The Landscape Institute has announced that this week is Plant Health Week. This is to recognise The Food and Agricultural Organisation’s (FAO) International Year of Plant Health 2020, with both events set to celebrate the benefits of healthy plants. The aim is to help protect and enhance plant life for future generations and to celebrate what they do for us, our environment, and the planet.
Obviously, plants contribute to the oxygen that we breathe and the food that we eat but did you know that they also remove around 1 billion kg of air pollutants every year and support approximately 550,000 horticultural jobs in the UK alone (FAO statistics). Both contributing towards our fight against climate change and contributing to the UK economy.
So how can we help to protect and enhance plant life?
- Sourcing plants from reputable nurseries and suppliers helps- often nurseries are registered with the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) which has its own set of guidelines on bio secure plant propagation, sourcing, and sustainable targets. The souring of plants from nurseries that are registered with the HTA ensures that certain criteria are met during plant propagation, packaging, and delivery.
- Also, controlling pests and diseases to avoid widespread infestations not only on sites, within nurseries but also as part of the UK’s wider biosecurity control measures helps ensure the longevity of many of the plants that we associate with our landscapes. Some pests and diseases are notifiable and should be reported to government agencies (such as DERFA, Forestry Commission, or Animal & Plant Health Agency) as part of these biosecurity control measures.
- Plant varieties or strains are disease-resistant or have other special qualities that will ensure the longevity of the plant in its environment. So, by planting the right plant in the right place, it can contribute greatly to enhancing plant life for future generations.
ACD is a registered practice with the Landscape Institute and as such receives regular updates regarding biosecurity control measures, general plant health, and industry sustainability guidelines. If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact ACD Environmental.
