With the right eco décor, your garden can become an extension of your home, a place where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the beauty of nature without harming it.
An estimated 87 percent of households have some sort of garden space, and the average spending on garden items has significantly increased since the pandemic forced so many of us to spend a little more time in our outdoor spaces.
It doesn’t matter if you have a small garden or a larger outdoor space, you can still do your part for the environment by understanding how proper garden maintenance improves your eco-footprint. If you’re already interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle, here are some tips that don’t just benefit the planet, but your household, too.
How to maintain your garden sustainably
The burden is on each of us to do everything possible to reduce our carbon footprints and give the planet a better chance of survival. But it doesn’t have to be a thankless chore. With every small step forward, you can make a difference and your garden is a great place to start.
Plant trees
You already know how beneficial planting trees is but you don’t need to plant the tallest redwoods or oaks to make a difference. Considering you may not have acres of space in your yard, research some of the most effective (and attractive) small trees for a more eco-friendly yard. These can make your garden more unique but also bring a range of environmental benefits, including proper carbon transferal while also helping keep your home cool by offering shade during the scorching summer months.
Grow produce
Growing produce in your backyard or planets is an excellent way to reduce your reliance on supermarkets or other resources. Of course, you won’t stop the carbon emission caused by shipments, but you don’t need to waste petrol driving to the store. Check out the easiest vegetables to grow to make things easier for you and boost your confidence. The more you learn about growing produce, the more ambitious you can become.
Increase biodiversity
A biodiverse backyard is fantastic for the environment, and the good news is that you don’t need to do much to achieve it. Letting wildflower patches grow to create a mini meadow can encourage pollination, while some gardening services like TruGreen lawn care can take care of the rest if you don’t have the time (or equipment) to undertake proper garden maintenance.
You can also let other parts of your garden grow to allow other wildlife, such as birds or rabbits, to make dens and nests, just be careful that they do not become too much of a pest problem for you or your neighbors.
Planting bee-friendly species like lavender, foxgloves, and sunflowers can attract bees to your garden, promoting biodiversity. There aren’t just benefits for the bees, though. Your garden will also be boosted by a splash of beautiful color and the addition of rich aromas in the air.
Embrace renewable resources
Everyone should use renewable resources to make their garden safer and more effective. Taking a renew, reuse, recycle approach gives you plenty of options and can even teach you some vital lessons about sustainability. Furthermore, you won’t spend money on unnecessary products that are impossible to recycle, so you reduce your waste and keep your bank balance healthy.
Garden lighting, for example, can help set the ambiance and atmosphere in your garden.
Solar lanterns are an excellent choice for garden lighting. They are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and can create a magical ambiance in your garden. You can hang them on trees, along pathways, or around seating areas to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Adopt eco-friendly approaches
Similarly, many eco-friendly approaches will benefit your home and garden. One of the most popular is making a homemade fertilizer instead of relying on store-bought products that could contain harmful chemicals that damage the environment and affect local wildlife. Again, you’ll need to educate yourself about how to do this, but the benefits and results are more than worth it.
Focus on native plants
Native plants are a great way to add character to your garden. Adaptive to the local climate and soil conditions, making them easier to maintain. They also provide a natural habitat for local wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
Hedgerows are a prime example of this, as a habitat that is disappearing across the country but supports a huge number of species. Planting a hedge in your garden could provide shelter and food for many creatures.
Going native is a great idea for vegetable gardens, too. Growing native fruits and vegetables can be a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh produce right at your doorstep.
Grow vertically
Vertical gardening may be a hot trend right now but, it’s here to stay. It’s an excellent solution for small spaces, allowing you to grow a variety of plants without taking up much ground space.
Using wall-mounted planters, hanging baskets or trellises to create a vertical garden, this innovative gardening method can free up extra space for hosting areas, a water feature, or whatever way you want to enhance your garden.
Related on Ethos:
