Some of us hire landscapers while others just pick up whatever is on sale at the nursery. Then there are those who plan out paths and planting areas with specific flora and fauna in mind. Whatever your method of creating a garden, everyone should approach it in the same way: with an eye towards creating a sustainable outdoor space that not only adds beauty to your life, but also enriches the planet that supports us all. So if you are looking to build a garden or spice up the one you already have, here are a few tips to help you get the garden you desire with less waste, pollution, or unfortunate side effects.
- Plan your space. If you want to add a deck, put in some planters, or reshape your yard in some way, think about how you can do it with a sense of environmental consciousness. Use reclaimed wood for the deck, hang some old tires or pick up some used whiskey barrels for interesting or rustic planters (rather than sending these items to the landfill), and bring in soil that has not been tainted by fertilizers (look into the benefits of integrated pest management to introduce beneficial insects and discourage those that are harmful). Don’t forget to place drip irrigation systems and utilize mulch to deliver water directly to root systems and retain moisture, respectively (for less water usage and reduced evaporation).
- Use native plants. While you may crave the colors of non-native species, they are likely to be more trouble than they’re worth. For one thing, if they don’t grow naturally in your particular environment, they may require additional expenditures of water in order to grow or pesticides to keep away insects that they don’t have the natural defenses to fight off. Alternately, they might go crazy and expand uncontrollably, having no predators to keep down their population in your region. Either way, it’s better to stick to tried and true plants that won’t adversely affect the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
- Make your own compost. Pretty much anything organic can be used to make compost. Most people like to use yard waste such as fallen leaves, dead plant remains, or clipped grass, but you can also use food waste such as leftover fruit and vegetable matter (anything with fat and bones should be avoided). There are several ways to set up composting stations in your yard, so you should look into all of the options to pick the one that’s right for your space.
- Incorporate edibles. One excellent and useful way to have a sustainable garden is to plant fruits, vegetables, tubers, and even nuts. You can create your own organic farmer’s market right in your back yard and reap the benefits of fresh produce throughout the summer (and can it for use later in the year).
- Share the wealth. If you’ve done all you can in your own limited space, look into forming a community garden. Often you can get space allocated for a collective by the city council, especially if your co-op includes after-school programs (and volunteer hours) dedicated to teaching others how to create a sustainable garden that everyone can share.
Adiamor offers a large selection engagement rings, engagement ring settings, loose diamonds, and other fine diamond jewelry.
