8 - Sustainability

Question 1

How can sustainability be factored into hard landscaping choices?

Answer 1

• Source local materials to reduce environmental impact e.g local stone
• Used recycled materials, e.g. reclaimed bricks
• Avoid using materials sourced from environmentally sensitive areas, e.g. water-worn limestone
• Consider the environmental impact of hard landscaping likely to increase water run during heavy rain, causing flooding and/or erosion (e.g. catch water from roofs in water butts)
• consider heat-island effect of large paved areas.

Question 2

How can habitats be factored into hard landscaping choices?

Answer 2

• Identify and preserve any existing habitats where possible
• Provide shelter and breeding sites for various species
• Survey to discover if there are any protected species (e.g. newts or bats) who’s protection needs to be factored into the design (e.g. shed must be retained because of bat roost or pond because of newts)

Question 3

How can sustainability be incorporated into soft landscaping choices?

Answer 3

• Use local indigenous plants
• Use plants that absorb pollution in urban settings
• Create green roofs to prevent heavy run off and lower heat-island effect and provide habitat

Question 4

How can water be factored into your sustainability considerations?

Answer 4

• Should be collected and stored in covered water butts or tanks and use conservatively
• Use plants appropriate for water conditions (e.g. planting species with lower water requirements to reduce water use)
• Mulch to conserve water in soil
• Water in the evening to reduce evaporation.

Question 5

How can waste be factored into your sustainability considerations?

Answer 5

• Compost wherever possible
• All other waste should be disposed of appropriately (e.g. sent for recycling)
• Dispose of oils and chemicals responsibly (i.e. don’t put them down the drain)
• Choose long-lasting tools and equipment
• Reuse and recycle whatever you can (e.g. wash and reuse plastic pots)

Question 6

How can energy use be factored into your sustainability considerations?

Answer 6

• Use as few energy-consuming features in your garden as possible (e.g. don’t have an electric fountain in your water feature)
• Choose energy-saving features where you can (e.g. choose a solar-powered water pump or LED lighting).

Question 7

How can growing media be factored into your sustainability considerations?

Answer 7

• Create your own compost, recycling your garden’s organic matter
• Incorporate well-rotted organic matter into the soil to encourage moisture retention and provide nutrients
• Use peat-free composts.

Question 8

How can timber be factored into your sustainability considerations?

Answer 8

• Choose sustainably/responsibly harvested timber to reduce impact on wild places (e.g. choose FSC certifed timber).

Question 9

How can chemicals, including paints and varnishes, be factored into your sustainability considerations?

Answer 9

• Always store in their original containers and store securely in a place where they can’t leak into the environment
• Choose organic or less toxic options where possible (e.g. using cultural controls instead of spraying insecticides/herbicides)
• Choose water-based options
• Choose plants that are generally pest and disease free or resistance
• Create structures that require minimal maintenance with paints, varnishes, etc.