Sustainable gardening has many benefits for both you and your planet. As Spring rolls in, why not embark on a new endevor in your garden - below are some tips on how you can turn your own back garden into an environmental haven!
Choose a section of your garden to go wild!
Throw out the perfectionism and select a spot in your garden to let grow wild! Plant some native wildflowers and insect friendly plants, miss a spot when mowing your lawn and let the "weeds" grow free.
If you only have a small paved courtyard, plant your wildflowers in large pots and place them around your garden to add some vibrance for both you and your insect neighbours.
If you have the space - plant a tree
Not only will planting a tree make your garden more likely to attract wildlife, but you can benefit from this too. Tree can provide shade and reduce noise pollution to create your own little peaceful retreat. You can even plant a fruit tree to provide you with fresh, homegrown fruit every year.
Additionally, a tree will absorb approximately 1 ton of carbon dioxide by the time it reaches 40 years old. So, by adding a tree to your garden you will be doing you part to heal the planet.
Make homes for wildlife
Bird boxes, hedgehog homes, bug hotels and bee hives are all wonderful ways of making your garden a home for all the local wildlife wile making your garden look like a cute little animal villiage.
Here is a guide on how to make your own bug hotel out of your recycling: https://lukeosaurusandme.co.uk/build-a-bug-hotel-from-your-recycling/?cn-reloaded=1
Grow your own food
Section a plot of your garden to to devote to growing your own food. It will lower you environmental impact, cost less than buying your own ingredients from the supermarket and you will feel more satisfied with your meals knowing you grew it yourself.
Vegatables like carrots and potatoes are so easy to grow and you can make many different meals with them.
Reduce your waste and get composting
Making a compost heap to throw away your vegatable and garden waste can reduce the waste you produce and stop you from having to pay for your garden waste bin to be taken away, saving money and the environment. Compost heaps provide a valuable habitat for earthworms, frogs and hedgehogs.
You can even try "grasscycling" by leaving your grass trimmings on your lawn to provide a natural fertiliser for your grass.
Add a water feature
You can add a pond to your garden which would provide a natural habitat for many different animals and you can add a little fountain for some relaxing natural sounds.
Or if you don't have the space, adding a bird bath will always be apprieciated by your avian visitors
