Go Eco in the Garden

The term 'green living' no longer simply applies to a niche sector of our population.  Today, the whole nation has a responsibility to demonstrate a heightened awareness of the need to adopt a more environmentally friendly approach to day to day living in an effort to  save the planet.  So here’s some eco friendly strategies for you to consider for the garden this autumn:

• Reduce the use of pesticides and weedkillers in the garden, as these will eventually make their way into rivers, lakes and groundwater
  
• Be careful with the disposal of pesticides and weedkillers – don’t pour them down drains but dispose of them carefully at official sites
  
• When pruning trees and shrubs, keep sturdy sticks and use them as rustic poles for climbing plants like beans or peas. Try using willow to reinforce hanging baskets and dry out twigs to use as kindling. 
  
• Avoid using patio heaters, now recognised as a climate-busting way to keep warm outdoors.  Instead consider a fire pit or chimenea. Chimeneas burn wood, which may be a carbon-neutral fuel and if you wan to be really green try and get hold of some Heat Logs, (made from natural sawdust and shaving residues from sawmills that use 100% virgin timber from sustainably managed plantation forestry) 
  
• Install a water butt to collect rain water for watering the garden - many water companies and local councils offer some good deals
  
• Buy a composter and compost your kitchen and garden scraps
  
• If you have to buy new wood, make sure it is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified
  
• Plant drought-resistant plants, e.g. mediterranean herbs including lavenders, sage & rosemary, especially if you live in a part of the country that will become much drier in the summer (such as southern England)
  
• Opt for solar rather than traditional mains powered lighting