9 Ways to Create a More Sustainable Garden
Save precious water and time with a sustainable and eco-friendly garden design
Kate McKee
27 October 2014
Houzz contributor, freelance writer and home design enthusiast. I write on a diverse range of topics ranging from health and beauty to landscape architecture and interior design. I have a very inquisitive nature and love to share my findings with others.
Houzz contributor, freelance writer and home design enthusiast. I write on a diverse... More
It’s no secret that the world’s inhabitants (namely, humans) are using up the earth’s natural resources at an alarming rate. Terms, such as “sustainable”, “eco-friendly”, “waterwise” and “carbon footprint”, have not only become much used in our day-to-day vocabulary, but influence how we live our lives and the legacy we will leave future generations.
Living sustainably is to make choices that do not impact the environment in a negative way, or minimise the impact. Therefore, a sustainable garden is one that emulates and supports its surrounding environments and ecosystems and, in doing so, results in minimal negative impact.
“A sustainable garden must be mainly self-sustaining and planned for the long-term,” explains landscape designer, Andrew Beck of Sustainable Landscape Design Perth. “It must not depend upon the continual input of large amounts of water, external energy and consumables to survive.”
A sustainable garden is a considered garden that takes into account all direct and potential threats to the environment. Thoughtful choices in terms of plant choice, water usage, organic, low-hazard products and materials, and recycling are all elements of what makes a garden design sustainable. Even using locally-sourced materials and re-using what you already have in your own backyard can make a big difference. “When implementing a design we only use certified organic or low-hazard materials, when available,” says landscape designer, Ryan Young of Ryan Young Design. “For example, the mulch that we use is sourced from a local council green waste collection, reprocessed and then delivered to the worksite. Also, the rocks and gravels we use are always sourced from local quarries, and we use as much reclaimed timber, stone and other materials as possible.”
By making your garden sustainable, you will be benefiting the environment, your home and your lifestyle. Using less water and energy means lower water bills – and less time spent working in the garden. “A well-planned native or waterwise garden should need only minimum strategic care, such as weeding and mulching, once the initial design has been implemented and after the garden has had time to establish itself,” says Beck.
A sustainable garden can also look amazing, and may get you thinking outside the proverbial box in terms of standard materials and plant choices. By taking into consideration environmental factors, you might just improve the overall aesthetic of your garden and surprise yourself with your own eco-savvy creative thinking. Not sure how to get started? Read on…
Living sustainably is to make choices that do not impact the environment in a negative way, or minimise the impact. Therefore, a sustainable garden is one that emulates and supports its surrounding environments and ecosystems and, in doing so, results in minimal negative impact.
“A sustainable garden must be mainly self-sustaining and planned for the long-term,” explains landscape designer, Andrew Beck of Sustainable Landscape Design Perth. “It must not depend upon the continual input of large amounts of water, external energy and consumables to survive.”
A sustainable garden is a considered garden that takes into account all direct and potential threats to the environment. Thoughtful choices in terms of plant choice, water usage, organic, low-hazard products and materials, and recycling are all elements of what makes a garden design sustainable. Even using locally-sourced materials and re-using what you already have in your own backyard can make a big difference. “When implementing a design we only use certified organic or low-hazard materials, when available,” says landscape designer, Ryan Young of Ryan Young Design. “For example, the mulch that we use is sourced from a local council green waste collection, reprocessed and then delivered to the worksite. Also, the rocks and gravels we use are always sourced from local quarries, and we use as much reclaimed timber, stone and other materials as possible.”
By making your garden sustainable, you will be benefiting the environment, your home and your lifestyle. Using less water and energy means lower water bills – and less time spent working in the garden. “A well-planned native or waterwise garden should need only minimum strategic care, such as weeding and mulching, once the initial design has been implemented and after the garden has had time to establish itself,” says Beck.
A sustainable garden can also look amazing, and may get you thinking outside the proverbial box in terms of standard materials and plant choices. By taking into consideration environmental factors, you might just improve the overall aesthetic of your garden and surprise yourself with your own eco-savvy creative thinking. Not sure how to get started? Read on…
1. Rock features
Rocks can make for a spectacular garden, particularly when paired with the movement of running water and strategically placed garden lighting. This natural limestone staircase wraps around a tranquil waterfall and fish pond. The pond is made from river stones soured from a local quarry.
Adding rocks to your garden cuts down on the area used for garden beds and lawn, therefore reduces the amount of water needed to keep the plants healthy and green.
More: 9 Reasons You Need a Fish Pond in Your Garden
Rocks can make for a spectacular garden, particularly when paired with the movement of running water and strategically placed garden lighting. This natural limestone staircase wraps around a tranquil waterfall and fish pond. The pond is made from river stones soured from a local quarry.
Adding rocks to your garden cuts down on the area used for garden beds and lawn, therefore reduces the amount of water needed to keep the plants healthy and green.
More: 9 Reasons You Need a Fish Pond in Your Garden
Using a range of rock sizes and pebbles adds texture and interest to a garden. Create drama with a focal point that draws the eye and mix smaller groups of rocks with larger boulders interspersed by plants, as seen here.
EXPERT ADVICE: “Build garden structures to a high standard with resilient natural materials so that they last. Where possible we incorporate recycled materials and/or local materials and use indigenous plants or plant varieties suitable to the specific area we are planting in,” says Beck.
EXPERT ADVICE: “Build garden structures to a high standard with resilient natural materials so that they last. Where possible we incorporate recycled materials and/or local materials and use indigenous plants or plant varieties suitable to the specific area we are planting in,” says Beck.
2. Asian inspiration
The simple and serene elegance of a Japanese garden is a perfect match for a sustainable garden – and a great way to minimise watering. A small selection of plantings combined with white pebbles and pavers, as in this garden, can turn your courtyard into an internationally-inspired talking point.
More: So Your Garden Style Is: Japanese
The simple and serene elegance of a Japanese garden is a perfect match for a sustainable garden – and a great way to minimise watering. A small selection of plantings combined with white pebbles and pavers, as in this garden, can turn your courtyard into an internationally-inspired talking point.
More: So Your Garden Style Is: Japanese
3. Waterwise plant selections
This garden features a contemporary dry river bed, decorative Corten screening and a selection of espaliered fruit trees. Having a sustainable garden doesn’t mean you have to miss out on edibles. Fruit trees, such as mulberry, fig, loquat and even olive, require little care and can survive well with a bit of grey water and minimal manure.
It’s also a good idea when selecting plants for your garden, to choose the right plants for the specific location you have in mind. Certain plants love sandy soil and don’t need much water to thrive, whereas others, such as tropical varieties, do. Young advises to plant local indigenous plants to improve or create a sustainable habitat. Lists of local plants and suppliers can be found at your local council or online. If you are unsure, it’s always worth a trip to the local nursery to talk to some experts, or consult with a landscape designer.
This garden features a contemporary dry river bed, decorative Corten screening and a selection of espaliered fruit trees. Having a sustainable garden doesn’t mean you have to miss out on edibles. Fruit trees, such as mulberry, fig, loquat and even olive, require little care and can survive well with a bit of grey water and minimal manure.
It’s also a good idea when selecting plants for your garden, to choose the right plants for the specific location you have in mind. Certain plants love sandy soil and don’t need much water to thrive, whereas others, such as tropical varieties, do. Young advises to plant local indigenous plants to improve or create a sustainable habitat. Lists of local plants and suppliers can be found at your local council or online. If you are unsure, it’s always worth a trip to the local nursery to talk to some experts, or consult with a landscape designer.
Pots of succulents need little attention and can look as beautiful as a potted table display as they do planted in the ground. Succulents don’t need much water to thrive and certain varieties bloom with colourful flowers throughout different times of the year. For those with the dreaded ‘black thumb’, just remember not to over water them. Succulents are pretty hardy and can generally survive on a little rainwater alone.
Sourcing local produce is a great way to cut down on travel miles and boost your local economy – and you can’t get more local than your own backyard! Growing your own herbs means fewer trips to the supermarket, less plastic used in packaging and less money spent in the long-term on groceries. This garden features an impressive installation of Corten steel tanks that serve as handy vegetable and herb beds.
Beck believes that every sustainable garden should at least have a small herb section that includes the basics, such as basil, italian parsley, chives, mint and a few leafy greens including rocket, cos lettuce and spinach. “All of these are very simple to grow – even for the most meek and timid of gardeners,” he says.
Beck believes that every sustainable garden should at least have a small herb section that includes the basics, such as basil, italian parsley, chives, mint and a few leafy greens including rocket, cos lettuce and spinach. “All of these are very simple to grow – even for the most meek and timid of gardeners,” he says.
Cacti are an extremely low-maintenance garden addition that provide a great source of textural interest due to their assorted colours and shapes. Just make sure you wear some thick garden gloves when planting to ensure your hands don’t come into contact with the cacti spikes.
EXPERT ADVICE
“If possible, go and look at fully established plant selections in your local neighbourhood or online.
Then carefully select plants that thrive in local conditions and combine the plants so that they interact symbiotically,” advises Beck. “
A simple example of this would be to plant pioneering plants that grow quickly and are shade providers to slow-growing understorey plants. The pioneering plants create a perfect microclimate for the understorey plants to survive and thrive.
“
EXPERT ADVICE
“If possible, go and look at fully established plant selections in your local neighbourhood or online.
Then carefully select plants that thrive in local conditions and combine the plants so that they interact symbiotically,” advises Beck. “
A simple example of this would be to plant pioneering plants that grow quickly and are shade providers to slow-growing understorey plants. The pioneering plants create a perfect microclimate for the understorey plants to survive and thrive.
“
4. Planning ahead
Creating an eco-friendly garden means making informed and educated choices. There is a wealth of information on the internet about sustainable gardening such as Sustainable Gardening Australia or check out your local council website for nearby organic markets, advice and tips on living sustainably. If you find it a bit overwhelming, call on a garden expert for some professional advice and let them do all the ground work for you.
EXPERT ADVICE
“When designing a sustainable garden it is useful to put thought into the initial planning stage and to consider longer-term issues such as how the garden will function in 10, 20 or 30 years time,” says Beck. “An example of poor planning would be the selection of a species of tree which requires constant pruning and management throughout its lifetime. Imagine that your garden will still be there in 50 years time and work backwards from this point. Just getting into this mindset can be a useful way of ‘weeding’ through short-term impulse buys that will not stand the test of time.”
Creating an eco-friendly garden means making informed and educated choices. There is a wealth of information on the internet about sustainable gardening such as Sustainable Gardening Australia or check out your local council website for nearby organic markets, advice and tips on living sustainably. If you find it a bit overwhelming, call on a garden expert for some professional advice and let them do all the ground work for you.
EXPERT ADVICE
“When designing a sustainable garden it is useful to put thought into the initial planning stage and to consider longer-term issues such as how the garden will function in 10, 20 or 30 years time,” says Beck. “An example of poor planning would be the selection of a species of tree which requires constant pruning and management throughout its lifetime. Imagine that your garden will still be there in 50 years time and work backwards from this point. Just getting into this mindset can be a useful way of ‘weeding’ through short-term impulse buys that will not stand the test of time.”
5. Less is more
Try to use plants as accents as opposed to filling your garden with a rambling run of green. And use plants as a border to paving or to break up screening for a sophisticated landscaped result, like in this home. Search for shrubs or ground-covering plants that work as a great landscape design tool to soften up hardscape areas.
Try to use plants as accents as opposed to filling your garden with a rambling run of green. And use plants as a border to paving or to break up screening for a sophisticated landscaped result, like in this home. Search for shrubs or ground-covering plants that work as a great landscape design tool to soften up hardscape areas.
6. Marvellous mulch
Mulch may lie on the surface, but it can have quite an affect on the soil health beneath, as well as many other benefits. “Mulch can help to maintain balanced soil temperatures, increase water infiltration and retention, prevent soil compaction, control erosion, reduce weeds, improve soil texture and provide a source of organic matter for the microorganisms. Mulches are often available locally and some are free through local councils,” says Beck.
Mulch may lie on the surface, but it can have quite an affect on the soil health beneath, as well as many other benefits. “Mulch can help to maintain balanced soil temperatures, increase water infiltration and retention, prevent soil compaction, control erosion, reduce weeds, improve soil texture and provide a source of organic matter for the microorganisms. Mulches are often available locally and some are free through local councils,” says Beck.
Organic mulches derived from plants are only one type of mulch. Granite, pebbles, sand and seaweed can all be used to great effect. “In many circumstances plants thrive in stone or gravel mulches equally well,” says Beck. “One of my favourite mulches is locally produced granite which comes in a number of different sizes and provides a beautiful aesthetic suitable for contemporary native garden design and native cottage gardens alike.”
7. Grey matters
Where possible, utilise grey water to water your garden. If this is not an option, include subsurface irrigation that will efficiently supply water to your plants without losing moisture through evaporation.
Installing a rainwater tank is a great way to conserve water, or when it looks like rain is on its way simply have a few buckets on hand to capture it for later use. Young also recommends retaining water onsite with rain gardens or bioswales.
More: Let It Rain: 20 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Water Tank
Where possible, utilise grey water to water your garden. If this is not an option, include subsurface irrigation that will efficiently supply water to your plants without losing moisture through evaporation.
Installing a rainwater tank is a great way to conserve water, or when it looks like rain is on its way simply have a few buckets on hand to capture it for later use. Young also recommends retaining water onsite with rain gardens or bioswales.
More: Let It Rain: 20 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Water Tank
8. Waste not, want not
Before taking a trip to your local nursery or garden centre, take a look at what you already have in your own backyard. Nearly all of the materials used in the garden pictured here, were already on site. “This includes the bluestone, rocks, pebbles and driftwood,” says Young. “The mulch was made from shrubs and trees that were removed before being mulched back onto the garden via a chipper. Nothing actually left the site.”
Before taking a trip to your local nursery or garden centre, take a look at what you already have in your own backyard. Nearly all of the materials used in the garden pictured here, were already on site. “This includes the bluestone, rocks, pebbles and driftwood,” says Young. “The mulch was made from shrubs and trees that were removed before being mulched back onto the garden via a chipper. Nothing actually left the site.”
9. Improve, rather than replace
Why go to the trouble of spending lots of money on something you already have? “Improve the existing soil you have rather than remove and import new soil,” says Young. “This can easily be done with the introduction of bulk compost. Always remember to mulch to a minimum depth of 75mm with an organic-based mulch.”
SHARE WITH US
We’d love to hear any tips you have on sustainable gardens in the comments section.
MORE
7 Common Garden Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Ground Force: Top 10 Ground Covers for Your Garden
Top 10 Plants for Minimum Effort and Maximum Impact
Why go to the trouble of spending lots of money on something you already have? “Improve the existing soil you have rather than remove and import new soil,” says Young. “This can easily be done with the introduction of bulk compost. Always remember to mulch to a minimum depth of 75mm with an organic-based mulch.”
SHARE WITH US
We’d love to hear any tips you have on sustainable gardens in the comments section.
MORE
7 Common Garden Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Ground Force: Top 10 Ground Covers for Your Garden
Top 10 Plants for Minimum Effort and Maximum Impact
Related Stories
Working with Professionals
Pro Panel: How Far in Advance Should I Hire a Garden Designer?
From the key stages and likely schedules to the best times for planting, three UK garden designers share their top tips
Full Story
Most Popular
5 Steps to Finding the Right Landscape Designer for Your Home
If you dream of a green retreat but your reality is more backyard bungle, knowing how to choose a landscaper is key
Full Story
Gardens
8 Common Landscaping Challenges and How Experts Solved Them
These USA landscape pros tackled everything from steep slopes to poor drainage in homeowners’ projects – here's how
Full Story
Outdoors
7 Landscape Design Ideas to Replace Your Lawn
Consider a design that welcomes wildlife, requires less maintenance, encourages gathering and better suit your needs
Full Story
Outdoors
What a Landscape Architect Really Does
Is a landscape architect the best for your home's surrounds? Finding out what they're all about is the first step to take
Full Story
Quizzes
What’s Your Dream Garden Style?
Answer seven questions in our fun quiz to reveal your perfect style of garden
Full Story
Garden Design
Garden of the Week: A Smart, Sliding Cover Over a USA Plunge Pool
By Becky Harris
How an expert team, a clever composition and a sliding pool cover made the most of a modest-sized backyard in Texas, USA
Full Story
Gardening
8 Design Moves to Give a Flat, Bland Garden More Depth or Height
Sunken patios, stacked garden beds, berms and other features are a great way to add interest to level outdoor spaces
Full Story
Houzz Around The World
Spain Garden Tour: A Mediterranean Makeover With Colour & Texture
Once neglected, this naturalistic garden is now a series of outdoor rooms with idyllic spots to swim, dine and relax
Full Story
Gardens
Winning Gardens: Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
Inspo alert! Don't miss the award-winning show gardens at Australia's biggest and best annual garden design fair
Full Story
Hi Kate, I enjoyed this article. I would love to see more Houzz ideas on the best pioneering and under storey plants to suit differing Australian conditions!
What a great article on sustainable gardening!