Arbordeck blog

How to create an eco-friendly garden

Plastic bottle being used as a planter

More than ever before, we’re being urged to be more environmentally friendly. From food waste to energy consumption, the UK population is trying to make more responsible choices within the household – but how can you do your bit for the environment in your outdoor space and create an eco-friendly garden?

Ponds

When it comes to creating a luxury outdoor space with a relaxing ambience, water features tend to be at the top of the list – whether it’s a pond, bird bath or a Jacuzzi.

Since Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock graced our screens on Ground Force, the UK public has fallen in love with garden water features as a way of enjoying their outdoor space. The good news is that these features are not only relaxing, but can also benefit the environment.

Today, countryside ponds may be under the threat of pollution, but a well-maintained garden pond can also offer insects, amphibians, mammals and freshwater plants a space to thrive.

Eco-system ponds are very low-maintenance projects when created correctly – a good filtration system, featuring both a mechanical filter and biological filter, and the correct size pump and pipe diameter will ensure it’s as eco-friendly as possible.

Trex Transcend in Tiki Torch with fish pond

Bird baths and feeders

Another popular water feature which can help to create an eco-friendly environment is the bird bath, which is more than simply a wash basin for our feathered friends.

Many gardens are overrun by snails, slugs and other pests which can destroy shrubs. Encouraging birds into your garden, however, means gaining natural protectors – birds can reduce, or even eliminate, the need for synthetic insecticides and weed killers, which in turn protects the environment.

Decking – eco-friendly garden

A decking area is a popular way of enhancing outdoor space, but certain styles, such as wood, can take a lot of upkeep and aren’t environmentally friendly. Fortunately, the same can’t be said for Trex composite decking.

Trex decking in garden

Made from up to 95% recycled material, composite decking certainly ticks the eco-friendly box. What’s more, it’s designed to be durable and to not rot away, meaning it’s long-lasting and doesn’t need to be replaced for many years.

Due to manufacturing methods, composite decking such as Trex also nullifies the risk of splinters and cracks, and won’t distort or fade in the sunshine. Its durability means it will never need to be sealed, stained or painted – meaning it’s as friendly for your bank balance as it is for the environment!

Makeshift plant pots

It’s no surprise that plants can help to create an environmentally friendly outdoor space – especially when you think outside the box for what they’re kept in.

Using old water bottles is a creative way to plant your favourite flowers rather than using plant pots, and a great way to prevent everyday plastic going to waste. Plastic bottles act as great seedling protectors, by simply removing the base and placing them over the seedling patch.

Grow your own

One of the biggest and best ways to go eco-friendly is to grow your own food. If you have the space, the opportunities to grow your own herbs and vegetables are endless, and can slash the price of your weekly food shop.

As well as saving money, growing your own food has a huge impact on your carbon footprint. It cuts out the need to buy food that has been packaged and potentially grown on land which may have wiped out natural habitats in order to produce it. Factor in the fact that home grown food can be healthier and more flavoursome, and you’re really onto a winner!

As well as having a major effect on the future of our planet, creating an eco-friendly garden provides the opportunity to create a relaxing outdoor space to enjoy.

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