Considering Ecological Garden Design Styles

Many gardeners might scowl at the idea of shaping their garden around eco-friendly ideas and designs. After all, in their mind, it only limits what one can do with their garden and hence puts a limit to their creativity. However, I beg to differ. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Incorporating ecological designs in fact encourages one to be creative in their thinking. And besides, a garden is supposed to be a sanctuary for nature, right? Well, if so, then it should be especially important that you consider the future implications of your garden design on the environment, whether that be the effect on the microcosm of your garden or on the greater world around us. If that’s of concern to you, then here are some top ideas to ensure that your garden is eco-friendly.

1) Choose your materials wisely

Keep in mind that it’s not only about whether the production of your materials is bad for the environment, or whether the materials are not recyclable. It’s also about the miles that your product has travelled in order to get to your doorstep. Whether they were transported by plane or truck, the process of transporting goods pollutes our air. As such, it’s always better to get local materials and to make sure that those materials are recyclable. Straw, log walls, oak and clay all tend to be a great choice. Not only do they look great, but they can also add a natural, authentic atmosphere to your garden.

2) Purchase recyclable garden furniture

This might not come to most peoples’ minds, but recyclable garden furniture does exist, with certain materials being used that aren’t damaging to the environment, or at least minimal damage. A good idea, which you might consider, is rattan garden furniture, which also has a very natural look about it.

3) Reuse materials

Instead of throwing old materials away that can’t be recycled, try to find an alternative use for them. Or, if that doesn’t work, then even selling them on eBay or giving them away is better than them going to the tip. On top of that, if you really insist on buying new materials that are not recyclable, then you should buy them second-hand. Doing so will help prevent future production, as well as preventing the seller from throwing them away.

4) Don’t use more water than is necessary

This might affect the way you design your garden in that you might choose certain plants that require less water, or are even able to do without watering. On top of that, in a climate like that of the UK, sprinklers are completely unnecessary, with most plants getting enough water from the rain. When you do water your plants, be sure to keep in mind that watering the leaves does no good, and that you only need to water the roots.