There is no escaping the fact that everything we do these days is often measured with regards to how environmentally friendly it is, and Lone Pine Landscapes told us that applies as much to landscaping as any other activity.
Now, you might think that landscaping being so closely related to the natural world that everything about it would be environmentally friendly, but that is not the case.
We need to consider the use of materials in the creation of certain features, how the water and drainage system is configured, and to what extent any landscaping design is sustainable without the need for an excessive amount of chemicals. Landscape Designers Perth say there are these, and plenty of other aspects of our landscaping design where we may or may not be doing what is best for the environment.
Whilst we cannot cover every single aspect of landscaping with regards to being environmentally friendly (that would take a whole book), we can give you pointers to some easy wins. These can be included in a new landscaping project or added to one which already exists to make it ‘greener’, and that is not a reference to what colour your plants are.
The first way you can improve your landscape garden’s green credentials is with regards to the plants you actually include. You may not be aware of this but using plants that are native to the area you live in means less threat of other species of plants causing an infestation. This also reduces the need for chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, which is always welcome.
You can also choose plants that are more conducive to soil retention due to the fact that they require less water, and actually promote water filtration. This leads to the soil within your landscaped area being healthier, it retaining a higher level of organic material, and thus the plants that grow there will be healthier too.
When it comes to the environment, there are few more precious resources than water, and where we can conserve water, regardless of which part of the world we are in, makes a difference.
Landscaping designs that take account of water is are most certainly helping the environment, and there are several ways it can be done. Rain barrels are one option where you are conserving the natural rainfall to water the garden when needed, rather than taking it from a tap.
On larger projects, the option to include a proper irrigation system where instead of systems that spray water randomly and wastefully is also an environmentally better option. With this type of irrigation system water is released into the soil slowly and steadily, and that water nourishes the plants, without any being wasted.
The other major aspect of landscaping where decisions that are taken can make it more environmentally friendly are with regards to the materials that are used throughout.
Wherever possible, those made from recycled materials should be used, with examples being recycled bricks to create small walls and patios, and bender boards made from recycled plastic being used for edging around certain areas of the garden.
Another part of your landscape design where the choice of materials will make a difference is those used for pathways. The porous nature of permeable materials used for pathways means that rainwater will filter through. This not only aids the watering of plants, but it prevents soil erosion due to excess water running off the surfaces.