How to Make Our Gardens Eco Friendly in Time for Spring
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
Winter is almost over, kids are back in school and evenings are
getting lighter. Now is the perfect moment to give our gardens the love and
support they need to revive from the cold winter weather. More so, now is the
opportunity to convert it to an eco-friendly garden that can survive throughout
the year. Here is my guide to keeping your garden blooming all year long, while
keeping carbon footprints low.
Choose artificial grass
This might seem like slap in the face for some gardening
aficionados but it’s a necessary move to create a more eco-friendly yard. There
is a lot of evidence to support the idea that artificial grass is much better
for the environment than the constant upkeep of real grass.
First of all, it does not require pesticides or fertilizer to
look bright and beautiful. During winter, grass tends to die or dry out. In
despair, many people buy chemical products to keep the grass alive, but these
products can damage the environment and even the ozone layer. With artificial
grass, the whole backyard stays green and looking healthy all year round without
risking the environment.
Additionally, artificial grass does not require any mowing,
which saves on pollutants and energy. Best but not least, the amount of water
your home uses to keep a beautiful lawn decreases significantly. Grass can be
one of the most water-hungry uses in the home, accounting for one-third of residential water use.
Use strong, durable planters
It’s a little known fact that flower pots can have an effect on
the eco-friendliness of your garden. For example, the ever-popular clay pots are
porous so they dry out very fast, especially as weather gets hotter. That can
increase your home’s water use as you have to consistently water your plants to
make up for the dryness.
A better idea is to opt for different kinds of
planters, such as fibreglass, plastic or stainless steel. They offer the
strength of the clay pot but maintain water for longer. They also keep plants
healthier because they are UV-resistant and the material is resilient enough to
survive through both cold winters and hot, humid summers.
Make a compost heap
In a hidden corner of your garden, create a compost heap where
you can collect food waste and other organic material that is decomposing. This
material adds nutrients to soil, with the added bonus of being eco-friendly as
it puts waste into good use, rather than filling up landfills.
You can add material such as shredded paper, egg shells, fruits
and vegetables, dead leaves, coffee grounds and even leftover meals [non-meat or
dairy items].
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Rather than buying new items for the garden, try to think twice
about your carbon footprint and how you can reduce it. Reuse items from your
home, from neighbours or friends, or even from your garden. Decorative items can
be bought second-hand at garage sales and online, and they can look as good as
new. Sites like Freecycle offer free-to-take goodies, including gardening
supplies that are no longer necessary to the owner.
Some creativity can go a long way with recycling and reusing
materials. For example, some gardeners use plastic bottles as seedling
protectors by cutting the base of the bottles and placing them over the seedling
patch.
Whether you’re looking to become more eco-friendly or revive
your garden so it’s once again colourful and welcoming, always remember that
there are many ways to do so without damaging the environment.
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