Sustainability is tied closely with energy efficiency. We often hear about energy efficient homes: houses that are planned to make the most of cooling breezes in summer and are designed to reduce heating costs in winter. They incorporate other features as well, such as energy-saving appliances and fittings. But what about the garden? Can it, too, be energy efficient and sustainable?
The answer is simple. Yes, the principles of sustainability can be embraced and enjoyed by all. A sustainable garden is a garden that is productive and attractive as well as one that is capable of adding value to a property.
A sustainable garden will improve, rather than deplete, the resources of soil, people and environment.
We only need to think a little differently in order to make our own gardens sustainable. It is all about choosing to use practices that can be sustained indefinitely, if need be, regardless of the size of the garden. Sustainable, energy efficient principles can easily be incorporated into our lives.
|
|
Here are some ideas to help turn thoughts of energy efficiency in the garden and sustainable environmental practices into reality.
- Plan to grow plants that suit your particular growing conditions. The more effort you put into maintaining difficult plants, the more energy and money you spend. Grow plants that love our sub-tropical conditions instead of cold climate and other unsuitable species.
- Grow plants that don’t require a lot of care. Providing large amounts of nurtrients can be expensive and polluting to the soil. Constant trimming is not energy efficient. A wellmaintained formal hedge is a typical high maintenance situation that is not in keeping with an energy efficient or sustainable garden.
- Collect rainwater from the roof for use on the garden. It is free of chlorine and plants respond wonderfully to “fresh water”. It is using a resource that might otherwise be wasted into our waterways and saves you money on water rates.
- Mulching bare soil reduces the amount of water needed and also reduces chemicals and energy used on weeding. Grow your own natural mulch. Mow over fallen leaves to break them up and lay onto garden beds. Or, grow plants like canna lilly, and gingers which can be cut back and the leaves chopped and used as mulch.
- Make your own fertiliser from kitchen scraps and organic products that normally go in the wheelie bin. A small, odourless worm factory converts all these into wonderful plant food, both as vermicast and liquid feed. Both are excellent gentle fertilisers for potted plants and for the garden.
- Reduce the use of harmful chemicals. Companion planting, natural and low toxicity products, rotation planting in vegetable gardens and selection of plants resistant to disease all help to develop a sustainable and energy efficient garden. Why spend time spraying pests when you could be relaxing in your healthy garden, enjoying fresh produce or beautiful views?
- We now realise that drought can affect the city as well as the country and that water is a precious commodity. Lawns are among our greatest consumers of garden water. By reducing lawn area, you naturally cut water consumption, fertiliser use and reduce your own energy used in mowing regularly.
- Compost all the scraps and organic matter from your household. This goes back into the garden, with valuable nutrients improving the soil and encouraging earthworms.
- Grow your own vegies and herbs. For example, lettuce are as easy as pie to grow, even on a balcony in a box. They were nearly $2 each in the shops last summer. Vegies are easy, rewarding and have the benefit of being fresh and chemical free, if you grow them organically.
All or any of these practices are part of the energy-saving cycle. For example, less plastic is used to package fertilisers if you make your own, fewer chemicals are manufactured if they are not needed, water-efficiency saves dollars and all-round health benefits are gained. Indeed, incorporating just some sustainable practices into your gardening routine can yield big rewards for you, your family and the environment. Never believe that you can’t make a difference, because even modest efforts are beneficial.
|
A new look at water features
Most of us are aware that water, and in particular the sight and sound of moving water, helps to create a relaxing ambience in a garden or outdoor living area. The sound of running water is both soothing and cooling, inviting us to slowdown, pause and enjoy. Indeed, water features are so popular, they currently enjoy the status of being the most fashionable item you can have in the garden.
But have you thought of your water feature as being a productive and practical element of your garden or outdoor living area? It may surprise you to know that most water features, whether a pond, tub or large bowl, have the potential to be self-sustaining and a productive part of your garden, as well as being an attractive addition.
A food source for your family
Have you thought of growing water plants in your pond, tub or bowl? Water lilies are often the first that spring to mind. However, your water feature can be a food source for your family, as well as looking beautiful. Imagine picking your own water chestnuts for tonight’s stir-fry - crisp, fresh and delicious! Water chestnuts grow well in a pot sunk into your pond or tub, and multiply rapidly, being ready to harvest in about 7 months.
Arrowhead (Saggitaria sagittifolia) also called Duck Potato has an edible tuber, that can be prepared and eaten like a potato.
Pickerel rush (Pontedaria cordata), with spikes of blue flowers in summer, produces nutty flavoured edible seeds.
All of these productive water plants are suited to small bodies of water. They all look good, provide a habitat for frogs and fish, as well as attracting beneficial insects to your garden when they flower.
|
The Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a famous water plant world wide, and may be successfully grown here in south east Queensland. It has a myriad of uses, including having edible roots, stems and flowers. The flowers are magnificent and are followed by a seed capsule that is highly regarded in flower arranging.
A sustainable garden is one that improves and benefits the environment rather than destroying it.
A water feature can be low maintenance, it can be sustained naturally and it can provide food for the family. A minimum of care is required once established, so all you need to do is sit back, relax and reap the harvest.
In a sustainable garden, a water pump can run using free solar energy. A pond can have clear, clean water purified by natural and non-polluting methods while becoming a habitat for beneficial insects, frogs and fish. In a sustainable garden a pond can be a source of food, but it can also be relaxing, soothing and appealing, especially on a warm summer’s day!
Keeping your pond crystal clear– naturally
Natural water cleansing can be achieved with Flowforms. These are an attractive way of aerating and improving pond water and are a real talking point. Using Flowforms, water is recirculated from the pond through a dynamic man-made ‘cascade’. Micro organisms move and grow in the spinning and spiralling movements and processes. The rhythms of water treated by the Flowform shape help water to reoxygenate, revitalise and rejuvenate itself. Flowforms are also used with effect in the treatment of ‘grey water’ or polluted water and in the mixing of Biodynamic preparations.
Learn more about Living Water Flowforms on www.mullum.com.au/flowing.
Keeping your water clear without the use of harsh chemicals is easy when you use Lysofoss. Lysofoss is a natural bacteria, which is colourless, odourless and quite safe to use with fish, frogs and animals. Layer washed sand or fine pebbles into the base of your pond. Fill with water and sprinkle the recommended amount of Lysofoss onto the water surface. It soon settles to the pebbles on the bottom and keeps the water algae free for up to four months.
Barley straw is another alternative for maintaining a clean water feature. It too is a clean, natural alternative. To use Barley straw, simply sit the mesh bag of straw in your pond near a cascade or water flow area and it will help to keep the water clear.
|
