What sustainable garden materials are best?
At the heart of sustainable garden design is the materials we choose. Loving our garden goes hand in hand with caring for the environment, so when it comes to the products we use outdoors, what do we need to consider?
From laying a sustainable patio to choosing the best plastic-free pots, take a look at the five questions you should be asking when it comes to eco-friendly garden materials:
Where can I get eco-friendly garden furniture?
Going secondhand is always an excellent option and Ebay, Preloved, Gumtree and Wayfair are all great places to start. However, if you do buy new wooden furniture, look for the FSC logo, which means the wood is from sustainable forests.
If you have some DIY skills, consider making a garden bench from reclaimed timber. Reusing wood locks away its embodied carbon for years to come. YouTube has plenty of inspiring ideas and instructions to get you started.
How do I lay a more sustainable patio?
'Large expanses of stone paving reflect heat, adding to poor air quality and the "heat island" effect in cities, where it's significantly warmer than surrounding rural locations,' says Sally Nex in her book RHS: How To Garden The Low-Carbon Way. 'Instead, keep paved areas to a minimum and use permeable materials such as gravel or mulch, which allow rainwater to filter into the soil.'
As our climate changes, we'll experience hotter summers and heavy rain. 'So maximise rainwater-absorbing planting that thrives on extra water,' adds Sally.
Can plastic pots ever be recycled?
'Every year around 500 million plastic pots are produced,' says garden designer Melissa Morton. 'The black ones aren't biodegradable and end up in landfill, but taupe pots, made from a recyclable polymer, are collected from household recycling bins by some local authorities. Ask about take-back schemes at gardens or post on Facebook to repurpose used pots.'
Eco alternatives included recycled fibreglass and crushed stone designs from Crocus, and Thompson & Morgan's plant fibre biodegradable pots, which can be placed straight into the soil.
Which are the best paints and stains?
Garden decking, furniture and fencing need to be protected and there are plenty of eco-friendly options out there that will do the job. Although these wood treatments may be more expensive than standard choices, they tend to be made from natural ingredients and have little to no damaging VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Protek's water-based Wood Stain and Protect, which also works on masonry and terracotta, can be applied by brush, roller or garden sprayer and is touch-dry within around two hours.
Any recommendations for natural screening?
Bamboo or willow screening is brilliant for creating a private seating space or hiding waste bins and compost. It comes in a roll and you can simply attach a length to fencing or a balcony – or for something more versatile, create a screen that stands independently. You could also repurpose reclamation finds as trellis – ladders, window shutters and old gates look wonderful smothered in climbing roses or clematis.
To increase your eco credentials further, consider making a 'fedge'. 'It's a fence built from waste wood, rose prunings and hedge trimmings that's crammed with carbon,' says Sally Nex. 'It will gradually rot into the soil – the ultimate in low-carbon gardening.'
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