Green, sustainable and eco-friendly garden design does not mean you have to compromise on good garden design. In fact careful, considered thought about materials and how they are used often lead to better design and better results.
Reclaimed landscaping materials may well cost more than new materials but they can give your new garden design a unique edge you won't find anywhere else. Remember that reclaimed brick, stone and timber will immediately give a scheme character and make a garden look established - as well as improving its green credentials.
I've always loved to use recycled stone in my garden designs. Combine them with other reclaimed materials such as tiles, paddlestones and reclaimed bricks and you'd think they had been there forever.
But there's more to recycling than just reclaimed paving. There are some great reclamation yards, many of which specialise in ‘Gardenalia’, where you can find great materials for your new garden design. There are some wonderful statues and urns to be had but also some classic garden elements such as rope top edging that will look town gardens and country estates.
GREAT RECLAMATION YARDS
For up to date information its best to look at websites, as they contain recently arrived stock and can save you a wasted visit. We use some of these to find unique pieces.
OTHER RECYCLING IDEAS
Instead of using new gravel in your garden design, why not used recycled gravel or even crushed sea-shells!
Cockle shell and seashell aggregates are totally organic, and are made from re-cycled waste from the British Shellfish Industry. They have many uses in Landscape and garden design but are most commonly used as a gravel replacement for paths and driveways.
Crushed seashells can also be used very effectively as a mulch for planting beds or to top dress plant pots and containers. They have excellent water retention properties and even act as a natural snail repellent!
The most obvious way to recycle in the garden is to make your own compost. Check out some of our composting solutions for large and small gardens at Garden Boutique.
With a moment to stop and think about where the landscaping materials for your new garden come from, you'll soon discover the benefits of sustainable garden design solutions are not just the green ones!
