Why should I choose eco-friendly garden design and how can I start? Having an oasis in your backyard can be truly priceless. Especially in times like these when so much of our time has been spent in our homes. It’s the greatest cure to cabin fever and a massive aid to our mental health and stress that we feel in our lives. Just being able to go outside, listen to the birds and see your plants growing is one of the most peaceful and meditative things you can do. Here are some of our favorite eco friendly gardening tips:

Eco Friendly gardening tips: Think about costs

While having your personal haven is priceless, it is important to look at the total price that is paid. We want to see lush green lawns and beautiful tropical plants when we step outside. This is more than what you pay at your local nursery for the plants themselves. Or the many products that feed and help maintain them. This is the total cost to the environment, which is bigger than most think.

Gardens generally do help the environment by reducing air and noise pollution, erosion, and energy costs. They can reduce carbon footprint, filter the groundwater, and provide a food and home source for various animals and insects. However, this is in its most natural state. We need to pay attention to how we alter this natural state to achieve results quickly using non-natural methods.

Weed Killers and the dangers thereof:

For instance, Roundup (a common weed killer) uses Glyphosate, which is one of the most widely used herbicides in history. Long thought to be relatively non-harmful to non-target plants and animals, evidence is growing in this space. This active ingredient of Roundup, may affect the growth and reproduction of aquatic creatures. It can alter the essential gut bacteria of animals such as bees. This is just one example of how these chemicals affect the environment.

This is where the Eco-Friendly design comes into play. Gardeners have a variety of choices they can make to positively affect our world, and below are a few ways you can start.

The largest impact you can have is largely based on how you design your space and what you use:

Choose native, drought-tolerant perennials where possible. Pick drought-tolerant plants to help reduce watering during hot summer months, and reduce the need to buy new plants every year, thus reduce plant waste. Also, pay attention to the amount of shade and sun each plant needs before planting.

Some of our other favorite eco friendly gardening tips:

• Purchase plants from local vendors and regional nurseries.
• Incorporate edibles and herbs where desired.
• Use natural weed killers where possible. I suggest those that contain super concentrated vinegar.
• Become a member of local organizations and societies that focus on environmental protection, such as the Waterkeeper Alliance affiliate program.

The goal is to help you cut down on routine maintenance, using chemicals and water usage. The gardening community is growing every day and the more sustainable we can make it, the better it will be for gardeners and the earth for years to come.

Planning on revamping your outdoor areas? Here are some landscaping tips.