Having a tranquil garden is a must for every house that has any size plot around it. A garden should become a place where you can unwind after a hectic day, top up your energy and find inspiration. Even if it is just a small plot, go out there with a spade and a hack and create an eco-garden. Paving the surface around your house is probably the worst thing anyone can do. It disrupts the harmony immediately.
Eco-gardening is probably one of those things where you cannot just rely upon DIY. You would need a professional advice for at least analysing the type of soil and helping you choosing the plants that match your soil type.
The main idea of eco-gardening is to incorporate the current vegetation and enhancing it. You might want to create additional terrain relief. The easiest method is to dig a pond. Ideally you would start building a hill by stacking stone or building-waste (stripped of poisonous materials; smashed bricks are ideal) and then covering it with soil from the pond.
It makes sense to position the hill so that it covers your garden from the prevailing wind and start the pond on the southern side. On the windy slope of the hill go the sturdiest plants.
Be careful when planting trees. Remember that they would grow higher and higher. Your house needs natural light and it can benefit from ambient heating, i.e. if direct sunlight can touch at least one of your houses outer walls, you will save lots of money on heating.
Remember that there are no straight lines in the nature. Give preference to curves when it comes to constructing the ponds, footpaths and outbuildings.
When you know your soil type, check what wild plants can you grow in your garden. Natural herbs like chamomile, mugwort and others will give your garden great energy and you’ll be able to gather your own herbs.
Try to re-use as much material as you can. It is possible to get 2nd hand stone and wood from building contractors and joineries. Some materials are advertised privately, so check the online classified boards or even place your own ad. I’m not talking about turning your garden into a skip – it still should possess an exceptional aesthetic quality. That’s why eco-gardening is a challenge.
By picking the right plants you can achieve the effect of ever-greenness and ever-blossoming. It is especially easy in Britain because we have many natural plants that can sustain even a harsh winter.
Encourage the natural life but try to limit your contact with wild animals. Let them live naturally. A pond will attract frogs and other small creatures, a variety of natural plants and herbs will attract the birds.
An eco-garden is a wonderful place, it is your own spot of organic nature.
I’m glad you liked it!
Thanks for the very informative post. I have saved the website
Thanks for the useful advise. Recycling is the easiest thing for us all to do. I also use a special soil improver instead of fertilizer because it has no chemicals and reduces your carbon footprint. Check my link.