Gardening experts tell us, we can make our landscapes more earth-friendly, from planting beneficial native plants to putting fallen leaves to work and making fresh water available to wildlife in order to create a beautiful, environmentally supportive garden.

With the Australian summer bearing down on us, home owners with land often worry about the impact of heat on the plants around their house. From mulching to planting natives, there are lots of simple ways to be green in the garden.

Be Water Wise

Water is a valuable resource and not one to be wasted, as every little drop counts. Where possible, try to remove sprinkler systems or, if they’re necessary, set them on a timer for minimal use. Drip systems can be a more efficient option as there’s less waste, with the water going directly to the plant.

Use rainwater where possible to irrigate plants instead of taking it from a tap. Direct your roof’s downpipe, if accessible, to a rain water tank in order to collect rainwater from the roof. Choose the biggest volume you can accommodate and afford as summer rain is becoming less predictable and you want to collect as much as possible during a downpour.

Plant Natives to Support Pollinators

Native wildflowers are well-adapted to Australia’s’ arid landscape, this often makes them easier to grow and maintain than non-natives, and more resistant to pests.they’re also ideal for attracting native bees (stingless) and butterflies.

Reduce Energy Use with Solar-Powered Lights and Water Features

You could help to reduce the amount of electricity used in your garden by choosing solar-powered lights and water features. These lights store energy produced by natural light during the day, releasing it at night when needed and they’re very easy to install.

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Make Your Own Compost

Instead of buying compost, consider making your own. Creating your own garden compost is very easy to do, and it has great benefits for the garden. By recycling garden and food waste, not only does it save rubbish going to landfill sites, but you can create a rich, moisture-retentive mulch.

The following year, your plants will profit from this natural addition to the soil.

Compost piles can benefit more than just plants. They may help to attract a wide variety of creatures into your garden, ranging from earthworms and frogs and lizards.”

Plant a Tree

Consider planting a tree if you have room in your garden. Research has shown that adding a native species can deliver the greatest benefits. They can provide additional benefits [for homeowners] too, such as shade and reduced noise pollution.

Planting trees in your garden can also improve the purity of the air, which is really beneficial if you live in an urban setting. If space permits, why not try planting a large tree, to produce oxygen and help remove harmful particles from the air?

Reuse Fallen Leaves

Rather than gathering fallen leaves into your green bin and throwing them away, why not store them in a biodegradable leaf sack? Once they’ve decomposed, you’ll be left with natural fertilizer.

Keep Wildlife Refreshed

Garden water features are also valuable to wildlife, even just a dish of fresh water will keep animals and insects refreshed. Ceramic plant saucers are ideal for DIY bird bath, you can get glazed, unglazed, plain terra cotta or painted terra cotta to suit your style.

Grow Fruits and Veggies

A satisfying way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint is to try growing portions of your own food. Depending on your garden’s size and conditions, carrots, lettuce, basil, potatoes and more are all possible to grow at home.

To support growing your own food, you’ll also want to encourage insects to visit your garden. Pollinators are so very important to our gardens, as it’s their hard work that allows us to eat so well, so we need to do everything we can to encourage them in. 

Planting pollinator-attracting plants near your edible garden will draw and support these valuable visitors.

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This article via Houzz does not constitute advice; readers should seek independent and personalised counsel from a trusted adviser that specialises in property, a tax accountant and property design specialist.