As homeowners, we’re now more aware than ever before of the benefits that can come from a garden that’s left to its own devices. As well as creating a multitude of wildlife habitats, meadow gardens are great for eliminating your carbon footprint during outdoor work. But, while many of us are happy to get involved with no-mow May, we aren’t all in a position to let our outdoor spaces grow wild all-year-round.
For one thing, a completely wild garden isn’t great for kids who want to play outside without landing themselves some nasty ticks. Plus, you might just not like the idea of a scruffy lawn alongside your neighbour’s pristine outdoor setup.
These are all valid concerns. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to make more sustainable garden choices, even if you do continue to landscape your outdoor space. Keep on reading to find out what they are.
# 1 – Incorporate Areas for Wildlife
Wild gardening is undeniably best from a wildlife perspective, but there are ways to help nature’s visitors to your garden regardless. Making an effort to introduce wildlife boxes into hidden corners of your outdoor space can be particularly effective. It’s also worth introducing bug hotels, which can become a home for bugs, beetles, spiders, and more. Simply leave small wild areas free for these additions, and sit back to enjoy all the amazing visitors they’re sure to attract.
# 2 – Choose Native Plants
Wild lawns are often beneficial because of the native plant growth they attract, which is also a benefit you can enjoy by simply choosing to plant native bulbs in your beds. Luckily, we’ve got plenty of native options to choose from here in the UK, including foxglove, primrose, and ox-eye daisies. Simply do some research about the best plants for your local terrain. Each of these options will be fantastic for incorporating your garden with its wider surroundings and attracting native wildlife. Equally, this opportunity to get up close with authentic UK foliage is sure to make the garden better for your kids and the learning opportunities they encounter outside.
# 3 – Alter Your Mowing Habits
Even if you’re not keen to ditch mowing altogether, there are still things you can do to make your lawn more sustainable. Namely, experts advise using the ⅓ rule, which means you only reduce the length of your lawn by one-third each time to maintain healthy growth. Equally, reducing the amount of times you mow can be a better sustainable option by reducing issues like habitat loss. It’s also important to note that the tools you use to mow matter a great deal here.
A push-along or electric lawn mower will be far better, environmentally speaking, than a petrol alternative. Combine these techniques, and your garden will likely become the most eco-friendly lawn on the street.
Are you worried about the appearance of a wild garden but still want to do your bit from a sustainability standpoint? Make it happen by putting these suggestions into action.
