by Silva Payne

Created on: June 14, 2009

The concept of sustainability may seem technical and scientific, but it has a very simple ethos. In basic terms, sustainability is the practice of "repair, reuse and recycle", and to build or construct in such a way as to be able to remove that structure in the future without any detrimental impact on the site itself. Creating a sustainable yard or garden is a challenge, but is certainly achievable.

The easiest way to have a sustainable yard is to do no more to it than cut the grass a couple of times a year. This creates a similar habitat to a natural meadow and allows grasses and other wild plants to seed and grow naturally. It provides an ideal space for birds and animals to feed, live and reproduce, and can be a great magnet for insects and butterflies of all kinds. However, to many people, a yard with 4 foot high grass is not appealing. It also creates a yard that for much of the year, humans cannot easily use. Other sustainable options then need to be investigated.

If your garden is large, you can still leave part of it to become meadow as described above, but what to do with the part you want to use? One option is to grow vegetables and fruit. People often confuse "organic" with "sustainable" when it comes to growing plants. The truth is, organic production is certified by the Soil Association and takes several years of continued practice and inspection to achieve that certification. Organic gardening is easier on a small scale, but sustainable gardening is often more practical. Under the "repair, reuse and recycle" theory, creating a sustainable yard begins with reusing what is already in your yard. This includes the soil, and plants you have inherited from previous owners, and items you have inside your home that you might otherwise throw away (or preferably put out for recycling collection). By growing things in the soil, you naturally improve the drainage and nutrients. Vegetables are usually seasonal crops, which means the soil can be left fallow through the winter months, and you can also grow a single crop as a fertiliser such as Comfrey that can be dug back into the soil at the end of the season. Fruit trees are generally compact and live for fewer years than ornamental or native varieties such as Oak and Birch. Fruit trees also provide food for insects and most importantly for bees, helping the local ecosystem. Creating a compost heap with organic matter and kitchen waste should remove the need to purchase bags of peat or compost, and

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>