Expert Advice: 12 Ideas for Sustainable Landscaping

Photograph by Terrence Moore

Landscaping ideas for sustainable gardens are in the forefront of designers’ minds—and concern about climate change has us all looking for ways we can help. Here is our guide to 12 eco-friendly ways to make a difference.

Photo courtesy of Crocus

1. Permeable Surfaces

Photo courtesy of A+B Kasha

One of the most eco-friendly things a garden can do is decrease rainwater runoff.

2. Use Decomposed Granite

Photo by Matthew Williams

Decomposed granite is natural, permeable, aesthetically versatile, and inexpensive.

3. Pea Gravel

Photo by Nicole Franzen

Another permeable hardscape material: Pea Gravel.

4. Ribbon Driveways

Photo courtesy of Stephen Stimson Associates

Ribbon driveways are both permeable and aesthetically pleasing.

5. Irrigation Systems

Photo by Michelle Slatalla

Drip irrigation benefits plants and crops by delivering water straight to their roots on a slow drip, thereby saving water and fertilizer.

6. Artificial Grass

Photo by Liese Johannssen

Artificial grass requires no water, weeding, mowing, or fertilizing.

7. Wildflower Meadow

Photo by Erin Boyle

Replace turf with a meadow of native low-water wildflowers.

8. Ground Cover Lawn Substitute

Grass turf guzzles water; alternatives, like sheet moss, are pretty and eco-friendly.

Photo courtesy of TN Nursery

9. Birds and Bees

Create a garden where pollinators are welcome to help combat the rapid depletion of habitats.

Photo by Sophia Moreno-Bunge

10. Native Plants

Native perennials are often best suited to their environment, saving on water and fertilizer.

Photo by Liesa Johannssen

11. Wildflower Seed Bombs

Combine wildflower seeds with a soil mix to make a seed bomb that you can toss into a sunny spot in your garden.

Photo by courtesy of Kyle Books

12. Seaside Wildflowers

Choose coastal plants that are naturally hardy if you live on the seaside.

Photo by Howard Sooley

For more garden inspiration, visit us at Gardenista: Garden Design 101

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