Sustainable and environmentally friendly gardens

Climate change is an increasingly pressing issue for us all. As a garden and landscape designer it is incumbent on me but also my joy to be promoting low-carbon, sustainable design solutions.

These solutions can be attractive, uplifting, good for wildlife and satisfying:

• Using ‘grey’ water to irrigate borders rather than placing more pressure on our drainage systems

• Redirecting water from downpipes to marsh habitats or to top up ponds

• Slowing down the dispersal of rainwater to increase evaporation thereby doing your bit to help stabilise global flucyuations in temperature

• Green rooves and raised “storm water” beds to mitigate sudden downpours

• Wildflower mini “meadows” to attract a diverse range of insect life, including bees

• Plants that will need little watering and will tolerate sudden fluctuations of temperature

• Water storage that can sustain vegetable beds and can be fun to play with in the summer!

• Where possible, using locally sourced hard landscape materials that have a low carbon footprint, working with the British Research Establishment, the Ethical Trading Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council.

  “Sustainable, low carbon gardens need not be boring and are within the budget of all households. Indeed, they add interest and to the sense of well-being.”

  W.R. 2022