All your answers to how we can make planting sustainable, how to attract more bees to your garden, and how your garden can benefit the environment.
Because we can’t change the world by carbon offsetting alone! Join us in pioneering a kinder way of living; that’s better for our families and our planet. Gardening is not just a hobby – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future and make a positive impact on the environment. By embracing sustainable gardening practices, even in small ways, we can create beautiful and productive gardens while reducing our ecological footprint.
Learning what we grow, where – here’s how small changes in our gardening practices can have a significant impact on the environment:
Embracing native plants
Native plants are plants that are indigenous to your local area. By choosing native plants, you can support local biodiversity by providing food and habitats for native wildlife which have adapted to coexist with these plants over time. Native plants are also adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which means they tend to require less water and fertiliser than non-native plants. The Royal Horticultural Society (https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/trees/native-tree-shrubs) is a good starting resource to find our best local growers.
Planting everyone’s favourite British species like foxgloves, red campion, and wild cherry in your garden will attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, ensuring a vibrant and thriving ecosystem.
Companion planting
Companion planting is an ancient gardening technique (and oh so clever!) that involves strategically pairing compatible plants to maximise their growth, promote healthy soil, deter pests, and overall enhance your garden’s health. In the UK, where sustainable gardening practices are increasingly embraced, companion planting offers a range of benefits:
- Planting marigolds alongside tomatoes can repel those nematodes (tiny soil-dwelling creatures that damage your tomato roots).
- Aromatic herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, act as natural repellents – deterring aphids and other common garden pests from feasting on your prized veggie patch.
- Hit up some mint and rosemary to naturally repel insects such as moths and mosquitoes.
And as much as possible, try to use plants native to your area – these will attract local pollinators more effectively. With thoughtful companion planting, you can avoid using harmful pesticides and other chemicals in your garden.
Provide habitats for local wildlife
Gardens can provide an important habitat for local wildlife, such as birds, butterflies, bees, and don’t forget the bats! By incorporating features such as birdhouses, butterfly gardens, and pollinator-friendly plants, you can create a garden that’s not only beautiful but also supports local biodiversity. Providing a habitat for wildlife is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, as these creatures play important roles in pollination and seed dispersal.
Got a bit of time on your hands? A birdhouse or birdbath are great ways to attract local bird life to your garden and can be easily created as a DIY or upcycling project. And don’t neglect the hedgehog hideouts and bat boxes – which are worth their weight in gold as natural pest control agents.
Not only are bees the buzzword of the decade, but they also make a significant contribution of over £500 million annually to UK agriculture and food production through their invaluable role in enhancing crop quality and quantity.
Use natural pest control methods
Embrace clever natural pest control methods that not only protect your plants but also promote a thriving and balanced garden ecosystem. Encourage beneficial predators like ladybugs and lacewings by planting pollen and nectar-rich flowers such as marigolds, calendula, and alyssum. These tiny warriors feast on common pests like aphids, effectively controlling their population without the need for chemical interventions.
- Pesticide power: Consider introducing companion plants like chives, garlic, or onions, which naturally repel pests due to their strong aromas.
- Simple sprays made of garlic or chilli with water and a little vegetable oil deter insects from plants – and can easily be made at home without resorting to any chemicals.
Vertical gardening and green walls
What a way to maximise space and sustainability! For most of us in conventional homes, vertical gardening and green walls offer exciting possibilities to make the most of our limited space while adding a touch of eco-friendly charm.
Utilise vertical planters or repurpose materials, like pallets, to create a stunning vertical vegetable garden. Don’t forget as Sustainabli+ members, discounts from our Willow Alexander shop also include these handy vertical gardens by Plantbox.
Here are some ideas for those of us who are inspired to grow more:
- Stock up on herbs. Grow a variety of herbs vertically, such as basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint. These herbs are compact and can thrive in vertical planters or pockets attached to a wall.
- Incorporate native climbing plants like clematis or honeysuckle to create living walls, providing insulation, reducing noise, improving air quality, and attracting beneficial wildlife like bees and butterflies.
- Grow space-saving crops like cherry tomatoes, or strawberries that dangle beautifully.
- And believe it or not, even salad greens. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula are excellent choices for vertical gardens. They have shallow root systems and can be grown in stacked planters or hanging baskets.
Embracing vertical gardening techniques not only allows you to enjoy fresh produce and herbs right at your doorstep but will really make your eco-oasis of a garden pop.
At Sustainabli+, our vision is to empower a community that embraces a cleaner, greener way of life, taking better care of our planet. As members, enjoy priority booking and preferential rates on all our garden services. Let the Willow Alexander horticultural team guide you on sustainable gardening practices and transforming your beautiful spaces into a haven of biodiversity.