Throughout the years, landscaping and designing in Australia has taken a more progressive approach — mixing artistic vision and aesthetics with sustainability. Designers in the country can no longer deny that some of the traditional landscaping methods may not have always been the most eco-friendly, which is why more and more designers are turning to alternatives.
At VL Designs, we are one in this collective shift to sustainability which is why we provide a few eco-friendly options whenever servicing our clients.
Using Recycled Materials When Possible
Using recycled materials in your garden design is a great way to cut down on waste in your production and creation while also creating that unique look you are going for!
For this, we can easily find recycled bricks, pavers, and wood at salvage yards and reuse them for pathways, retaining walls, and garden beds. These materials not only give your garden character and history, but also keep useful items out of landfills.
Benefits of Using Recycled Materials
- Environmental Impact: Reduces waste and the demand for new materials.
- Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than new materials.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Provides a rustic, unique look.
Using Natural Stone
The oldie but goodie! Natural stone is a long-lasting and classic option for eco-friendly landscaping.
Local stones like sandstone, bluestone, and granite can be used for paths, garden edges, and water features. These stones have a low carbon footprint when they are from nearby and fit well with the natural surroundings.
Using Sustainable Timber as your Timber of Choice
Now, it is not true that using timber or wood is always harmful to the environment.
When you responsibly source your timber, it actually helps the sustainable growth and production efforts of the country. Choose wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or similar groups, so you know it comes from well-managed forests. Bamboo, which grows quickly, is also a great choice for fences, decks, and pergolas.
Benefits of Sustainable Timber
- Renewable Resource: Reduces the impact on forests.
- Versatile: Suitable for various landscape features.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Can be painted or stained to match any design.
Using Recycled Plastics for Structures
Recycled plastic materials are becoming popular when it comes to sustainability because they last long and require little to no maintenance at all.
Things like garden edging, outdoor furniture, and decking made from recycled plastics resist weather, pests, and rot. They also come in many colours and styles, making them a flexible choice for any garden design.
Why Choose Recycled Plastics?
- Durability: Resistant to weathering and decay.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep compared to traditional materials.
- Eco-Friendly: Utilises plastic waste, reducing landfill.
Using Mulch and Compost For Your Plants
Using organic mulch and compost is a sustainable way to enrich your soil and maintain moisture levels in your garden. Mulch can be made from bark, leaves, or grass clippings, while compost is produced from kitchen and garden waste. Both materials improve soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.
Benefits of Organic Mulch and Compost
- Soil Health: Enriches soil with essential nutrients.
- Moisture Retention: Helps retain soil moisture, reducing watering needs.
- Weed Control: Suppresses weed growth naturally.
Choosing Plants Native to Your Area
Using native plants in your garden is key to sustainable gardening — so take it up one notch by using plants native to your area!
Native plants are suited to the local climate and soil, needing less water and care. They also create habitats for local wildlife, helping to promote biodiversity.
Why Use Native Plants?
Low Maintenance
Require less water and care.
Supports Wildlife
Provides food and shelter for native animals.
Aesthetic Harmony
Blends naturally with the local environment.
The Best Sustainable Support in Australia!
When landscaping your outdoor spaces, it is important to note how an eco-friendly space is good for the environment and makes your property more beautiful and valuable.
By using sustainable materials in every step of your landscape design from the materials you will use to build structures to the ones you will use in planting and designing plants and other natural elements, you are making sure that your space flourishes with little harm to the planet. Every small step towards being eco-friendly helps, and your landscape design can show the balance between human creativity and nature’s strength.
Our team at VL Designs understands that building your dream spaces needs to take on a more sustainable approach, with this, our tailored solutions are designed to capture your dream vision while also incorporating eco-friendly methods in building your space.
Contact us today at info@vldesignaustralia.com.au and let us help you in creating a home that is not just good for you and your family but for the environment as well!
