Earth Day Special: How to create long-term sustainability in your garden
One of the most critical issues today is climate change. Luckily, we are learning more about the consequences that our lifestyles have on the environment around us which gives us the opportunity to reduce our environmental impact.
Have you ever considered your garden’s environmental footprint? Sustainable landscaping is a growing trend which will make any garden look beautiful.
What is sustainable landscaping?
Generally, sustainable landscaping focuses on using horticultural practices that create an elegant garden while also benefitting the local environment. As well as this, these gardens are designed to thrive in the natural environment, being in harmony with local temperatures, rainfall and weather patterns.
So how can you make your garden sustainable? Here are just a few ideas to help you incorporate sustainability into your landscape!
1. Grow Native Plants
Native plants are the most important factor of a sustainable landscape as they support and maintain the surrounding wildlife. They require less watering since they’re well-adapted to the local rain levels and are also resistant to local pests and diseases, which saves the environment from the use of pesticides and fungicides. At the same time, growing native species attracts wildlife such as butterflies and bees.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider growing your own native fruit and vegetables too to spend less at the supermarket. We offer a large variety of composts and topsoils, including fruit and veg topsoil, to ensure that your garden plants are in the best condition they can be! Find more on the soils we offer here.
2. Use Reclaimed and Upcycled to Furnish your Garden
Having a sustainable garden can be a style in itself. Upcycling items to kit out your garden can help establish this style. For example, using old bricks to label the herbs, vegetables or fruits you’re growing gives your garden the perfect springtime aesthetic.
Another popular item at the moment is wooden pallets for DIY projects. The great thing about these is that they’re versatile and can be used to build a lot of different types of furniture. Projects include constructing chairs, coffee tables, planters, raised beds or even an outdoor bar.
3. Capture Excess Rainwater
You can collect the excess rainwater and store it for future use in a barrel. As well as creating a renewable resource, a sustainable water supply will also help you cut down your water bill!
Excess water runoff is sometimes harmful to the environment as it contributes to soil erosion and can carry pollutants. As well as a rainwater capture, ensuring you have porous surfaces on your land can help tackle this. For example, we offer a huge range of naturally sourced Decorative Aggregates that will not only ensure excess water runoff, but will also add style, colour and texture to your garden. Click here to look at our full range.
4. Install Artificial Grass
Ditching grass altogether can be an effective way to make your garden sustainable! Lawn substitutes require much less maintenance – they don’t need fertilisers, mowing or weeding and use much less water. As well as this, artificial turf allows water to drain just like its natural counterpart and also permits the ground to breathe more than paving does.
If you’re interested in replacing your garden with artificial grass, check out our artificial grass variety, supplied by Namgrass.
And coming soon, Namgrass are releasing a new spray product for artificial grass, which has the air purifying efficiency of one fully grown tree for every 1m2.
Why Does Sustainable Landscaping Benefit Me?
Making your garden eco-friendly saves water, while also reducing your need for fertilisers and fungicides. While this benefits the environment, it is also cost-effective. As well as this, eco-friendly landscapes require less maintenance as aspects such as artificial grass don’t need weeding, mowing or watering.
If All Else Fails...
If you find that creating a sustainable garden isn’t for you, you can still do your bit by using eco-friendly and/or non-toxic products, or even investing in an electric lawnmower!
All these products are available to order from your local Sydenhams branch, so please get in touch for more information and encourage sustainability in your garden!