What we do in the garden has many impacts on our natural environment. In thinking about design it is important to consider if it fosters biodiversity, if maintaining it will use more water than our rather arid continent can support, if it avoids contributing to the spread of invasive plants, if it will need pesticides or herbicides which will enter stormwater and pollute waterways. Here are some tips to get your garden on the sustainability track right from the beginning.
When establishing or renewing gardens, the first thing to do is to develop a concept of the layout and what you want from the garden. Do you really want or need an expanse of lawn with beds for shrubs just around the edges? What are the features of gardens that contribute to sustainability? There’s lots to consider – low environmental impact materials, water conservation, provision of habitat for wildlife, energy efficiency to name just a few.
Raingardens
Water plays a vital role in every garden, yet in urban environments we often treat rain as a problem rather than a resource. Join Sustainable…
Sensory Gardening
In our fast-paced world, gardens offer more than just a place to grow plants—they offer a space for mindfulness, creativity, and connection. Sensory…
Climate Change Is Already in Our Gardens: What Australian Gardeners Are Telling Us
As the climate changes, so too must our gardens — and the gardeners who tend them. At Sustainable Gardening Australia, we recently surveyed…
Ditch the Plastic: Smarter, Low-Waste Gardening That Works
Plastic has become deeply embedded in all aspects of our lives. That includes in our gardens, from pots and seed trays to plant labels, weed mats,…
A Sustainable Gardener’s Guide to Thrifty Gardening
Creating an eco-friendly and cost-effective garden involves more than just nurturing plants; it's about adopting a sustainable approach that…
What is A No Mow Lawn?
Traditional lawns, often characterised by their lush, manicured appearance, have long been the norm in Australian landscaping. However, an exciting…
Plastic in the Garden
How do we reduce use of plastic in the garden even though it is so useful? Unfortunately, it is polluting and causes much environmental damage.…
What Gardeners Can Do About Climate Change
Are you wondering what gardeners can do about climate change? Gardening and agriculture produce several greenhouse gasses apart from carbon dioxide –…
Native Lawns
It may surprise you to learn that not all native grasses are tall feature plants. In fact in parts of Australia, pasture is composed almost entirely…
Designing a Backyard Naturescape Play Area
The concepts of sustainability and providing a better future for our younger generations are intertwined with physical and mental health. We can…
Sustainable Garden Design
Principles Getting started Your needs, wants and budget Take your time The design Selecting plants Special elements Plant selection Plant placement –…
Sustainable Garden Furniture
Even if we live in an apartment, most of us have some sort of garden furniture – even if it is just one chair. Traditionally made out of wood, tables…
Diverting Rubbish from Landfill: Recycled Treasures
“My garden is chock-a-block with rescued plants, rescued pots & garden furniture, mirrors, birdcages, wheelbarrows, barrel hoops, ladders and all…
Designing Productive Gardens
Few things can be quite as satisfying as growing your own vegetables, herbs and fruit. The quality and freshness of home grown produce combined with…