It has been a while since I have had a new 'The Questions' post and when I was asked if I wanted to interview Gary Philpotts, Chairman of the Common Sense Gardening Group I thought that this was a good reason to use the format again.
The Common Sense Gardening Group were set up by the Crop Protection Association. Their aim is to provide customers/gardeners and retailers with advice on how to use, store and dispose of garden-chemicals safely and carefully. I know that many of you will read this and not approve of the use of chemicals in our gardens. It is for this very reason that I think such an initiative is important. If people continue to use chemicals and non-organic methods then it is best they do so with the best possible advice and information so they understand and know what they are doing. Many gardeners do not use any chemicals, many do not use any except when it comes to slug control - or a specific weed control - or that other thing that they think they cannot manage without using such products. We all have serious concerns about our environment: about the loss of bees, about damage to our soil and watercourses. I believe that education and information is the only way that we can steer people in the right direction.
The Common Sense Gardening Group carried out some research that found that 46% of the people who answered their survey believed that investing in their gardens gave them a feel-good factor. 38% of the respondents also believed that the garden was an extension of how they were perceived by others. One of the biggest concerns that the Common Sense Gardening Group believes gardeners have is how to deal with weeds quickly and effectively.
with grateful thanks to Emma at Redhead PR
