Sustainable Landscaping Ideas To Make Your Yard Eco-Friendly
As summer draws to a close and you begin putting your garden beds to sleep, it's a perfect moment to start dreaming and scheming up ways to bring new life to your yard come spring. Revitalized landscaping means many things to many people, but one trend that is here to stay and that can save you a bundle in time, resources, and maintenance while also benefiting the broader ecosystem around you is green landscaping (also known as sustainable landscaping or eco-landscaping).
While you could literally spend years studying and applying the principles of eco-friendly landscaping, we're going to provide a quick rundown right here and right now. If you've been hearing about green landscaping but aren't sure exactly what it entails, then this post is for you!
Introduction to Eco-Friendly Landscaping
As its name implies, eco-friendly landscaping refers to landscape design and maintenance processes that foreground the natural environment.
Whereas traditional landscaping is often centred around non-native or exotic plant species and/or design elements and maintenance practices that are wasteful, unsustainable, or even environmentally detrimental, eco-landscaping offers a welcome alternative.
When done right, sustainable landscaping effectively minimizes everything from water consumption to waste, maintenance, materials, labour, and cost while also benefitting nature. For many Bulger Brother clients, it offers a win-win landscaping solution that's as environmentally responsible as it is beautiful.
Key Elements of Sustainable Landscaping
There are many approaches to sustainable landscaping. That being said, they all share certain fundamentals in common. These include:
Native Plants - Native plants refer to plants that are naturally found in the region and climate you live in rather than being imported from elsewhere.
Efficient Water Use - Eco-landscaping prioritizes water-saving practices through systems and designs that collect and use natural rainwater and by emphasizing plants that can thrive on the amount of rainfall typical for your area.
Improving Soil Health - Balancing and regenerating the health of your soil is a key element of eco-friendly landscaping. Healthy soil translates to a flourishing landscape—and with practices like composting and mulching, you won't even have to rely on store-bought fertilizers!
Benefits of Sustainable Landscaping
Eco-friendly landscaping has many benefits. These include:
Reduced Environmental Impact - Eco-landscaping nurtures wildlife, promotes biodiversity, and can help reduce air, soil, and water pollution.
Financial Savings - Save on the costs associated with exotic plants, excessive water usage, and extensive maintenance requirements.
Natural Beauty - Nature's aesthetics are simply stunning. Enough said!
Health Benefits - Reduce your use of chemical pesticides and store-bought fertilizers that can take their toll on your health and the environment.
Eco-Friendly Landscaping Ideas for Your Yard
Wondering how to incorporate natural landscaping principles into your own yard? Here are some popular green landscaping ideas:
Invest in native plants (and maybe also bid your green lawn farewell).
Reuse and repurpose everything from structural garden elements to natural yard waste (a compost bin for fruit and vegetable scraps and grass clippings is a great start).
Consider green building elements such as green roofs, living walls, or hedges instead of fences.
Create a rainwater catchment system (rain barrels are an excellent way to start) or design a rain garden to efficiently make use of stormwater runoff.
Explore xeriscaping and rock gardens!
Plant a pollinator garden perfect for attracting beneficial insects and local wildlife.
Conclusion: Embrace a Greener Future With Sustainable Landscaping
Looking to reduce your environmental footprint with a gorgeous and low-maintenance yard makeover? Bulger Brothers Landscape can help. Contact us directly to discuss your vision and book a consultation.
