Nature does not only provide us with the much-needed escape from the concrete dullness of urban life but also heals us of our worries and stress. While we cannot venture into the wild every now and then, a lush and verdant lawn can do the trick. A beautiful lawn in your backyard is your own piece of wilderness—an oasis that gets you close to Mother Nature.
A little planning and sustained effort are all it takes to transform your lawn into an eco-friendly outdoor space for your family and guests to enjoy. Here’s how to do it.
Maintain Native Flora
While we can plant anything we like, there are some practical and ethical guidelines worth knowing. Several plant species in Australian lawns are non-native, which is detrimental to the food chain. Bees, bugs, and birds rely on local weeds not just for food, but many other activities. With exotic foreign species in your backyard, you are hampering the delicate regional balance between local flora and fauna. Local, non-invasive species, on the other hand, provide the required support that fosters this balance.
Utilize Natural Resources
Systems for composting and rainwater harvesting can revitalize your lawn. Composting offers multiple benefits ranging from waste management to free and natural fertilizer. The best part about composting is that the product created in your backyard would be free of harmful chemicals usually found in the commercial category of fertilizers.
The rainwater harvesting system is another important resource worth your consideration. This can be done by setting up a water diversion that redirects rainwater into a specific area that has plants needing more than the usual share of water. On the other hand, you can also store rainwater through these diversions and use this to water plants all around the lawn.
Save Water
Using rainwater wherever possible can be supplemented with methods such as drip irrigation. Drip irrigation minimizes water loss by providing just the right amount wherever it is needed, instead of wasting water like sprinkler systems.
Environment-Friendly Upgrades
From solar covers for pools to eco-friendly material for decks, you can always upgrade what you have installed. When it gets too dry, you can plant succulents in crevices to utilize the space without worrying about watering.
While all of us like turf instead of barren, rough patches of ground, it is important to know the right kind for your lawn. For instance, the peculiar climatic conditions of Australia warrant the highly durable tiftuf Bermuda turf that has fast recovery from drought and great shade tolerance.
Sustainable Lawn Designs
Creating pathways that lead to seating areas with crushed granite, flagstones or other materials makes the lawn appear beautiful. Instead of tightly placing the stones right next to each other, allow some space between them. You can also consider changing some of the lawn areas into hardscape and saving some water.
Make a dry bed for the stream if you face considerable water runoff to redirect the water. You can mark the side lines with specific plants to make them appealing. With these tips, you can easily turn your lawn into an eco-friendly slice of heaven.
