How to create a sustainable garden

WHETHER YOU HAVE A BALCONY OR A SPRAWLING GARDEN, THESE ECO-FRIENDLY CHANGES WILL MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE (AND THE PLANET) A HAPPIER PLACE

- TAMARA KELLY

Every garden has the potential to become a beautiful, natural space that plays a crucial role in improving and supporting the wellbeing of people, wildlife and the planet. The Royal Horticultural Society (rhs.org.uk) says: ‘A sustainable garden will limit use of concrete and other hard landscaping products, use a minimum of irrigation and maintain fertility with a minimum of bought-in fertilisers and manures, using composting to generate nutrients.

‘Sustainable gardening protects the environment from damage, flooding and contamination,’ says the RHS. Eco-friendly gardening limits production of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide and methane, and captures carbon in the garden soil, helping to counter climate change. ‘Use of scarce resources such as water is also reduced by sustainable gardening practices.’

1. BALANCE HARD AND SOFT LANDSCAPING

‘Choose a design that has a good balance between hard and soft landscaping, ideally at least 60% soft landscape,’ advises James Scott, MD of The Garden Company (thegardenco.co.uk). Opt for soft landscaping that is ‘self-sufficient and doesn’t require “extreme maintenance” techniques, for example excessive use of fertiliser.’

2. CHOOSE MINDFUL MATERIALS