A Guide To ‘Green Landscaping’ In Sydney!

Have you heard of green landscaping? Nope, it’s not just referring to the colour of the grass!

Green landscaping is a term used to describe gardens that are eco-friendly and sustainable. It makes it possible for your to have a stunning and functional lush garden that is also good for the planet. These green landscapes can reduce soil, water and air pollution, nurture your environment, and care for your local ecosystem!

And this style of landscaping has even more benefits. It is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money!

With the cost of living rising in many places, having a ‘Green’ garden is becoming increasingly popular. Green landscaping can help you conserve energy and save money on heating or cooling your house! How does that work?

Well, this article will explain exactly that and how you can create a green landscape to save the planet and your wallet. With the help of professionals in landscaping Sydney, you will have your own green garden in no time!

Let’s get started…

Use Native Plants

One of the simplest ways to make your garden more environmentally friendly is to use a lot of plants that are native to Sydney. There are a lot of benefits to using indigenous plants. For example, they are well-suited to the local soil conditions, meaning you don’t need to use as many harsh chemical fertilizers and other chemical additives to make them grow well.

These plants are also naturally prepared to fend off pests, which reduces the use of harsh pesticides that can damage local wildlife. Planting shrubs that are indigenous to Sydney helps to feed and support the native wildlife, including birds, animals and insects, whilst also protecting the local ecosystem.

Some popular native plants in Sydney include:

• Bottlebrush
• Gumtree
• Spider Flower
• Banksia
• Correa
• Coastal Rosemary
• Fan Flower
• Lemon Myrtle
• Grevillea
• Wattle
• Birds Nest Fern
• Native Bluebell
• Australian Daisy
• Kangaroo Paw

There are many more gorgeous native plants you can use in your garden! It’s important to note that Sydney has various climate zones. This factor can affect which plants grow well in your area. If you want to know the best plants for your local environment, you can always do some research online or ask your local Sydney landscapers for some advice.

Cool It Down

During Sydney's hot summers, one expensive problem is keeping your home cool! It’s glorious to have the air-con running 24/7, but it’s not very kind to our bank account or the planet! But did you know that by planning out a green landscape in your garden, you could reduce the amount you switch on the aircon?

By using a method called landscape shading, you can plant trees in strategic places that provide much-needed shade for your home during summer! This helps keep your home cool and cut down on the cost of running the air conditioning all day.

However, if you only want sunlight to be blocked during summertime, then it’s vital to choose a deciduous tree. That way, when it loses its leaves during winter, the warm sun will still get through and help heat up your home. This means you can even reduce your energy bills during winter too. Who knew that landscaping could save you so much money?

Reduce Water Consumption

According to government energy-saving advice, "lawns are responsible for up to 90% of the water used in the average garden." So it makes sense that by reducing the amount of lawn area in your garden, you can reduce the amount of water needed to maintain it, saving you lots of money on water bills!

If you already have a big lawn, you can still reduce water consumption by watering your lawn deeply but less frequently. You can also reduce water consumption by having native plants in your garden, which are usually more water-efficient and drought-resistant!

Mulch It Up

Mulch is a fantastic but sometimes overlooked method to help increase the health of your landscape and reduce the amount of maintenance needed.

Mulch is a natural barrier to weeds that can help support the ecosystem by encouraging beneficial micro-organisms to grow. For best results, 2-3 inches of mulch should be spread evenly around your plants. Extra points if you use organic mulch! Then it will need to be applied at least once every year. Professional Sydney landscapers will always include this in their service when they are taking care of your garden.

Incorporate Hardscapes

Even though they are not always green, incorporating hardscapes can actually help make your landscape even greener! When you include hardscapes such as feature walls, walkways and patios, you can create more beauty in your garden without requiring any more watering or fertilizing.

Having a beautiful pathway means a lower amount of lawn area, which, as mentioned earlier, can help reduce water consumption.

It’s also crucial to consider the type of materials you use in landscaping your garden. Most Sydney landscapers use materials such as concrete, stone, bricks, and wood.

Concrete is not the most environmentally friendly material because of the high amount of carbon dioxide it gives off during the manufacturing process. So if you must use concrete, why not try sourcing second-hand or broken concrete slabs? You can even find paving stones made of recycled glass!

Plus, if you use sustainable materials in your hardscaping, they allow water to soak through into the ground. Using recycled materials has a significant impact on making your garden more eco-friendly!

Go Green With Your Sydney Landscape

We’ve just looked at a few ways that green landscaping can be used to benefit your local environment, home and wallet! But there are so many more ways to make your garden eco-friendlier. Why not talk to your local professionals in landscaping Sydney and see what other ways you can create a greener landscape?

I hope this article has inspired you to do something good for both you and the planet. Let’s all start adapting to a greener landscape and work towards a brighter future together!

A jack of all trades, but master of none, but often better than a master of one. I enjoy writing articles, Diy projects, and cooking. So come take a look at one of my articles and leave a comment.