You might want a lovely garden to enjoy when you’re relaxing at home. But does the idea of running the environment, just so that you can have a little piece of nature on your property, worry you? It doesn’t have to! There are plenty of modern, smart, and even affordable green landscaping design right in your own backyard if you do it the responsible way.
- Less Lawn Is Greener?
While you might have less actual green in your yard, in terms of lawn coverage, going without as much grass is really the greener option. Even removing turf that’s already in your yard can save a lot of water and cash. If you hate the idea of having a yard that’s completely void of any grass, consider simply reducing the amount that you have. Replace it with some eco-friendly plants instead, or a walking area that’s sustainable.
2. Consider Artificial Grass
Okay, you’re probably reeling in horror at the suggestion that synthetic turf could possibly be in line with a go-green attitude. But think about it for a minute; the average landscape that’s covered with grass uses an insane amount of water and other resources to keep in lush and green. There’s also the cost of maintenance, including using lawnmowers than run off petrol most of the time. Your own green oasis is far more resource-intense than even a natural landscape. If you want to reduce your overall costs and your imprint on the planet, it absolutely makes sense to use synthetic turf in your yard. Some areas even offer rebates to homeowners who are willing to do this.
3. Re-Use Existing Materials
The easiest way to do this is by looking at your own yard and finding things that could be re-used. This is the most eco-friendly way to find new materials, as there are no costs or resources required at all. Going beyond that, you can ask people in your neighborhood if they have any materials they don’t need. Perhaps you can work out some kind of trade, to not only keep your costs down but keep from producing new materials or having them brought on from other areas. There are also building sites to consider, which might have materials that you can have for free or buy. Salvage yards are also a great source of cheap and eco-sourced materials for your yard.
4. Easy Plants for Low Maintenance
Find plants that are well suited to your area. If you live somewhere that’s hot and dry without a lot of rainfall, why would you choose plants that need loads of watering? Find plants that are naturally resistant to drought and don’t require too much care to keep healthy. You can find things like asters, ornamental grass, tulips, marigolds, and pansies that look great, and are also low-maintenance.
5. Certified Wood Only
You can seriously reduce how much you impact the environment by refusing to use woods that are not sustainably sourced. Make sure that you are buying genuine certified wood, and don’t use anything that’s been chemically treated. Instead, go for woods that are naturally resistant to rotting, so that you won’t be adding harmful compounds to the air and soil.
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