From Guest Blogger Lana Hawkins: Sustainable Landscaping and the Environment
Sustainable landscapes are re-generative and they can contribute a lot to the development of a healthy community. The main goals of this type of landscaping are to preserve energy and water, decrease runoff and reduce waste. There are few processes to be done to achieve these goals.
Organic Gardening
Instead of using hazardous chemicals in the gardening process you should turn to more organic method which includes the use of natural and eco-friendly processes. The main goal of organic gardening is replenishing of the crucial nutrients of the soil. In this process, the vital roles have the composting which can ensure you more quality soil and maintenance of the quality water. Also, when you are faced with a certain gardening problem, instead of turning to chemical insecticides and pesticides you should try safe and natural, but less toxic solutions. “Better safe than sorry” approach is highly efficient in organic gardening and you should focus on prevention of plant diseases instead of turning to chemical cures.
Value Your Soil and Water Resources
It is most likely that the soil in your garden is compacted. This state of the soil can lead to various problems, such as erosion, restriction of plant growth, floods and runoff. To change and upgrade your soil a bit you should turn to composting. This process includes the use of natural processes to speed up the decomposing of organic waste materials. Composting always results in organic, rich soil and it is a highly recommended process because runoffs and erosions can lead to water pollution.
Speaking of water, you should value its resources because it is a necessity in gardening. Rainwater is usually considered as waste and people let it just flow away into the sewers. However, rain is the natural water resource so why not preserve it. Company for landscape design in Sydney highly recommends rainwater harvesting which can easily be used for irrigation.
Positioning and Preservation of Existing Plants
There are so many different plants and some of them require more water and some of them less. So the principle is quite simple: put the plants with greater watering needs in one bed, and those with lesser needs in other. This way you are avoiding under and overwatering which leads to more sustainable gardening. Also, if your lawn is not as rich as you wanted and you need to somehow refresh your garden, you can turn to vertical gardens. These gardens are highly beneficial for the cleansing of air and for soundproofing your yard.
Preservation of existing plants is crucial for maintaining of the natural processes in the yard. Sustainable landscaping method recommends the preservation of the existing native plants and materials. Those invasive and non-native plants should be immediately removed and you should replace them with more appropriate choice for the existing environment.
Welcome Birds and Bees
Birds and bees should be welcomed in your garden. These animals and many other insects are beneficial for the natural growth and reproduction of plants. Also by creating an animal-friendly garden you are supporting variety of wildlife. Additionally, colorful birds, butterflies and lizards could be a nice entertaining element in your yard.
In order to have a healthier environment you should turn to sustainable landscaping methods. You will show respect to the nature and its resources and you will have more beautiful heavenly garden.
Author’s Bio: Lana Hawkins is a student of architecture from Sydney. She writes regularly about landscaping and interior design and is very interested in sustainability.
