Everybody wants a modern and attractive outdoor space where they can relax in the good weather and socialise, but how can you strike the balance between comfort and ecology when planning your outdoor area? Find some of the answers in the article below and implement the advice in your garden, whatever its stage of development.
Intelligent Design
The concept of landscaping is self-explanatory - it implies there is some intelligent design in the process. Of course, this isn’t the only way to create a successful outdoor space; you can create a wild garden that develops organically and provides a happy ecosystem for many organisms.
While this might be an excellent choice in many cases, people also want to use their outdoor spaces for socialising and playing hobbies; for that, your need some planning that also integrates ecology. List your must-have features and create spaces for some wildlife to flourish.
Eco-Friendly Hardscapes
Planning your outdoor space is a great way to install the hardscape features your want and create a balance with the natural environment. Hardware features include things like paving, pathways, fountains, and other features. You must also consider the groundsheets needed.
If you want to create an outdoor landscape that is more eco-friendly, you need to consider the material used to create hardscapes. Choose recycled concrete and natural stone to reduce your carbon footprint. Choosing the right groundsheets will also reduce irrigation and water usage.
Biodiversity Net Gain through Wildflower Grassland
Proposed swathes of species rich wildflower grassland would reinforce the biodiversity, creating a habitat with ecological benefits and foraging opportunities for invertebrates and wildlife whist also creating a vibrant display.
Gravel, Mulch, Woodchip
In general, a professional landscaper will survey your outdoor area and make decisions in line with best ecological practices. In most cases, this means reducing the amount of natural grass in the area and using gravel, mulch, and woodchip, as well as using more decking and patios.
Of course, patios, paths, and other hardscape areas reduce your grass coverage as well as your maintenance costs and your carbon output. But if you want to reduce it even further, why not use gravel, mulch, and woodchip in other areas of the space? It’s presentable and easy.
Solar Lighting
When it comes to lighting your outdoor space, there is a clear choice - solar lighting. In recent years solar lighting technology has improved significantly so that now you can have free lighting in your garden that’s just as effective and reliable as electrical lighting was in the past. Solar light uses small, efficient solar panels to charge the batteries throughout the day; then turns on.
At Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology, we provide expert arboriculture services for our clients, including tree surveys, arboricultural impact assessments and tree risk assessments. All arboriculture services are objective, detailed and well presented and we can provide advice for development projects using our extensive knowledge. Contact us today.