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Growing a garden is good for the soul, but how can we make sure it’s good for the planet, too? A few small changes can mean working better with nature to create an eco-friendly outdoor space that reduces our environmental impact, minimises waste and encourages local wildlife.
To make your garden eco-friendly, aim to grow plants suitable for the local climate. Many Australian natives or plants that originate from similar environments, like the Mediterranean, have adapted to growing in harsh, often dry conditions. Adding them to your garden reduces the need for extra water and maintenance.
Their position in the garden is also important, according to landscape architect Gavin Hardy (gavinhardydesigns.com.au). “Wattles and native grasses are ideal for hot, exposed areas, while native violets and ferns are best in cool, damp and shady spots.”
Make the most of every drop by having a rainwater tank installed. It lessens the need to rely on mains water and helps decrease stormwater run-off.
If you’re collecting wastewater (greywater) from baths, showers and washing machines, treat it with a product like Yates Greywater Fertiliser to kill unwanted microbes and neutralise the effect of detergents before using on non-edible plants only.
Horticulturist Steve Falcioni at Eco-Organic Garden says that, when pests and diseases need treating, “it’s important to reach for effective products that will fix the problem without creating other issues.” Many treatments can harm beneficial insects like bees, so look for eco-friendly garden products that will support natural wildlife, such as the Eco-Organic Garden range.
Organic doesn’t mean you should be complacent – always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example), always follow the instructions for the product or equipment and store products in a secure spot.
For weed control, glyphosate-free options like Slasher Organic Weedkiller are effective and leave no lasting residue in the soil.
Growing edible plants is incredibly rewarding, says Steve. “It allows you to harvest food at its freshest with zero food miles.” If you haven’t got much space or you’re new to growing food, he suggests starting small with herbs and leafy greens. Rocket, spinach, lettuce, spring onion and parsley can all be grown in pots and are easy plants for beginners.
Composting is a hugely useful way to reduce waste. Garden clippings (but bin any that are diseased), most fallen leaves and end-of-season crops can all be transformed into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. “Kitchen scraps can also be composted, as well as non-glossy paper, egg cartons and cardboard,” says Gavin. “Worm farming is another great practice.”
Revamping old pots, benches or sculptures with a new coat of paint can inject life back into items that could otherwise end up in landfill.
Beneficial insects and birds are looking for the same things: food, shelter and water, says Steve Falcioni. “Plant a mix of flowering plants to supply them with pollen or nectar,” he says. “Include various-sized plants – small, medium and large – as this will also provide physical shelter for them to rest.” A water source can be in the form of a birdbath. “Be sure to include a few sticks or stones around the edges so beneficial insects can access water easily without drowning,” he adds.
Choose from these drought-tolerant champions to enhance your garden while reducing trips to the tap.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): A fabulous herb and landscaping plant. Prostrate forms look great spilling over walls or edging.
Yellow buttons (Chrysocephalum apiculatum): A sweet, low-growing native with silvery foliage and golden spherical flowers throughout the year.
Olive (Olea europaea ‘Kalamata’): An attractive tree with leathery silver, grey-green leaves and a natural broad-dome canopy.
Salvia (Salvia spp.): Includes the common kitchen sage as well as other ornamental forms, like S. leucantha and S. longispicata.
Bay tree (Laurus nobilis): This useful herb grows into a small tree but can be clipped into topiary standards or spheres.
Mat rush (Lomandra longifolia): A native with strappy foliage and spikes of small yellow flowers in late winter and early spring.
Follow our simple guide to controlling your weeds organically.
Photo Credit: Gap Photos/Friedrich Strauss, Gap Photos/Jo Whitworth, Getty Images, Gap Photos/Juliette Wade
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
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