Landscaping allows you to mold and shape your outdoor space to function and look better. However, if your landscaping is harming the environment around you, it defeats the purpose of a garden! Lately, homeowners are finding sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to create unique and eye-catching landscaping designs.
If you’re new to the world of sustainable living or landscaping, it’s crucial to learn what helps and what harms the environment, as well as how to incorporate it into your own home. From composting to solar-powered lighting, there’s no one way to make your landscaping better for the environment, but this guide will tackle the top ten trends.
Composting
Gone are the days of buying expensive, potentially dangerous fertilizers or plant feeds. Composting is a great (and free) way to ensure your garden’s growth and health. Eggshells, fruit peels, manure, and other types of used organic material can create the perfect compost. Composting can be hands-off or hands-on depending on the type, and you can even use items like coffee grounds and filters for it! It can take a while for compost to decompose, but it’s worth it to help the environment. You can even use organic waste from your yard.
Rainwater Collection
If your area allows it, collecting rainwater can help save a ton of money on your water bill, and it keeps your plants healthy and regularly watered. You can even use recycled containers to collect the rainwater. It allows you to use the natural environment to your advantage. Scheduled irrigation is a smart way to use a small amount of water for your garden without waste.
Solar-Powered Lighting
There’s a solar-powered light to fit any theme, mood, or accent to a garden. As a bonus, since the lights are already outside, they don’t require hands-on charging. From string lights to themed lanterns, solar lighting is the way to go when it comes to your garden. Any type of appliance or electrical system outdoors can be generated through solar energy. This renewable resource is incredibly beneficial to the environment (and your wallet).
Recycled Planters
Many different repurposed or recycled items make excellent garden planters. Steel drums, soda bottles, old tires, and even old gutters can create vertical garden shelves. With a quick touch of paint, you can even make the most unique planters out there. Old glass bottles can create garden edging that is free and eco-friendly.
Eco-Friendly Pest Control
Harmful pesticides can hurt you, your garden, and the environment around you. If there’s a particular pest you want to get rid of, there are many natural ways to do so, such as diatomaceous earth. Remember, though, bugs are a natural part of the outdoors and many are even beneficial to your garden; only use these methods when absolutely necessary.
Homemade Garden Decor
Many household items can be repurposed to create some truly unique and beautiful garden or lawn decor. Tin cans or glass make great wind chimes. Painted tires can be used as planters or decorations. Glass can be crushed up to create ‘glass rivers’ in your yard. There’s no limit to your imagination.
Sustainable Outdoor Furniture and Doorways
You can repurpose old furniture to become outdoor furniture with some sealant and a little elbow grease. Additionally, many homeowners use sustainable and recycled materials for doorways and windows. Ensuring proper insulation can reduce energy consumption as well. You can find the right materials, options, and costs with search terms such as, ‘eco-friendly entry door near me’ or ‘eco-friendly window insulation’.
Eco-Friendly Seed Germination
Seed germination doesn’t require a specific container or planter. You can use biodegradable materials for seed germination. Some great examples of this are tubes from paper towels or toilet paper rolls. These can be planted directly in your garden, as they cause no harm to the environment.
Recycled Paving and Pathways
Many modern homeowners aren’t buying new materials for their garden paving or pathways. The use of natural materials such as mulch or wood chips can be great for this purpose. For a more solid feel, repurposed concrete blocks or stones can instantly achieve a stepping stone pathway in a modern garden. Even natural hedges or plants make great fences or borders.
Native or Edible Plantlife
When plant life in a garden isn’t native, it can be invasive or harm local wildlife. When a modern home utilizes native plant life in the garden, it reduces the risk of invasive species, harmful pests, or danger to animals.
Edible plants can create a free, sustainable way to add herbs or food to your home’s kitchen, as well. There’s nothing fresher or more delicious than homegrown vegetables or fruits!
Conclusion
Modern homeowners are looking to change the way they’ve been treating their outdoor environment. Smart irrigation methods, native plant life, recycled materials, and natural fertilizers create a safer, more sustainable, and eco-friendly garden design for any home’s theme or look.
