Four ways to 'green up' your garden
Greening towns and cities might sound like a grand idea that gets undertaken by your local authority but, in fact, it is easy to take simple steps in your own garden. From planting a wall shrub to growing a few more plants for wildlife, it can really make a difference. While you may only own a small garden, if lots of people do something, the results will really add up.
1. Plant climbers and wall shrubs
Most of us have walls and fences that have space for a climber or wall shrub.
By using these leafy coverings, it helps insulate homes in winter (reducing heating bills) and keeps them cooler in summer.
You can even go up the wall with plants by installing green-wall planting systems.
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2 Grow plants for wildlife
When it comes to encouraging wildlife, it's a case of the more plants the better. Aim to grow as many different types of plant as you can, including natives, and provide as much cover as possible. This should help ensure that you provide food and shelter at most times of year.
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3 Use permeable paving
Think carefully before you pave over your front garden. Where paving is necessary, keep the area as small as possible and use permeable materials (planning permission is required for non-permeable materials). These measures allow the rainwater to soak into the soil, rather than causing flooding.
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4. Install green roofs
Any birds-eye view of a town or city reveals that roofs cover a substantial area. It is possible to turn these barren spaces into planted surfaces by installing a green roof. These range from plant mats rolled out over a prepared base to flowery coverings grown in deeper soil – just make sure your roof can take the weight. Green roofs help reduce flooding and cool the air.
For more advice and inspiration, see the following topics