With climate change and the environment on many people’s minds these days, it’s no wonder that some are also looking to apply this to their gardens. While it may seem as if a garden is already natural and doesn’t require an environmental upgrade, there are a number of things that can make it less than eco-friendly.
Below we explore six ways that you can turn your garden into an environmental landscape.
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Use Native Plants
Perhaps most obvious on this list is to go native when it comes to your flowers and plants. Using imported versions utilizes greenhouse gases if it’s traveled from overseas. Because they come from the area, native plants are also easy to grow as they require less pruning or fertilizer, which means they’re easier to maintain. But, even more importantly, native plants also encourage local wildlife and insects, such as bees, which have been declining in numbers over the years.
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Recycle & Reuse
In our throwaway culture, many of us have become accustomed to buying without much thought to the origin and ingredients of our materials. By opting for recycled materials, particularly when it comes to decking, fences, and patio furniture, we reduce the burden on timber and other natural resources.
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Ecomposite fencing, for example, is a fantastic use of recycled materials, and it comes with the added benefit of easy maintenance and longevity. If you’re looking for ecomposite products, kits are readily available online. There are also plenty of other eco garden options such as paving, which now comes in recycled aggregate.
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Go Local
Like going native, going local means obtaining your gardening supplies from local sources. Rather than buying commercially where the materials may have been shipped from other countries, try to source locally, whether that’s for the materials or the build. Planted Shack provides your gardening needs, do check them out.
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Make Homes For Wildlife
Making homes for wildlife, whether it’s a birdhouse or a small shelter for a rodent, means you can give nature a helping hand. Particularly in urban environments where development can eat into natural habitats, providing mini shelters in your garden can go a long way to providing your local critters some much-needed refuge.
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Go Organic
While you may be tempted to protect your garden from insects and pests, it’s vital that you only use organic products. Avoid harmful pesticides and chemicals and investigate more natural means for reducing insect damage. It’s also important to get rid of chemical fertilizers as nitrogen and phosphorus are now recognized as major environmental pollutants.
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Conserve Water
All gardens need to be well-watered and fed; however, to make your space environmental, it’s important to conserve water where you can. Rather than leaving your sprinkler on for an unknown period, purchase a timed sprinkler. Even better, invest in a rain barrel so that the water you use comes from the sky, rather than from the hose. Other tricks you can employ is to buy large pots for plants so that they don’t dry out as often.
Climate change is an important issue in our current times. Ensure that you’re doing your part by maintaining an eco-friendly garden that doesn’t contribute to harming the environment.
