7 Ways to Design a Sustainable Garden
By Lana Hawkins
Sustainable gardens are getting more and more popular in recent years, and for the right reasons. They are not only great for the environment and people, but they look super Zen and beautiful. So, if you want to join the sustainable garden club, here are some tips you can use.
Composting
One of the basic sustainable garden practices is composting. Recycled food and other natural waste can be turned into an organic fertilizer that will make your soil richer and your plants and products healthier and more delicious. If you don’t produce enough waste, you can make a deal with your local schools, parks and grocery stores to pick up their compostable waste as well.
Save rainwater
You should implement a method for storing and using rainwater in your garden. You can get barrels that will collect rainwater you can later use for watering your crops, flowers, and plants. However, if you live in an area where it hardly ever rains, you might need to use sprinklers and other irrigation tools to quench your plants’ thirst.
Get durable plants
Another way to conserve resources while having a beautiful garden is to plant high-tolerance plants that require less maintenance and water. Plants such as the honey bush or Monterey cypress are perfect for a beautiful, earth-friendly garden. You can also plant some native plants to feed and shelter birds, butterflies, and squirrels.
Say no to chemicals
Instead of using chemical herbicides to maintain your garden, you can use organic and sustainable methods to control weed and pest problems. The most organic and healthiest way to get rid of weeds is by getting down on your knees and pulling them out the old-fashioned way. It’s not only super green but also a great exercise for you.
Choose natural materials
Every eco-friendly garden should have natural materials, whether it’s pots, furniture or shades. Wood is probably the most common natural material you can find for your garden furniture, but just make sure the wood you opt for is sustainably harvested. You can also get furniture made of reclaimed wood that usually comes from old furniture, houses and other built things that have been recycled. Reclaimed materials are a great example of resource efficiency, but they are usually not so easy to find. You can also opt for bamboo. It is incredibly fast-growing and versatile plant that has become the unofficial poster material of environmental designers and builders. Bamboo can be flattened into flooring, moulded into furniture and sun shades, pressed into veneers and much more. Also, furniture pieces are being made from recycled plastics and metals as well. Recycled materials require less processing and fewer resources, and help support the market of recycled materials.
Outdoor rugs are also a great addition to your garden and they make every space feel comfier. Outdoor rugs can be made of natural fibres such as sisal, hemp, jute, and seagrass. These are very strong, sound-absorbent, sustainable materials which add lots of texture to your space. There are also environmentally friendly outdoor mats you can use to add a “green” touch to your sustainable garden.
Water features
If you want to introduce a Zen-like atmosphere in your garden, you can consider installing a solar water fountain. It’s a great way to use the unlimited power of the sun to make your garden more beautiful. These fountains have built-in solar panels that convert sunlight into electrical energy. People love water features in their gardens because there’s something very soothing about listening to the aquatic sounds.
Organic fences
Another great organic touch to your garden is organic fencing. You can use scrap wood, fallen branches and saplings to create a fence that’s not only completely organic but also very attractive and antique.
As you can see, creating a sustainable garden doesn’t have to be super complicated. You only need to introduce a few changes, make some smart decisions and voila! Apart from having a beautiful garden, you’ll also protect the environment and make our planet healthy for future generations.
