There are a variety of ways to create an eco-friendly garden that is not only self-sustaining but reduces waste and gives back to the environment by helping slow down climate change. These eco garden design ideas will bring any backyard to life by transforming it into a biologically diverse and wildlife friendly space.
Check out these green gardening tips to make your garden more eco-friendly:
Bee-Friendly
Bees are tiny but mighty -- they play a huge role in maintaining our delicate ecosystem. They are the main pollinators for one-third of our food and they have been in sharp decline over the last few years. Creating a bee-friendly garden is one way to help them out. Avoid chemical pesticides and grow pollen and nectar-rich flowers such as wild lilac, goldenrod, and lemon balm. Providing bee houses and rock pools so they can feed, drink, and rest, as they go about their “buzziness” makes for a great eco-friendly garden design idea!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Using recycled materials to decorate and design your garden is an excellent way to have a ‘greener’ garden. Spend a fun afternoon trawling through yard sales and junk shops to find pre-loved items that could be reused in your own garden. Not spending on new items, not only saves money but also cuts down on carbon emissions from the manufacturing and transportation of new products. Plus, upcycling is much more creative and adds a sense of rustic charm to your outdoor space!
Attract Birds to Control Pests Naturally
We all know that creepy crawlies can be a bit of a pest. Snails, slugs, and caterpillars all like to munch on your plants and petals. Instead of reaching for toxic pesticides, you can invite birds to your garden. Birds are the perfect pest control! Adding bird feeders, nesting boxes, and bird baths are a great way to encourage birds to visit your garden. Not only are they fun to watch but they will help keep pests at bay-- naturally.
Set Up a Compost Bin
One of the best eco-friendly garden ideas is to create your own compost bin. Composting is a simple and affordable way to feed your garden the nutrients it needs to grow. It’s so rich that it is known as “gardener’s gold”. It’s a great way to reduce your household waste by adding in almost any food waste instead of putting it in the trash which ends up in a landfill.
Composting enriches the soil by putting microorganisms back into the earth. It stimulates healthy root development, aerates the soil, encourages plant growth, and water retention. It’s also a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Grow Your Own Fruit and Vegetables
Buying organic produce can be a little pricey, but growing your own chemical-free fruit and vegetable is easier than you think. You’ll have a steady supply of fresh, affordable, and healthy food straight from your own back garden. If you have a small garden or want to start with something easy, herbs are a great way to start. They are low-maintenance and great for attracting bees and other pollinators into your garden.