Sustainable Gardens

Sustainability is a hot topic now, as it should be. You’re likely finding new ways to make your home eco-friendly, but what about your garden? We’re here to offer some advice on how you can easily improve your gardens sustainability.

Water Conservation

• You can collect rainwater in buckets, watering cans or even fit water butts to your downpipes (these must be clear of debris to not cause disease in plants). Plants prefer rainwater as it’s acidic, whereas tap water is chalky.

Biodiverse Plants

• There are many beneficial plants which are productive and wildlife friendly. Insects aren’t always pests and can have a positive impact on our gardens by providing food for birds. Certain types of tree such as beech, oak, wild cherry and crab apple are home to caterpillars, beetles, etc. which provide a great food source for canopy birds.
• As pollinators, bees and butterflies are important to maintaining a balanced eco-system. They allow plants to reproduce, creating more homes for birds and the insects they feed off. A mixture of shrubs and plants can provide great homes for insects, we’d suggest wild blackberry and blueberry bushes, and climbers like trumpet creeper. To attract bees, plant flowers which are rich in pollen and nectar such as honeysuckle and crocuses.
• Read more here

Green Roofs

• You can buy living mats of plants which simply roll out onto a roof of a shed with a gentle pitch, these also increase water retention. Using a mix of sedum and a range of wildflowers will generate greater biodiversity and visual interest.
• Read more here

Sustainable Wood

• Try to responsibly source your wood for decking, fencing, pergolas, etc. This isn’t just about forestry but the complete lifecycle including the production processes and our own environmental impact as consumers. The precise origins of wood can be difficult to trace, however you can check these schemes for further advice – Forest Stewardship Council and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Reclaim, Reuse and Recycle

• Aim to reclaim and reuse as much material as possible. This goes for mulch and compost as much as paving and other building materials. Considering salvage opportunities for future generations, rather than using cement mortar, lime mortar is easier to remove and reuse

Make a positive impact with your garden!

For more information, contact your local branch today – click here.

Source: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/sustainable-gardens/