7 Tips For Sustainable Gardening

Landscape designer Phillip Johnson has made a name for himself by creating gardens that mimic the natural Australian environment. His own garden at Olinda, in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, is his living research laboratory.

“Sustainable gardening means designing, constructing, and maintaining our spaces in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” says Phillip.

Phillip Johnson’s Top Tips For Sustainable Gardening

• Harness water – Collect, store, and use as much stormwater from your property as possible.
• Permeable surfaces – Minimize hard landscaping and maximize the number of permeable surfaces that allow water to percolate and filter down into the soil.
• Go native – Use preferably native or Mediterranean plants that need minimal watering.
• Create an ecosystem – Plant bare-rooted fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables, and attract wildlife to your landscape with trees such as banksias and grevilleas.
• Mulch – Mulch all garden beds to help retain moisture and repress weeds.
• Compost – Keep a small compost bucket in the kitchen and move it to a larger unit outside.
• Be on chemical alert – Use cleaning products that have minimal impact on waterways and ecosystems.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Homes to Love