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.
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…
What makes my garden sustainable?
The vegetable garden is a flop, the drought tolerant plants turned up toes as soon as the summer rain came so I planted plants that like water, and…
Extending Sustainability to Your Workplace
If you are an SGA reader your garden is probably quite sustainable, but what about your workplace? Whether you work in a large corporate…
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…
Greening Cities
Although beautiful old gardens are disappearing, there are initiatives to green cities. As old houses are pulled down to make way for new large…
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…
Wicking Beds – Video
Loved by many, enjoyed by few. The ultimate ‘How-to’ guide for creating and enjoying your very own garden wicking bed. And once the plants have been…
Irrigation Systems – Video
Take the irritation out of irrigation and go sub-surface. It’s fast, efficient and it makes the most of every precious drop. Go on your garden will…
DIY Water Tank – Video
So you want to store water but you don’t have the big bucks for a glamorous tank? Fear not, you can still have water. Learn how to turn and old…
Going Grey Water – Video
Just be thankful you’ve got any water at all, even if it has been around the block once or twice before. But treat it with caution and ensure…
Which Tank – Video
You are about to embark on a relationship that will be long and lasting. And as there is no ‘d-i-v-o-r-c-e’ in tank world, let us help you get it…
Cheap Tools are for Fools!
Like most people, I enjoy my gardening, but have to do so on a fairly tight budget (as they say, horticulture is a job you do for love, not money!).…
Beyond the Lawn: Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Grass
Many Australian gardens contain lawn simply because it has always been there. Perhaps a previous owner planted it, or perhaps we simply assume a…