Eco-friendly garden concepts for your outdoor environment
In the midst of the pandemic, people have found solace in their gardens and developed a newfound appreciation for wildlife. This shift in perspective has sparked a movement towards creating sustainable gardens that not only benefit people but also support local ecosystems.
Tamara Kelly, an advocate for eco-friendly gardening, believes that every garden has the potential to improve and support the wellbeing of people, wildlife, and the planet. Phoebe Aubury, founder of Natural Design Studio, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of encouraging wildlife in gardens.
One way to achieve this is by incorporating native plants that support local biodiversity. These plants not only provide food and shelter for local wildlife but also require less maintenance. Encouraging wildlife is crucial for creating a sustainable garden. Phoebe suggests planting shrubs and trees, leaving gaps in fences, installing a pond, creating wildflower patches, and planting native, pollinator-friendly plants.
In addition, Phoebe encourages the use of recycled and reclaimed materials for landscaping, as well as sustainable solutions for hard landscaping. For instance, logs, cob, and earth bags can create beautiful and sustainable solutions for decorative or retaining walls, saving on garden landscaping costs. Choosing vernacular materials for hardscaping, which are indigenous to the garden's setting and reflect local building traditions, is also beneficial.
James Scott, MD of The Garden Company, advises a good balance between hard and soft landscaping, ideally at least 60% soft landscape. This balance ensures that the garden remains functional and aesthetically pleasing while also providing a vital healthy haven for wildlife.
Water conservation is another key aspect of sustainable gardening. Save water in gardens by designing planting schemes to be self-sufficient. For water-wise gardening, consider plants like succulents and cacti arranged in creative, low-maintenance layouts that require minimal watering. Installing rain gardens, soakaways, and water butts to collect rainwater supports water conservation and biodiversity in smaller urban gardens.
Organic gardening practices are another essential component of sustainable gardening. Avoid chemicals in gardening and opt for organic methods to maintain a balance between species and plants. Organic gardening practices include using organic soil mixes, natural fertilizers like compost and vermicompost, and avoiding harmful chemicals.
Incorporating edible planting in ornamental spaces, such as a kitchen herb garden near the house, is another way to make your garden more sustainable. This practice not only reduces food miles but also contributes to sustainable food production.
The RHS states that it is neither difficult nor expensive to get greater benefit from gardens without harming the planet. With the right planning and implementation, your garden can serve as a thriving ecosystem that attracts birds, bees, and butterflies, while also remaining beautiful and functional. Together, these ideas create a garden that conserves resources, supports wildlife, and reduces environmental footprint.
- Tamara Kelly and Phoebe Aubury suggest promoting sustainable living by integrating native plants, recycled materials, and organic practices into home-and-garden design, aiming to create garden design that improves people's wellbeing, supports local ecosystems, and encourages wildlife.
- James Scott recommends a balanced approach for garden design, having at least 60% soft landscaping, incorporating water conservation features like rain gardens and soakaways, and including edible plants in ornamental spaces, to create an eco-friendly garden lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet.
