Every little pocket of greenery counts in Malta’s urban centres. Summers are steadily becoming more intense and, thanks to the urban heat island effect, temperatures in our dense, concrete cities regularly exceed that of rural areas by 3-4°C.
Vegetation combats the heat island effect directly, by providing much-needed shade, releasing moisture that cools the nearby air, filtering pollutants and creating small oases of comfort where people can breathe a little more easily.
Yet, despite their importance to quality of life, green spaces are rapidly disappearing in Malta.
The JustNature project team at the University of Malta therefore hopes to bring a little more nature back into Malta’s built environment through its balcony greening competition.
It is inviting the community to send in images of their green balconies, which will then be evaluated according to the following four criteria: best overall balcony; most densely planted balcony; most Mediterranean plant species; and most insect-friendly balcony,
If you’re unsure where to start, lavender is a great Mediterranean choice. It’s hardy and beloved by butterflies. It can also tolerate hot summers with minimal care, provided it gets one deep watering a week.
But don’t stop at lavender: the most insect-friendly gardens are all about diversity! Local herbs like thyme, sage and rosemary can add variety and resilience.
Another option that can beat the heat and add some colour is bougainvillea.
By filling our balconies with these small green patches, we collectively create a network of cooling spaces that make our cities more livable both for pollinators and for people. Be sure to visit the JUSTNature stand at Science in the City this year (September 26-27, Valletta) to find out more and share your ideas for urban greening.
Send your images by October 10 to win one of four €100 vouchers for local plants sourced from local initiative Grow 10 Trees.
