In his latest blog, Adam Woodhams explains more about sustainability in the garden. 

In my last blog, I talked about my own garden and how we've built it to be a showcase of sustainability (read more here). So if you've been wondering what a sustainable garden is, with your minds drifting to visions of classic ‘permaculture' styles, then read on! Perhaps you have a vision of a giant chook-yard filled with a hotchpotch of plants with little thought given to the aesthetics of the design ...

... well, that's not what a modern sustainable garden is about. 

So what does make a garden sustainable? Can you make an existing garden sustainable? Do you have to make sacrifices to achieve it?

Guess what? It's all good news. If you want a sustainable garden it's pretty achievable. Large block or small you can do it. And design doesn't have to suffer. You'll see from the broad shot of our garden (above) that they can look pretty darn good, even if I do say so myself.

Sustainable design in many cases simply involves a rethink of how we do things. The materials we use, how we build and layout the structures, the plants we select and how and where we use them. Sustainable gardening is about reducing the use of water, fertilisers and chemicals. It's about contributing to the environment and creating more greenspace. And having a beautiful living space.

And do you know something funny? A successful sustainable garden actually requires less maintenance than your average backyard. Ah-ha!!! Now I've got your attention haven't I? So I'll end this ramble with a dictionary style definition of the word ... "Sustainable - designed or created to operate without adverse impact or effect on the environment and without depleting natural resources."

Happy gardening & cheers until then.

Adam

PS Next time on my blog, I'll give you tips for how to make your own sustainable garden.

(this pic: native flowers in my garden - taken by me!)