GARDEN DESIGN
Gardens that have more space will
naturally allow more scope; if crop
growth is a core part of a sustainable
living journey, a variety of crops will
no doubt be sown at the same time.
With a larger space, you’re able to
position each individual crop within
its most favoured position to suit its
individual needs, supporting each
plants prospering accordingly.
Designing a garden with selfsufficiency
in mind requires varying
levels of tools and equipment. If
you’re planning on cultivating crops,
you’re going to need somewhere to
safely keep your gardening kit, so
it’s advisable to plan the addition
of a greenhouse or shed within
your original designs. The many
variations of garden sheds are ideal
for accommodating a sustainable
space, with metal and concrete
sheds for longevity and various
wooden sheds for more mindful
living.
Incorporate a water butt
Installing a water butt in the garden
is an efficient way to reduce water
waste. A water butt helps to collect
rainwater from the shed or roof
which can then be re-used and
dispensed around the garden to
water crops and plants, avoiding
unnecessary water consumption.
If the design aesthetic of the selfsufficient
garden is also a top
priority, water butts aren’t always
the prettiest of instillations. That
being said, there are some fantastic
ways to disguise the equipment;
consider blending the butt in with a
lick of paint, disguising it as a flower
planter or even building a trellis
enclosure.
Install a composter
Making your own compost is a
fantastic resource for reducing
household waste and supporting
plant and crop growth within your
eco-garden.
Katie Bayliss, Marketing Co-ordinator
and specialist in garden sheds
from GBC says, “Composting is an
important part of any eco-friendly
garden, it’s an easy and low-cost
means of disposing of household
waste whilst simultaneously
creating natural nutrients for the
surrounding soil. By investing time
into composting, you’re able to
tend to your garden in a completely
self-sufficient way.” A compost heap
can be comprised from everything
including leaves and paper to coffee
and tea, as well as all organic food
waste. The resulting compost will
leave your plants with healthy,
nutrient-rich soil.
When designing a designated space
in the garden for the composter,
consider it’s positioning. By
positioning the composter within
an enclosed space that’s close to the
house, the home inhabitants will be
more likely to successfully utilise the
composter on a regular basis.
Potential to extend total food
production
Depending on the brief when
designing the garden, it may be
optimal to leave space where
there is the potential to extend
the produce that is produced. For
example, saving space for a chicken
pen to be built would allow for
chickens to be kept for eggs and
organic meat. The inclusion of a
beehive is also a popular sustainable
option; keeping bees and attracting
butterflies will help to pollinate the
garden’s crops, as well as producing
honey in the appropriate seasons.
The space could even be used to
grow fruit trees – all things are worth
considering if possible.
Developing a sustainable garden
doesn’t have to be complex and
the long-term benefits that a
self-sufficient garden creates are
endless. By implementing a range of
design elements that support selfsufficiency,
avid gardeners and new
members alike will be able to do
their bit in helping the environment.
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