Turning your garden green in Lincolnshire isn’t just about the colour of your grass. In 2024, it’s about making your little patch of earth a friend to the environment. You don’t need to be a gardening guru or have acres of land. With some simple changes, anyone can create a garden that does its bit for the planet and looks good doing it.
Embrace Native Planting
Why Local Plants Rock
Let’s talk about plants that belong here in Lincolnshire. Native plants are the heroes of the gardening world. They’ve spent ages figuring out how to thrive in your garden already without you needing to fuss over them with extra water, fertiliser, or pleading looks. They’re like the mates you don’t have to tidy up for—they just get you. And they’re brilliant for the local bugs and birds. Before you buy another plant that needs more care than a newborn, check out some locals. Your garden (and water bill) will thank you.
We discuss the value of native planting in more depth in our Native Wonders blog. We’re here if you want a bit of advice before parting with your hard-earned cash too.
Water Wisely
Save Water, Save Effort
We know, talking about adding water to a garden in Lincolnshire is a bit ‘out there’ but even in Lincolnshire there are times when you’ll need to.
Watering the garden doesn’t have to mean standing with a hose every evening, missing your favourite TV show. Collecting rainwater in a barrel is like catching free drinks from the sky for your plants and who doesn’t love ‘free’? It’s better for them, and you’ll cut down on your water use. If you’re feeling techy, a drip irrigation system can take water straight to where your plants need it most, right at the roots, so none goes to waste. It’s like giving them a direct line to hydration without the spillage and with the economy as it is, every little bit helps!
Sustainable Soil Management
Compost: Turning Waste into Wonder
Think of compost as the secret sauce for your garden. It turns your old banana peels and lawn cuttings into gold dust for plants. Starting a compost pile means you’re not just reducing waste but making your soil richer, so you won’t need to use chemical fertilisers. And it’s easier than you think. A bin, some scraps, and a bit of patience, and you’re on your way to creating your own plant superfood.
If you decided to follow the advice in our Grow Your Own Financial Relief blog, no doubt you’ll already have been making use of your first harvest.
Encourage Biodiversity
Make Your Garden a Wildlife Party
A sustainable garden is buzzing with life—not just plants but birds, bees, and bugs too. You can roll out the red carpet for them by adding a bird feeder, a bee hotel, or just letting a corner of your garden go wild. Think of it as letting your hair down. A bit of untamed nature can make your garden a hotspot for local wildlife, and watching them do their thing can be better than binge-watching another series.
Check out our Wildlife Wonders blog for more tips on how to attract native species into your space.
Choose Eco-Friendly Materials
Recycle, Upcycle, Just Don’t Throw It Away
When ‘decking’ out your garden (forgive the pun), think twice before buying new. That old chair can become a quirky plant stand, and pallets can be reborn as a funky garden bench. Using recycled or upcycled materials not only saves you money but also adds character to your garden. And let’s be honest, bragging about turning rubbish into something cool is pretty satisfying.
Lazy Susan has some great ideas about what you ‘could’ do with any garden furniture past its best by date.
Conclusion
Gardening in 2024 is about being kind to the earth while creating a space you love. By choosing local plants, saving water, making your own compost, welcoming wildlife, and recycling materials, you can turn your garden into a sustainable oasis. It doesn’t need to be hard work or expensive. With a bit of creativity and some eco-friendly choices, you can make a garden that looks great and feels even better because it’s doing good. So, grab your gardening gloves (maybe give them a wash first), and let’s get to work making your garden a green wonderland.
As always, ALS Landscaping, Lincoln is here to help. If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
FAQs
Can I really make a difference with just my little garden?
Absolutely! Every bit helps. Your garden might be small, but it’s part of a bigger picture. Like a puzzle piece in a wildlife corridor, it can provide food and shelter for insects and birds, helping them move through urban areas.
How do I start composting without attracting rats?
Keep your compost balanced with a mix of ‘greens’ (like kitchen scraps) and ‘browns’ (like dried leaves). Avoid putting meat or dairy in there, and give it a turn now and then. A well-managed compost bin is no more inviting to pests than any other part of your garden.
What if I kill every plant I touch?
Go for the hardy natives. They’re used to the local climate and much more forgiving if you forget a watering session or two. Plus, gardening is a learning curve. Every mistake is just a step towards becoming a green-fingered wizard.
