Many of us think of our gardens as our refuges from the world but our attempts at turning our own little patch into an idyll can have far reaching and detrimental consequences.

Below we have listed beginner, intermediate and advanced ways you can make a difference!


Beginner

Save water

• Avoid using a hose wherever possible - use a watering can for the garden and buckets of water for washing the car.


• Try to water plants at sunset, rather than in the heat of the day - this will enable the water to soak through to the roots, rather than simply evaporate.


• Let your grass grow a little longer - it will require less water.

Reduce your waste, reduce your pollution

• Avoid burning rubbish - this can produce toxic chemicals, as well as releasing carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change.


• Try to use organic and environmentally friendly fertilisers and pesticides - organic gardening reduces pollution and is better for wildlife. Chemicals will eventually end up in the sea and can upset the delicate balance of lifecycles.

Respect nature

• Try to use bark based compost, not peat or plants grown in peat as it is irreplaceable. If you are unable to use your own compost, alternatives are available in most garden centres and DIY stores.


• Only buy garden bulbs from cultivated stocks.

Intermediate

Save water

• Install a water-butt to collect rainwater for your garden.

Reduce your waste, reduce your pollution

• Use non-toxic organic fuels to light your barbeque and for greenhouse heaters. For information about these fuels visit www.greenheat.co.uk

Respect nature

• Plant native wild flower seeds in your garden.

Advanced

Save water

• Water plants more effectively by pouring water through an upturned plastic bottle with the bottom chopped off and the neck buried in the ground. This will ensure that the water reaches the roots more directly.

Respect nature

• Start a compost heap or wormery - these recycle organic waste, including food, and produce excellent compost.


• Encourage wildlife in your garden - put up nest boxes, build a pond and plant a wide range of native flowers and plants.



Ways to make a difference at work...