7 minute read
Designing a garden with self
DESIGNING A GARDEN WITH SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN MIND
Having a self-sufficient garden is not a trend, it is a way of life. When designing a garden, the overall aesthetic may be a main factor, but the practicality and overall usage of the space is also of the upmost importance. Creating a garden that is specifically designed with contributing to helping the environment, protecting wildlife and providing a more sustainable way of living is particularly beneficial. Here, various design and instillation options are considered for building a garden with self-sufficiency in mind.
Growing vegetables
Being able to grow vegetables is a huge part of sustainable living and should be one of the main design aspects for consideration within a self-sufficient garden. In order to prepare a space for vegetable growth, it’s important to understand the area and landscaping to hand. Whilst some gardens have an abundance of available space, others have less options, so it’s important to consider the scope of any possible vegetable patch throughout the planning phase. Whilst larger spaces
naturally provide a more fruitful growing experience, “Urban gardens” are certainly on the rise, with various design and logistics options available to those with less land to work with.
If the area is limited, growing vertically is a suitable option. Consider wall-mounted growing or the installation of window boxes; doing this utilises the minimal ground space available, with plants and crops growing in an upwards trajectory.
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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