Helping the planet may seem futile at times, but everyone has a role in saving it. Having an eco-friendly backyard and other green projects around our homes may appear to only be small ways to give back, but when added to the efforts of many, it can create a wider effect in our communities and broad shift in thinking globally. That’s why it’s so important that we continue our efforts no matter how small they may seem.
The trend of ‘going green’ has become especially widespread in recent years as we all look for more ways to be more earth conscious for our families, neighbours and global community. The following are some key ideas of what’s trending this year and what you might want to consider for your eco-friendly landscaping.
New Green Trends for Homeowners
There are a ton of different ways that you can help the environment and starting at home is always a great jumping off point. Main trends gaining popularity this year include:
Eco-friendly backyards
This involves adapting your backyard space into something that promotes and protects nature. This can include eco-friendly landscaping such as planting certain plants and flowers that will encourage bees and butterflies to enter the space, different structure or homes for wildlife to live in, and getting into beekeeping.
Green roofs
Green roofs are an excellent way to promote environmentalism while also taking advantage of space that is generally neglected or barren. They are becoming a popular trend especially in bigger cities that don’t have the infrastructure to provide green spaces.
There are two types of green roofs: intensive and extensive. Intensive roofs are essentially a park on top of a building. They can support plants and trees, have irrigation, drainage and structural support. Extensive roofs aren’t nearly as in-depth, but they are easy to maintain and offer similar environmental benefits.
Green roof advantages include: aesthetic improvements, waste diversion, storm water management, improved air quality, new amenity spaces, local job creation, energy efficiency, fire retardation, noise reduction, biodiversity and better health and wellbeing.
Living walls
Living walls are similar to gardens that grow vertically on walls. The roots of the plants grow into a structural support that is fastened to the wall. This support also gives the plants the water and nutrients they need to thrive. They are not only beautiful but beneficial as well.
The benefits of living walls include: reducing heat, reducing smog, cleaning air pollutants, sound proofing, creating habitats for wildlife, increasing real estate value and increasing foot traffic in retail areas.
Balcony gardens
Having a garden might seem impossible for people who live in apartments or condos, but with a balcony garden, you can. Ask yourself a few questions before you start. Does my building allow this? How much sun and heat do I get? Do I have the space and is it too windy?
When creating a balcony garden, ensure that you buy plants that will grow correctly in your planters. Remember to use potting soil designed for planters and cover soil with mulch, adding compost. Keep your plants hydrated, as being elevated will cause them to dry out quicker.
Build Your Eco-Friendly Backyard Today
To find out how you can turn your space into an eco-friendly backyard or implement some of the other trends above, or if you need help with additional landscape or garden designs, contact the garden experts at Lawrence Park Complete Garden Care.
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