Table of Contents
Introduction: Why Sustainable Gardening Matters
Did you know that 77% of people in the United States are working to make their lifestyles sustainable? In your quest for sustainable living, be careful not to neglect your garden—landscaping isn’t typically environmentally friendly. Ninety million pounds of fertilizer and 78 million pounds of pesticides are used annually on lawns nationwide, which, in turn, contaminates the air, drinking water, and ecosystem. By making your garden sustainable, you can prevent pollution and create a beautiful, eco-friendly outdoor space.
Opt For Timber
Timber is one of the most sustainable materials you can use in garden landscaping. Trees naturally store carbon as they grow and continue to do so throughout the lifecycle of the timber. Additionally, trees stabilize temperatures, reduce air pollution, and prevent soil erosion and flooding—making them inherently eco-friendly.
Here are a few ways to use timber in your garden:
Timber Pathways: Lay durable, weather-resistant decking boards to create an inviting pathway. The rich brown tones of timber perfectly complement the greenery.
Timber Screens: Use timber screens to create separate, secluded areas in your garden. These screens allow natural light to filter through, offering both privacy and visual appeal.
Raised Garden Beds: Build timber planters or raised garden beds for vegetables or flowers. Raised beds made from untreated wood are safe, functional, and attractive.
Switch Up Your Lawn
Real grass isn’t always ideal for your environmental footprint – largely because it requires regular watering. In fact, landscape irrigation is responsible for at least one third of residential water usage in the United States. Conversely, artificial grass can play a key role in your water conservation efforts. It doesn’t require watering – only an occasional spray with the hose to keep it clean. Moreover, artificial grass also eliminates the need for pesticides and fertilizers, which are harmful to both human health and the environment. If you don’t want to replace your entire lawn with artificial grass, you can also opt for eco-friendly ground cover that requires little to no watering, fertilizing, or mowing. Thyme, for example, is a pretty choice; it’s drought-resistant, thrives in sun and shade, and just needs a quick mowing at the end of flowering.
Prioritize Permeability
Prioritizing permeability is essential for preventing flash floods – 41 million homes in the United States are now at risk from flooding. By preparing your garden for heavy rains, you can prevent floods and damage to your garden and home. So, for example, since hard landscaping like tarmac and paving can cause problems during heavy rainfall as the excess water has nowhere to go, replace it with porous materials. Gravel, in particular, is ideal: it’s cheap, attractive, and lets water drain quickly. You can also work on improving your garden’s soil structure; clay or dense, compacted soil prevents water from absorbing into the ground. Fortunately, digging compost and mulch into the soil is an easy way to improve permeability.
Additional Tips for Sustainable Gardening
To make your garden even more eco-friendly, consider implementing these additional practices:
Plant Native Species: Native plants are adapted to local climates and require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance. They also provide essential habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Compost Your Garden Waste: Turn grass clippings, leaves, and food scraps into compost. Compost improves soil health and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Install a Rain Barrel: Collect rainwater in a barrel to use for watering your plants. Rain barrels reduce dependence on municipal water and help lower water bills.
Choose Solar Lighting: Illuminate your garden with solar-powered lights to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Creating a sustainable garden doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. By incorporating timber, artificial grass, and permeable materials, you can build an outdoor space that is both beautiful and eco-friendly. Additionally, adopting sustainable practices like composting and planting native species further enhances your garden's environmental impact.
