Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<p>Thinking of renovating or redesigning your garden? Dorset gardener Helen Milne of <a href="https://wildplacesgardens.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Places Garden Design</a>, explains how you can make your garden more sustainable.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/wild-garden-designs-Helen_Fotor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79769" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/wild-garden-designs-Helen_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/wild-garden-designs-Helen_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/wild-garden-designs-Helen_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/wild-garden-designs-Helen_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/01/wild-garden-designs-Helen_Fotor-701x525.jpg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-plants-for-places">1. Plants for places</h2>



<p>Happy plants need less work and water to maintain. For drier gardens, look to plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and Australia. Grey or hairy foliage and narrow or waxy leaves are giveaways that the plant may be drought tolerant. If parts of your garden are damp or boggy, don&#8217;t take on expensive drainage works; use moisture-loving architectural plants like Rodgersia podophylla (Rodger’s bronze-leaf) instead. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Where the wild things are</h2>



<p>Plant flowers throughout the year to attract pollinators like bees. Water features (however small) will quickly be colonised by a wide range of animals. If frogs and hedgehogs move in, slugs and snails will start to disappear. Don&#8217;t tidy up too much in the Autumn; leave winter cover in your borders for insects.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/hedgehog-g07c681c81_1920-Tomasz-Proszek-fro-Pixabay-1000x667.jpg" alt="hedgehog" class="wp-image-81845" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/hedgehog-g07c681c81_1920-Tomasz-Proszek-fro-Pixabay-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/hedgehog-g07c681c81_1920-Tomasz-Proszek-fro-Pixabay-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/hedgehog-g07c681c81_1920-Tomasz-Proszek-fro-Pixabay-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/hedgehog-g07c681c81_1920-Tomasz-Proszek-fro-Pixabay-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/hedgehog-g07c681c81_1920-Tomasz-Proszek-fro-Pixabay-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/hedgehog-g07c681c81_1920-Tomasz-Proszek-fro-Pixabay-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/hedgehog-g07c681c81_1920-Tomasz-Proszek-fro-Pixabay.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Tomasz Proszek from Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. There’s almost always room for a tree</h2>



<p>Large plants provide shade and habitats, help stabilise the soil, and draw down carbon from the atmosphere. With so many options for colour, vigour, and form, trees can add real impact too</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Use reclaimed materials</h2>



<p>Reclaimed stone pavers, bricks and recycled gravel are perfect for paths and seating areas. The patina on reclaimed materials can make a garden look more established than it is. If you’re removing old features, can you recycle the material? Old bricks make charming informal paths or border edging, and stone from crazy paving can make a dry-stone wall.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/00-hd-wallpaper-g156768628_1280_Fotor-1000x750.jpg" alt="sustainable path" class="wp-image-81848" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/00-hd-wallpaper-g156768628_1280_Fotor-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/00-hd-wallpaper-g156768628_1280_Fotor-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/00-hd-wallpaper-g156768628_1280_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/00-hd-wallpaper-g156768628_1280_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/00-hd-wallpaper-g156768628_1280_Fotor-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/00-hd-wallpaper-g156768628_1280_Fotor.jpg 1131w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Dress your borders</h2>



<p>Keep moisture in and suppress weeds with peat-free compost or bark mulch (which also improve soil structure), or stone dressings which can enhance a design theme.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Think big </h2>



<p>Small pots dry out quickly, so upsize for greater impact and less watering. Cluster pots together to make a gorgeous display with less frequent watering. Upcycled planters are great ways to reuse – look for impervious materials but make sure you add drainage holes in the base.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/plants-g23ebca560_1280-Chris-Pedley-from-Pixabay_Fotor-1000x750.jpg" alt="sustainable garden pots" class="wp-image-81850" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/plants-g23ebca560_1280-Chris-Pedley-from-Pixabay_Fotor-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/plants-g23ebca560_1280-Chris-Pedley-from-Pixabay_Fotor-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/plants-g23ebca560_1280-Chris-Pedley-from-Pixabay_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/plants-g23ebca560_1280-Chris-Pedley-from-Pixabay_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/plants-g23ebca560_1280-Chris-Pedley-from-Pixabay_Fotor-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/plants-g23ebca560_1280-Chris-Pedley-from-Pixabay_Fotor.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Chris Pedley from Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Fashion a fedge</h2>



<p>A living fence (aka a &#8216;fedge&#8217;) can provide privacy and security, where there isn’t space for a hedge. Ivy grown on chain-link fencing, or woven willow whips keep the garden cooler than a masonry wall on a hot summer day, and diffuse wind and noise better than a solid wall or fence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. Collect rainwater</h2>



<p>A water butt reduces your home’s surface water impact and saves on mains water usage in the garden. Think about rain collection troughs for dipping watering cans away from the home – old animal feed troughs or barrels can make an attractive feature.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/fountain-ga50c1564b_1280-Wolfgang-Eckert-from-Pixabay_Fotor-1000x750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81851" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/fountain-ga50c1564b_1280-Wolfgang-Eckert-from-Pixabay_Fotor-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/fountain-ga50c1564b_1280-Wolfgang-Eckert-from-Pixabay_Fotor-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/fountain-ga50c1564b_1280-Wolfgang-Eckert-from-Pixabay_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/fountain-ga50c1564b_1280-Wolfgang-Eckert-from-Pixabay_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/fountain-ga50c1564b_1280-Wolfgang-Eckert-from-Pixabay_Fotor-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/03/fountain-ga50c1564b_1280-Wolfgang-Eckert-from-Pixabay_Fotor.jpg 1137w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. Reduce run-off</h2>



<p>Rain run-off from patios and driveways contribute to flooding so using aggregate driveways or leaving planting pockets in between pavers will help the water percolate more slowly. How about stepping stones rather than a solid path?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. Stay clear of concrete </h2>



<p>If you need a retaining wall consider gabions or FSC certified sleepers. Self-bonding aggregates help avoid a concrete pad for a seating area.</p>



<p>If you want more specific advice on designing an eco-friendly outdoor space, contact Helen at <a href="https://wildplacesgardens.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Places Garden Design.</a> </p>


10 tips for a sustainable garden

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