Creating a sustainable landscape

When we consider sustainable homes, we often think of the indoor structure but we should consider both indoors and outdoors.  Sustainable landscaping ideas should complement the natural landscape and be inherently low maintenance with the ability to weather the environment they’re placed in.

Here are a few ways to create a sustainable landscape around your home

Plant natives

Using native plants is the best place to start to ensure you have a sustainable landscape.  Natives can live harmoniously in the environment with little intervention as they are accustomed the soil and weather patterns.  We can go past just natives and simply ensure you pick plants that can survive with low maintenance.  For example, in Australia is very common to lay lawns.  Lawn/turf is not a native plant so you could consider:

1. Using drought tolerant grasses that look great with little water
2. Consider a native ground cover still gives that lush green look

One last tip here is to avoid using natural weeds which can spread into vegetation. 

Vege patch

Speaking of vegetation, what’s more sustainable than growing your own food.  Growing vegetables and herbs reduces your reliance on external food providers and is a great way to reduce your footprint.  With the right design, you can grow a significant amount of food on very little space.

Natural substances/fertilisers

Using a compost bin can allow you to create a luscious garden without the need for chemical fertilises.  So instead of just throwing your kitchen waste in the bin, put it to work and get the whole family involved in creating a circular gardening system.

Natural materials

Consider recycling site materials such as excavated rocks and using sustainably sourced timber in preference to imported rainforest timbers.

Our boulder retaining walls use natural materials that will last a lifetime and create a stunning landscape that is impossible to replicate with man made products.

Conserving water

It’s important to create opportunities for your landscape to collect, store and use as much rainwater from your property as possible.  Ponds, water features, storm water tanks can all be integrated in your landscape as part of your water management system.  In addition to collecting the water, there are a number of irrigation systems and techniques which allow for watering plants efficiently without wastage.  

We hope you enjoyed these tips and if you’d like to look into a natural retaining wall or erosion control system, get in touch with us here