Only a quarter of garden owners consciously choose native plants
The Month of the Green Garden, an initiative of Milieu Centraal, starts today with extra attention to native and organic plants. Native plants support endangered insects such as bees because they occur naturally in the Netherlands. Many regular plants contain pesticides that harm insects such as bees, while organic varieties do not.
Three-quarters (76%) of garden owners believe it is important to provide a healthy habitat for bees, butterflies and other insects. In addition, 85% see the importance of these insects for people. Despite this positive attitude, price and the appearance of the plants play a role in the final choice of plants (both 62%), followed by whether the plant grows well (52%) and requires little maintenance (48%). A possible explanation for this is that people do not associate organic and native plants with providing a good habitat for insects. Consequently, only a third (29%) of garden owners say they consciously choose organic plants and only a quarter (25%) say they consciously choose native plants. Actual buying behavior may be lower.
One in three 'garden' in logos
A major obstacle to purchasing native and organic plants is a lack of knowledge. Many garden owners do not know which plants are native (44%) and think these plants are harder to find (9%). In addition, knowledge about associated labels for organic plants is low: 53% do not know that labels exist and 34% have heard of them but do not know exactly which labels exist. Of the small group (13%) that does know about hallmarks, only 4% actually pay attention to them when purchasing plants. Also, logos of recognized labels are often confused with commercial logos, which have no meaning and any manufacturer may put on the packaging. One in three mistakenly believe one or more logos indicate that the plant is organic. At Keurmerkenwijzer.nl, people can see what good labels are.
Sanne Janssen, sustainable gardening expert at Milieu Centraal, emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices: "It is positive that many garden owners want to contribute to a healthy habitat for bees, butterflies and other insects, but our research shows that a lack of knowledge is holding them back. By choosing labeled native plants, you not only make your garden more beautiful, but also create a valuable habitat for bees, butterflies and other insects. In addition, a green garden helps with climate adaptation: it stays cooler in the summer and can better cope with heavy precipitation."
Action "Tile out, plant in!
Most garden owners buy plants once every six months (36%) or once a year (27%). This is done mainly at garden centers (79%), followed by growers (28%) or through neighbors and family as gifts (26%). During Green Garden Month, garden owners are inspired, among other things, to choose native plants with a hallmark. Milieu Centraal, together with 75 garden centers, is organizing the campaign 'Tile out, plant in!'. In exchange for 2 tiles, people receive 2 native plants as a gift. With this action, Milieu Centraal hopes that people will learn more about native plants and buy them more often in the future.
Moreover, replacing tiles with plants has more benefits. Namely, a green garden is cooler in summer and can better cope with heavy precipitation. In addition, partners are organizing various actions across the country in line with the objectives of Green Garden Month. For example, tile cabs are driving around in various places, gardening advice, workshops and lectures are being given locally, and various contests have been set up. For example, people have a chance to win a small garden pond, a flower roof or a sketching session with planting advice. People can also follow a webinar for tips on a bumblebee-friendly garden. For all actions, visit monthvandegroenetuin.nl/actions.
