Did you know that when you convert your landscape to a more eco-friendly design, you can not only lessen its impact on the world but also that of the home it surrounds? Landscaping the green way can have a great impact on both the environment and your wallet. Here are a few changes you can make to be more environmentally-conscious when it comes to gardening for all seasons.
Plant for Functionality
Planting according to the purpose certain plants are naturally supposed to have can look great and be easy. When choosing which trees to plant, consider deciduous ones. Deciduous is just a fancy name for trees that lose their leaves during the winter. In the summer, these trees help create shade with their abundance of leaves. In the winter, they allow the sun to shine through which can help warm your home naturally. They reduce the need for temperature regulation year-round. If you live in a particularly windy area, consider ever-green trees. They would reduce the wind-chill outside of your home and possibly inside as well.
When choosing plants and flowers, try to aim for ones that are native to the area in which you live. This will ensure that they will need the least amount of maintenance possible. You won’t have to water them as much if they are designed to live in your climate. Also consider buying flowers that bloom for more than one year (known as ‘perennial’ flowers). These flowers will come back after the winter and replenish your garden without needing to be replanted.
Consider planting your own fruits and vegetables for harvest. Growing your own not only feels rewarding, but is also functionally good for the environment. What better satisfaction is there than biting into a ripe tomato and knowing you grew it?
Use a Compost Pile
Considering using a compost pile. Designate an area away from your home (but still on your property) to put fruit and vegetable peels (such as from the ones you personally grew!), leaves, and other natural debris. To make a compost pile you may need some big wooden sleepers and power tools. There are tools, together with portable compressor hire, to power the tools, available online for fairly inexpensive prices. Over time, these will rot and turn into natural fertilizer right before your very eyes! It’s a great way to get a first-hand look at the impact recycling has on the environment. You can then mix this rich soil in with your current soil to ensure a healthy garden without the use of unnatural chemicals.
Recycle Water
Rather than running up your water bill, why not recycle water from the environment? Many people take the rain for granted. In reality, it is a completely free and natural resource to be used. Capture water in containers while it rains, or set up a system to catch water from your gutters. That way, you can reuse water that’s already there rather than pump more from a hose and become part of going green movement.
Find Alternatives
When deciding on which lawn-maintenance tools to use, choose the ones with the least impact. There are plenty of alternatives to gas-powered machines that are better for the environment and more energy-efficient. Switch to solar-powered lamps. Although they may be more expensive initially, you’ll see the difference when you pay no recurring fees to use them.
When considering which products to buy to maintain your garden, first try natural and organic ones. These are much better for your garden and for the environment than the over-abundance of unnatural chemicals on the market. Don’t forget to use soil from your compost pile to supplement these.
