What is a sustainable garden?
Simply put, a sustainable garden thrives with the minimum of inputs and has as small a negative impact as possible on the wider environment in its construction and maintenance.
Sustainable gardens are actually a low maintenance gardens
(but, probably not as we tend to think of them!...)
When we think about low maintenance gardens we often envisage paving, plastic and not much else. These elements alone are not only going make for a rather dull, lifeless space they actually contribute to the climate change situation we find ourselves in.
Instead, how about we:
- Choose plants that can better survive without watering and intervention and that can cope with changing condtions
- Prioritise soft landscaping for more planting and to allow rain to replenish groundwater
- Use runoff from hard surfaces in the garden instead of allowing it to disappear down the drain
- Use responsibly sourced materials in construction
From a garden owners perspective it's a combination of treading as lightly as possible and working with nature rather than against it.
The benefits of which can include:
- In-built resilience to climate change
- Reducing the risk of dual sewer flooding locally
- Reduce your water bills
- Supporting local wildlife
- Increasing biodiversity
- Keeping your spaces cooler in extreme heat
(As well as creating something beautiful to enjoy!)
Sustainable, low maintenance gardens - I can show you how
Making small changes to the way you approach your garden and the things you choose to put in it can make a big impact on your sustainablity. Now more than ever, supporting wildlife, improving biodiversity and managing rain water responsibly is a critical part of adjusting to climate change.
It starts with sustainable design however, there are lots of ways to introduce sustainable elements to a garden you already have:
- Planting for pollinators
- Plant selection for drought tolerance
- Rain planters for rain water management and resilient planting
- Removing some of the hard landscaping
- Planting trees
I have written several articles on sustainable gardening for Muddy Stilettos Northamptonshire, Rutland and Leicester on about how to start upping your sustinability game
Sustainable rain water use in gardens and garden design is incredibly important and I have put together a short course to help homeowners understand the whys and hows of responsible rain water management.
If you're still not sure where to start or, your garden presents additional challenges feel free to get in touch to discuss your project.
Book me for a sustainability-led Consultation tailored to your specific requirements or, let me help you design you a garden that does all round, more good.
