Incorporating eco-friendly practices into our habits, as well as our home, has never been more important – and that includes the garden. You can make your garden beautiful and kinder on the planet by preserving water, avoiding gas-powered equipment, and planting native flowers that will benefit our pollinators and wildlife, whether you have a large or small space to play with. Learn how to make your garden more eco-friendly and beautiful with these tips below.
Plant Native Species
Did you know that one-third of the world’s food depends on our pollinators? Bees are essential – not only for our food but for our entire ecosystem. As their populations continue to decline, they need all the help they can get. You can create a garden that will help them survive by planting native wildflowers. Wildflowers are beautiful, easy to maintain, and require less water to grow. Some wildflowers that are native to Ontario include Black-Eyed Susan, Swamp Milkweed, Fireweed, Wild Quinine, and Blanketflower.
Let It Get a Little Messy
During the spring and fall seasons, let the garden go a little wild. Or at least designate a section for some overgrowth. The leaves, branches and other garden debris will greatly benefit wildlife and pollinators, giving them some much-needed natural resources for feeding and nesting.
Add Bird Boxes, Bird Baths or Other Animal Shelters
If you love to get crafty with DIY projects, spend an afternoon creating homes for wildlife or insects in your garden. Bird and bat boxes or bug hotels can provide a safe place for them to shelter and hibernate.
Grow Some Veggies
With so much time spent at home these days, it’s an ideal time to try growing some veggies. Whether you have a lot or a little bit of space to work with, there are many varieties that you can grow almost anywhere, including peppers, tomatoes, greens, herbs and more. Growing your own food at home not only tastes better, but it will reduce your environmental footprint and save you money.
Plants Trees
Trees are one of our main defences against climate change. They help cleanse our air, attract and support wildlife, and provide shade which can reduce your electricity usage. If you have room in your garden, plant some trees.
Save Water
The average person wastes up to 30 gallons of water every day. Considering how essential it is for life and how quickly it’s running out, conserving it is a top priority. You can easily reduce your water usage in the garden by using a rain barrel, installing a drip irrigation system, building a rain garden, or adding mulch to help plants retain moisture so they won’t need as much water.
For more ways to make your gardenscape eco-friendly, contact our team at Hansen Lawn and Gardens in Ottawa. We can turn your outdoor space into an oasis that benefits you and supports our planet at the same time.