It is not a novel idea to practise environmentally responsible gardening. After all, plants have always been a fundamental component of the natural world. Just tending to the plants in a garden and keeping it clean is an environmentally responsible activity in and of itself. Yet, by learning from nature and making an effort to imitate and incorporate natural processes into our practices, we may make our gardens even more environmentally friendly in various ways. If you need advice, our professionals have significant experience in maintaining healthy and good-looking trees.
We can also cut back on the number of material goods we acquire and the quantity we dispose of. Your gardens can become safe havens for endangered species or contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation. Continue reading to find more methods to make your garden more environmentally friendly.
How do I get good green in my garden?
To get a healthy, rich, and bright appearance in your garden's plants and leaves is what we mean when we talk about "getting good green."
Tips For Making Your Garden Greener
- Get tough on plastic
It is predicted that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the world's oceans than there will be fish. It is estimated that more than eight million tonnes of plastic wind up in the world's seas every year. Plastic may be found everywhere in our gardens, from plant pots and propagator lids to seed trays and seedling trays.
When purchasing plants, it is a good idea to hunt for a supply growing in taupe pots rather than black plastic containers because the former may be recycled. Hardwood seed trays are an alternative to plastic ones, but they must be cleaned regularly since decaying or wet wood might harbour disease-causing organisms.
- Plant great companions
Instead of reaching for a chemical bug spray for plants when unwanted invaders attack, produce insect-repellent plants to prevent unwanted invaders – or develop crops in a way that attracts insects away from crops. For instance, the unpleasant odour given off by French marigolds planted close to tomato plants in glasshouses helps deter whitefly.
The nasturtium is an excellent choice for a "sacrificial crop" since it attracts aphids, who would otherwise feed on other surrounding vegetables in the kitchen garden, such as beans. Because it discourages the presence of carrot root flies, garlic chives are an excellent choice for planting in the vicinity of carrots.
- Care for pollinators
It is estimated that 97% of wildflower meadows have disappeared since the Second World War, which is a stunning reduction that is having a negative impact on pollinators. Insects will have a better chance of survival if you plant a variety of wildflowers, even if it's just a small patch in a border or a container.
- Love your lawn
Grass also has many positive effects on the surrounding ecosystem. Lawns are excellent at soaking up large amounts of precipitation, which, in addition to providing insects with a natural environment to live in, helps to mitigate the danger of sudden floods in populated areas.
In addition to helping to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, walking on grass in the summer can feel noticeably more refreshing than doing so on paved surfaces. Grass functions as both a natural ventilation system and a drainage network.
- Green up your roof
Miniature rooftop gardens on outbuildings like sheds and bin stores provide important habitats for insects and birds while also lowering the amount of rainwater that runs off and enhancing air quality.
Green roof gardens are incredibly ornamental, but it is important to select plants wisely because they might be vulnerable to drought. Sempervivums are a well-liked option, and the sedum varieties that create mats are not only hardy but also visually appealing.
- Target weeds naturally
Synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, which have been used to control weeds for many years, are becoming less popular as gardeners look for alternatives that are friendlier to the environment and we also recommend this way to add green to your garden. Be on the lookout for weedkillers that do not include any chemicals and are labelled as "natural" or products that have been certified as organic by Organic Farmers and Growers (OF&G).
Some will be based on compounds such as pelargonic acid, which is naturally present in pelargoniums and damages the cell walls of weeds, causing them to quickly dry out and die.
Others will be based on other ingredients. If you would rather not use spray, a hoe with a sharp edge is an effective alternative that can cut weeds below the surface of the soil. Dig out as much of the root as you can when you're hand-pulling weeds since this will help to prevent new growth from occurring.
- Make a wildlife pond.
Little ponds are a shelter for wildlife and quickly draw newts, frogs, dragonflies, toads, and a variety of other insects that increase biodiversity. It is optional for these fish-free aquatic elements to be very large or expensive; a barrel or trough would do the job just fine.
The beauty of the pond can be improved by adding aquatic plants, but in the absence of human involvement, nature will quickly colonise any new element.
- Green-up front gardens
According to the findings of the research, more than five million front gardens now do not have any plants, and another half million front gardens have had all of their space paved over, most commonly for off-street parking. Nonetheless, it is possible for plants and automobiles to coexist together. The use of permeable paving or gravel can result in a hardstanding that is friendlier to the environment.
Also, bordering boundaries with hedges makes places for birds to nest and provides shelter for them. Providing a source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects can be accomplished in a variety of ways, one of the simplest of which is by using containers or window boxes.
- Offer insects shelter
The number of natural shelters and sites for hibernating that are available to wildlife is decreasing as gardens are viewed more as "outdoor rooms," and concrete and decking are replacing greenery in their place. Beneficial pollinators such as ladybirds and lacewings, which feed on plant pests, as well as mason bees, which fertilise plants, can find safe haven in bug hotels, which are commonly available at garden centres and provide an attractive hideaway for helpful pollinators.
Instead, you may leave a small pile of logs in a secluded part of the yard. Birds will come to feed on the insects that make their homes in rotting wood that is coated with moss and lichen, and the log piles will provide a secure and natural habitat for frogs and hedgehogs. Always look for nesting birds before trimming any hedges, and check for hedgehogs and other small wildlife before trimming grass or undergrowth. When performing any maintenance on your property, don't forget to check for wildlife first.
- Join the rechargeable revolution
If you want to lessen your reliance on fossil fuels, consider upgrading older gasoline-powered garden equipment that has reached the end of its useful life to cordless, rechargeable power tools that are friendlier to the environment.
The development of lithium-ion battery technology, which features power packs that can frequently be switched between lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and nylon cord trimmers, enables gardeners to do difficult tasks with more ease while also being more friendly to the environment.
- Choose eco-friendly, sustainable furniture
Purchasing brand-new garden furniture may strain your finances, but there is no need for this decision to impact the natural world significantly. Keep an eye out for wood that has been awarded the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which verifies that it originated from responsibly managed forests or recycled materials.
If you are looking for durable plastic furniture that will last for years, you can find a growing selection of options at garden stores that are produced from recycled plastic.
- Introduce biological controls
Instead of grabbing for pesticides, you should give biological controls a shot. In gardens and glasshouses, introducing predators, which are typically nematodes or tiny wasps, will result in these cunning critters hunting out and eliminating plant pests.
Nematodes are particularly effective at this. Biological treatments can be used to combat a wide variety of pests, including whiteflies, red spider mites, slugs, chafer grubs, carrot flies, and vine weevils, to name just a few of the potential targets.
- Go peat-free
Composts made from peat were commonly thought to be the best-growing medium for seedlings and young plants in the past. On the other hand, mining peat bogs, which are important habitats for species and have an impressive capacity to store carbon dioxide, are becoming widely seen as detrimental to the environment.
To our fortunate fortune, there is a plentiful supply of high-quality compost that does not contain peat. On social media, gardeners will recommend the best brands of peat-free soil alternatives if you follow the #peatfree hashtag.
- Water wisely
A Soaker hose, an alternate watering solution for greener gardening. It is possible for a garden sprinkler to use more than one thousand litres of water in one hour, which places significant pressure on the drinking water supply during the warm summer months and drives up metered bills. A soaker hose, a porous pipe, is laid at the base of the plants as part of an alternative method of watering the plants.
This will assist in delivering water to the precise location where it is required. If you want to save money and avoid purchasing plastic water butts, you can place old troughs, tubs, and tanks often obtained in reclamation yards under the downpipes of glasshouses and sheds. These locations allow the containers to fill up quickly with valuable rainwater.
- Control slugs naturally
Although slugs and snails are the most common cause of plant death, there is no requirement to resort to the use of pesticides in order to stop the destruction of flowers and vegetables. Recently, the chemical ingredient metaldehyde that was used to kill slugs was taken off the market, making room for more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Seek slug pellets that are organic and made out of natural substances such as ferric phosphate. You may purchase beer traps designed to kill slugs, or you can just bury an old yoghurt pot and fill it with inexpensive lager to create a beer trap. This is a tried-and-true method for luring molluscs to their death by intoxication.
Please share your suggestions for greener and environmentally responsible gardening in the comments section below; we'd love to hear them!
How do I jazz up my garden?
Adding some flair to your garden can be an enjoyable and creative activity that gives you the opportunity to show your own individuality while also making your outdoor space look more pleasing to the eye. To get you started, here are some ideas to consider:
Add Colorful Flowers and Plants
Including more colourful flowers and plants in your garden is one of the simplest methods to make it look more interesting. To maintain your garden's lush appearance throughout the changing of the seasons, select a wide range of plants from different families that flower at various periods of the year.
You can grow flowers in daring and vivid colours, such as red, orange, and yellow, or you can add plants with intriguing foliage, such as succulents or ornamental grasses. You can also create intriguing textural contrasts and depth in your garden by combining a variety of plant and flower species in the same space.
Incorporating Garden Art
Adding works of art to your garden is an excellent approach to making the space more visually interesting. You can create a focal point in your garden by including statues, fountains, or sculptures; alternatively, you can add smaller ornamental elements such as wind chimes, bird feeders, or garden stakes.
When selecting garden art, it is important to take into consideration the overall design and concept of your garden. Sculptures that are clean-lined and unobtrusive are perfect for a garden with a contemporary aesthetic, while whimsical gardens could benefit from colourful works of art with an unexpected twist.
Install Outdoor Lighting
Your garden can benefit from added drama and atmosphere with the addition of outdoor lighting, which can also make your outdoor space more usable for evening activities like entertaining or unwinding. Consider adding solar-powered lights along the walls of your garden, stringing up fairy lights or lanterns in the trees, or circling your patio or dining area with these.
Create Garden Zones
Adding depth and interest to your outdoor space can be accomplished by delineating various garden zones. To separate distinct areas of your garden from one another, you could choose to include a water feature, a lounging area, or a vegetable garden.
You can also use different materials to designate distinct zones, such as using pavers or stones to make a garden path or using a different type of mulch to delineate a flower bed. Another option is to use a combination of materials, such as using pavers or stones, to create a garden path.
Add Garden Structures
Garden structures such as trellises, arbours, or pergolas can give your garden more vertical character and provide a support framework for climbing plants such as roses, clematis, and vines.
These structures can also provide a shady getaway from the sun or a comfortable nook for outdoor dining or relaxation. Both of these options are possible with the use of these structures. While selecting garden structures, it is important to think about the design and the materials that would work best with your garden layout.
Create a Water Feature
The presence of a water feature in your landscape, such as a pond, fountain, or waterfall, can create a calmer and more relaxing atmosphere. You have the option of installing a water feature that has already been constructed, or you may build your own by using a pond liner, pump, and water plants.
Your garden can achieve a sense of natural harmony and balance by including a water feature, which can also entice birds and other wildlife to visit.
To spruce up your garden, you need to use your imagination and have some fun with the area you have outside. You can create a one-of-a-kind and visually stunning garden that reflects your individual sense of style and elevates the quality of your time spent outdoors by including vibrantly coloured plants, garden art, outdoor lighting, distinct garden zones, garden constructions, and water features in your landscaping design.
Summary
Increasing the amount of vegetation in your yard is not only a good method to lessen your impact on the surrounding ecosystem, but it also makes for a more visually appealing outdoor area. You may cultivate a sustainable garden that is good for both you and the environment if you follow the advice and suggestions in this article. Get outside, get your hands filthy, and get to work right away on making your garden healthier and more beautiful.
If you need help, you can contact us and we in Harry Yard make your garden greener easily!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I attract beneficial wildlife to my garden?
Attracting beneficial wildlife can help your garden thrive:
- Plant a variety of native plants that provide food and habitat for wildlife.
- Provide water sources, like a bird bath or a pond.
- Avoid using harmful pesticides that can harm beneficial wildlife.
- Install habitats like birdhouses, bat boxes, or insect hotels
How can I reduce waste in my garden?
Reducing waste can help make your garden greener:
- Compost: Compost your kitchen and garden waste to reduce landfill waste and create rich soil for your garden.
- Reuse: Find ways to reuse items in your garden. For example, use old containers for planters or old boards to create raised beds.
- Recycle: If you can't reuse an item, recycle it if possible.
- Choose durable garden tools and equipment that will last a long time to reduce the need for replacement.
How can I manage pests without using harsh chemicals?
Pest management is a big part of maintaining a green garden:
- Use physical barriers, like row covers or copper tape, to keep pests off your plants.
- Encourage beneficial insects and animals, like ladybugs, spiders, and birds, which can help control pest populations.
- Use organic pesticides, like neem oil or diatomaceous earth, which are less harmful to the environment.
- Rotate your crops to disrupt pest life cycles and prevent them from becoming too established in your garden.
What types of plants should I choose for a greener garden?
Choosing the right plants is crucial:
- Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, so they're more likely to thrive.
- Perennial Plants: Perennial plants return year after year, so you don't need to replant them.
- Drought-Tolerant Plants: These plants require less water, so they can help make your garden more sustainable.
- Pollinator-Friendly Plants: Plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators can help support local ecosystems.
What are some ways to conserve water in my garden?
To conserve water in your garden:
- Use a watering system that directs water to plant roots, like soaker hoses or drip irrigation.
- Water your plants in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Add mulch to your garden beds to retain moisture.
- Choose native or drought-resistant plants that require less water.
- Capture rainwater with a rain barrel to use for watering.
