How to create an environmentally friendly garden
Sustainability and the environment are key considerations for many people when it comes to creating a garden. However, knowing where to start and which products to choose can be quite overwhelming.
Jessica Brown, Digital Marketing Manager at Ecodek, a UK designer and manufacturer of wood polymer composite (WPC) decking, explores a few ideas which may help you transform your garden into an environmental haven:
“We would all like a garden that is both picturesque and practical, but alongside this, many of us are now looking at ways in which we can make our gardens more environmentally- and nature-friendly.
Small changes, big impact
“There are many small changes you can make which will have an immense environmental impact. For example, introducing bee-friendly plants will encourage more pollinating insects into your garden. An insect ‘hotel’, as well as leaving part of your garden to go ‘wild’ and planting wild meadow flowers, will also have the same effect by attracting a wider variety of wildlife and insects.
“Hedges are fantastic for wildlife, allowing them to wander from garden to garden without restriction. However, hedges can be high maintenance and do not grow well everywhere, so a viable alternative could be a sustainably sourced fence.
Sustainable timber alternative
“Timber is the first material many people will think of when it comes to creating a fence. However, when looking for the most sustainable and environmentally friendly option, wood composite is worth considering.
“Here at Ecodek, we are aware of the many preconceptions of wood composite – unsustainable, plastic, unattractive. However, this could not be further from the truth. Our decking boards are manufactured using 95 percent recycled or sustainably sourced materials and can themselves be recycled. They offer the beauty of timber but require no treatments or paints, which can be harmful to the environment, and very little maintenance. In addition, they can be used for a variety of different purposes.
Getting creative with composite
“With a little bit of imagination and ingenuity wood composite decking boards can be used to create fencing, tables, benches, and plant pots – besides flooring of course. As well as being virtually maintenance free, these boards are splinter, rot and slip resistant making them durable and safe for use in gardens.
“Choosing to use a material that is sustainably sourced, long lasting, and recyclable in your garden, as well as making those smaller changes such as introducing insect friendly flowers, will help you to create a beautiful, but environmentally sound space that will last for many years to come.”
Further information about Ecodek’s range of wood composite decking boards can be found at Ecodek Composite Decking – 95% Recycled & Sustainably Sourced or by calling 01978 667 840.
