"10 Ways To Go Greener With Your Garden and Backyard Décor "

Jay Chua shares ten fun ways to go greener!

All across the world, more and more people are going green in an effort to do less damage to the environment and use less energy. In past decades, the only thing “green” found in most backyards was the pesticide and fertilizer-laden lawn. From wasteful lighting to toxic building materials, backyards have for decades been a source of pollution. But with the consumer-driven trend towards greener products and design solutions, it’s easier than ever to remain environmentally conscious when designing your garden and backyard. Here are ten easy ways to make your backyard décor truly green:

1. Let the sun do the work

Solar-powered light fixtures absorb the sun’s rays by day and illuminate your backyard and garden by night with cost-free energy. Strands of solar lights can be attached under deck railings, around the interior of a large umbrella, or within pergolas and gazebos to create a magical glow. Solar lanterns beautifully light a walkway. Some solar garden lamps are manufactured to resemble rocks so that the natural illusion remains unbroken. For security lighting, solar LED lights are also available. Adding a motion detector ensures that the lights only come on when needed, thus preserving the night sky for stargazing.

2. Get cooking outdoors

Outdoor fireplaces, gas or charcoal grills, portable fire pits or solar ovens will allow you to serve up fabulous meals al fresco. Eliminating the competition between the hot kitchen stove and the air-conditioner saves energy. Creating an outdoor dining area will complete the picture and put an enjoyable, new spin on family meals.

3. Choose natural materials

Natural stone enhances the beauty of an outdoor patio. For wood decks, choose timber that has been grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. To avoid toxic deck paints and sealers, it may be wise to use materials that are naturally durable. Cedar decking will resist rot and it fades to a lovely silver color over time. Pavers interspersed with thyme create a natural effect that needs very little maintenance. Bamboo is an abundant, renewable resource that is now being used to make everything from clothing to carpets and it can also be used for fences.

4. Landscape for low maintenance

Using native plants to landscape your backyard will save you time and effort in the long-term. Plants that are suited to the annual rainfall in your area will require less watering and will also provide appropriate habitat for local wildlife, such as birds and butterflies.

5. Minimize your lawn

Long ago in England, when people needed all available space to grow their own food, a lawn dedicated exclusively to grass symbolized prosperity. This status symbol migrated across the ocean and was enthusiastically adopted by Americans. Now the American obsession with a perfect lawn is fading as the environmental price of perfectionism becomes clear. Allowing native plants to grow within the grass will reduce the need for harmful herbicides. Clover, plantain, and other vegetation once thought of as weeds will grow alongside native grasses and continue to provide a rugged carpet of green that can be mowed evenly for outdoor games, but will require little maintenance compared to the water-guzzling St. Augustine sod of yesteryear.

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...or go greener still and grow your own vegetables and fruit crops where the lawn used to be!

Thompson and Morgan are award-winning online worldwide suppliers of seeds and other gardening products and they have some great pictures to drool over!

broad beans brussel sprouts Carrots

Chile Peppers Sweetcorn Tomatoes

Go Greener with Thompson and Morgan Worldwide


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... more go greener ideas....

6. Add a water element

Flowing water adds a soothing element to a garden space. A solar-powered fountain will provide not only a beautiful focal point, but will set the stage for relaxation with the sound of falling water. A rain barrel that captures water from the roof is the perfect solution in areas with hot summers and water usage restrictions. A backyard pond is easy to install and the bright colors of koi fish can become a design element as well.

7. Use certified wood

There are many varieties of wood that are grown in tree farms, or are harvested in a sustainable manner. One such wood is red cedar, a durable, naturally rot resistant wood that is easily harvested using best practices. Whether for decking, furniture or other home décor, appropriate varieties of wood will enhance your home and add natural beauty without destroying habitat elsewhere.

8. Think long term

Buying durable products is an important component of going green. When you purchase poorly constructed home décor, it may wear out quickly, destined for the landfill. Even recyclable items required energy in their manufacture and reprocessing. Quality goods that last a long time can be passed down to friends and relatives and sometimes may even increase in value. When redecorating, be sure to find new homes for your furnishings by selling or donating them.

9. Create a classic foundation for flights of fancy

When buying larger items, such as an umbrella, picnic table, benches and lounge chairs, it’s wise to choose a classic style that won’t become outdated quickly. Classic porch swings were as popular a hundred years ago as they are today. A cast iron glider will always be in style. Bold accents can be added with cushions, throw pillows, candles, cloth napkins and other less expensive accessories. One easy way to adjust color palettes from one season to the next is to plant annuals. Zinnias, cosmos, primrose and nasturtiums will set a lively tone with their bright colors. Cool-colored flowers such as delphinium, forget-me-not, hydrangea, hyssop, and morning glory create a more subdued mood.

10. Add two more R’s

In addition to the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle,” add the words, “repair and redecorate.” When making purchases, especially for more expensive décor such as furniture, buy with its full life cycle in mind. If a piece of furniture can be easily disassembled, then its parts will be more easily recycled when it’s no longer needed. Look for furniture that can be refinished or redecorated with new cushions to extend its usefulness. Avoid buying non-recyclable furnishings derived from petroleum products. In addition to damaging the environment during their manufacture, these furnishings emit off-gasses that are harmful to humans and pets.

As the world transitions from the harmful practices of the past, you’ll know that you’ve contributed to your family’s good health and the well-being of the planet by going green with your backyard décor.

About The Author

Jay Chua, Publisher of PorchSwingSets.com, is an outdoorsman and nature enthusiast. He lives with his wife Deisy in Vancouver, Canada. Jay enjoys decorating his garden using an environmental approach. His outdoor wood swings look out on the organic fruit trees that he has planted in his yard. If you would like to go greener with your backyard décor, visit Porch Swing Sets and discover an array of canopy porch swings created with sustainability and durability in mind.

Happy Gardening!

Grow Your Own Groceries: Producing your own food is not only rewarding but - in times of economic and environmental changes - increasingly a must! Nature provides everything the human body requires to thrive, and cultivating some of those natural products in your own back garden will not only produce the best food on the planet for you and your loved ones, it is also economical, environmentally friendly and more fun than shopping.

You'll also find gardening advice as well as some ideas on planning a herb garden. Order it now direct from the publisher... Herb Gardening

Before the days of computer games and electronic pets, children used to have fun without rummaging about in the fridge every five minutes. Enjoy a few rainy-day games and crafts of yesteryear with today’s kids. They’ll love it and so will you!

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