SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES
Woods
– Deforestation is a severe and growing problem so when choosing what type of wood to use in your garden, consider its features, where it was sourced from and how sustainable was the whole production process.
– Gardens in the UK only last between 20-30 years before they are replaced through either redesign or a new homeowner altering the garden so long-lasting materials aren’t always the right choice.
– Use recycled or reclaimed wood when you can, particularly for highly durable woods like oak, this is a way to help reduced over consumption of fresh timber when there is some already available.
– When sourcing wood / wood products always make sure they are certified by an accredited source such as the FSC, but also check the suppliers individual process to guarantee the woods sustainability.
Water
– Garden ponds play a role in increasing biodiversity and supporting local wildlife, but they’re also becoming increasingly more important with climate change and the pollution of countryside waterways.
– Rain gardens can be made to create an attractive wildlife area as well as filtering heavy metals from runoff water. A rain garden also releases the pressure on urban sewage systems and allows you to grow unusual moisture-loving plants.
– Using recycled water is one way to reduce your water intake, whether its collecting rainwater in the form of waterbutts or using grey water from domestic tasks (showers & washing machines).
– Drought resistant plants are a great way to reduce the watering of plants in your garden as they are more tolerant to warmer and drier conditions.
– Changing watering habits by using a more direct method like a watering can compared to sprinklers can save on water usage, as well as watering plants when starting to wilt can also improve root system health.
– Laying a thick mulch layer over planting beds can help retain water and keep down weeds.
Hard materials
– When using hard landscape in gardens whether it’s stone paving or concrete it’s important to consider the process these materials have gone through to get to your garden.
– Source stone that can be found within the UK such as Slate, Yorkstone and Granite to help reduce the distance travelled by materials.
– When purchasing stone use companies that are open about their suppliers and have a sustainability certification like the ones offered by ISO or the Natural Stone Institute.
– Use reclaimed stone where possible to reduce the demand for new stone, Granite, limestone and marble are all very strong and durable stones that can be reused multiple times.
– If using concrete try to reduce the number of areas that are covered, instead switch to a greener space by using lawns or flower beds.
– Alternatives or recycled by products are now being used successfully as cement replacements in concrete production, opt for these over traditional concrete that uses high volumes of sand.
Fertilisers
Both synthetic and organic fertilisers help to provide extra nutrients to plants to support and encourage their growth.
– Synthetic fertilisers are beneficial as the exact concentrations of nutrients are provided, however the sourcing and manufacturing of them is highly unsustainable due to the mining process and the effect it has on the surrounding environment.
– Peat is an organic fertiliser which comes from peatland environments. These are rare landscapes and due to overharvesting are still being depleted currently. When purchasing fertilisers check that they are peat free and not just labelled ‘environmentally friendly’.
– Seaweed/ kelp is an organic fertiliser that is a sustainable option due to its fast growing rates, meaning that stock can be replenished quickly after harvesting.
– Manure and coir (coconut husks) are both great organic fertilisers that turn waste products into a useful product, as well as both being rich in nutrients to help soil heath and support plant growth.
Pesticides:
– Pesticides in terms of synthetic insecticides and herbicides can be beneficial in maintaining and protecting your garden, however there are significant environment issues than need to be considered before using these methods.
–Ground and water contamination are serious negative effects of using pesticides as they can damage soil properties and harm aquatic life.
–Non- selective pesticides should be avoided as they can kill a range of beneficial wildlife such as pollinators, as well as the targeted species.
–Instead opt for more preventative measures such as an integrated pest management plan (IPM) or natural pesticides such as diatomaceous earth and lemon juice spray.
Wildlife:
–Ponds are great for increasing biodiversity, they provide habitats for newts and dragonflies. Birds and other animals also benefit as ponds can be drinking or bathing areas.
–Make shelter with native trees/ shrubs like holly or guelder rose to increase the nesting and protected areas of your garden, especially for creating shade in the summer months. Whilst your plants are establishing you can use feeding stations and nesting boxes to help the wildlife.
–Have a living boundary like a hedge instead of a fence, it creates are wider range of habitats in the garden whilst allowing wildlife to travel to find food and shelter.
–Leaving grass to grow long and adding wildflowers can be great for wildlife, they encourage different plant species to grow along with giving birds and small mammals feeding opportunities.
Transport:
–Use locally sourced materials and products where you can as the freight industry accounts for up to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
–There is starting to be a shift towards more renewable fuels in the transport sector with biofuel accounting for 90% of the renewable energy demand in 2023.
–Some materials, like tropical woods, have a larger associated negative impact on the environment due to the potential for unsustainable production along with the transportation of the good. If you want a material that’s not found in the UK, see if you can source it reclaimed or second hand locally first.
Plants:
– Planting a variety of plants and trees can support wildlife, filter the air of CO2, prevent soil erosion, and create shade.
– Crop rotation in your vegetable garden can prevent soil degradation as well as limit the need for pesticides.
– Reducing compaction of the soil helps microorganisms thrive in the soil.
– Sustainable compost is available through peat-free alternatives or organic materials.
– Composting is a great way to reuse kitchen/garden waste along with creating fertiliser to be used in your garden.
Lawns:
– If you cut your lawn at a higher level that will give the soil more shade and reduce evaporation, keeping the lawn greener in Summer.
– You don’t have to have mown lawn to create a sense of spaciousness in your garden. You can convert your lawn into a sword of ornamental grass that doesn’t need watering or regular mowing.
– You can plant ground-hugging plants to create a simple interesting stretch of green.
– You can create a wildflower meadow or simply leave the grass to grow and cut paths through it, which is a great low maintenance way to encourage local wildlife into your garden.
