Creating a garden in your backyard is an excellent way to provide yourself with space where you can relax in peace. However, it is also a perfect option to help the environment. Nevertheless, not every green space is automatically eco-friendly. You must follow a few steps to make your garden genuinely beneficial to the planet.
For starters, invest in eco materials and replace harmful chemicals with more environmentally sound alternatives. At the same time, you could look for ways to reuse old items and materials. If you use solid surfaces in your garden, switching to permeable paving is also a good idea. Crunchy gravel and slate chippings work exceptionally well in this regard, as they can make your garden look gorgeous.
If you have the funds, you might even invest in a green roof or increase wildlife and biodiversity by constructing nest boxes and bee hotels.
Here is a list of tips to design an eco-friendly garden that will wow your guests:
Use Recycled or Reclaimed Materials
One of the best ways to create an eco-friendly garden is by opting for reused or recycled materials. This way, you can avoid using brand-new resources, as well as make your garden more unique.
For example, you could upcycle old timber into garden furniture or get second-hand pots and planters at your local thrift store. Reclaimed wood and recycled glass bricks are ideal for patios. Alternatively, you could use old tires as planters, pallets as raised beds, or even bottles and cans as lanterns or vases.
If you have recently upgraded your garage door, you can use the old model for various purposes in your garden. Standard garage door sizes are pretty large, giving you tons of creative freedom on how to use them. Perhaps you can transform your old garage door into a small fence or makeshift planter.
Reusing materials will not only help you save money, but it will also reduce your carbon footprint.
Plant Native Species
When selecting plants for your garden, make sure to choose native species. These plants are naturally found in your area and do not require extra watering or chemicals to survive. Wildlife takes refuge in indigenous plants and trees. They are also often more resistant to certain pests and diseases.
When looking for a new plant, ensure it grows in your region and is suitable for your soil type. You could even invest in a book that lists plants according to their location.
Instead of using chemicals or pesticides for pest control, you could help fend off unwanted visitors by planting a strip of marigolds along the edge of your backyard garden. If you have a pond, you might consider inviting frogs and dragonflies to keep away mosquitoes.
Use Permeable Paving
Consider switching to permeable paving if you have solid surfaces in your garden, such as a patio or driveway. This type of paving allows water to seep through, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion.
At the same time, it also allows vital nutrients and minerals to reach plant roots, providing them with the nourishment they need to thrive. As a result, you do not need to use large amounts of water to keep your garden looking great. It makes it easier for plants and trees to grow!
Create a Green Roof
Installing a green roof is one of the best ways to create an eco-friendly garden. These roofs are perfect for garden owners who want to add a bit of greenery to their property without worrying about constant maintenance and upkeep.
To install a green roof, you must first choose your type of vegetation carefully. While most people opt for sedum varieties, you could also consider other plants, such as wildflowers, that can survive in poor soil. Your green roof should be made of materials that will absorb rainwater. However, these materials cannot be sharp or hard.
You may also build a raised bed with absorbent material on top of your existing garden shed or greenhouse. Doing so will help your garden get more moisture and nutrients.
Overall, a green roof is an excellent way to add an extra layer of insulation to your home while also providing a habitat for local wildlife. If you are unsure how to create a green roof, plenty of guides and tutorials online can help you get started.
Increase Wildlife and Biodiversity
The wildlife on our planet is under serious threat. Therefore, it is essential to do your part in increasing biodiversity. To start with, you should surround your garden with a hedge of native species such as hawthorn, hazel, or crab apple. Butterfly-friendly plants such as lavender, buddleia, and foxgloves are also worth considering.
You can also opt for bird feeders and nest boxes to attract more feathered creatures. Moreover, you can create a wildlife pond in the center of your garden to attract various aquatic species. The sound of running water in your pond will also help you relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In Conclusion
Creating an environmentally friendly garden is not as difficult as you might think. There are plenty of options to design your garden without using chemicals or harmful substances. Therefore, you should consider using the tips above to create a chemical-free and eco-friendly space. It requires just a bit of effort on your part.
If you do not have the space to create an ample green space, you can opt for small eco-friendly touches such as recycling, repairing and reusing, or using sustainable materials.
The most important thing is to be consistent. Like any other sustainable lifestyle change, making your garden more eco-friendly requires patience and commitment. In the long run, however, the results will speak for themselves.