With around one in five Australians using solar power for their hot water or electricity and research showing that we're prepared to actively seek out and pay more for eco-friendly foodstuffs and other products, it's clear that concern for the environment and the desire to make more planet-friendly choices is a key part of contemporary culture. Eco-friendly gardens are growing in popularity as homeowners increasingly want to transform their outdoor space into an area that promotes sustainable living at the same time as providing an appealing environment in which to relax, socialise or spend quality time. For best results, consider these simple principles to help inform your eco garden planning process.

What is eco-friendly?

An eco-friendly garden isn't just one that's constructed to provide an attractive, welcoming environment for indigenous wildlife; it's also an area where attempts have been made to use sustainable materials and energy efficient technologies to create an appealing, functional garden design that's appropriate for a wide range of uses. From solar-powered lighting through to decking made from sustainable timber or recycled boards, an eco garden is a chance to express individual style in a way which minimises environmental impact.

How to get started

Many people find that a garden landscaping service or an experienced gardener is a sensible option when it comes to turning their dreams for a sustainable garden into reality. We can quickly locate a suitable professional in your area from our list of trusted suppliers. We even check that they have appropriate insurance in place. Make sure that your garden is created in such a way that maintenance and up-keep is low – it's hard to be enthusiastic about a piece of space which is time consuming to keep in good condition.

Consider an edible garden

Even if you're not a keen gardener, it's easy to incorporate some sustainable gardening practices in your garden. Organic gardening isn't just kinder to the planet, it's also easy to do and can yield some extremely tasty results! Raised beds, vertical container planting, pots, hanging baskets and no-dig crop systems can all provide plenty of high-grade foodstuffs with minimal effort. Look for brightly coloured plants and flowers for aesthetically pleasing vegetables which also make for tasty eating.

Going green doesn't mean doing without! When you have access to the right expertise, it's easy to create an enviable area of outdoor eco living space that stands out for all the right reasons. With environmental issues a source of concern to many Australians, taking the time to transform your garden into a wildlife haven and source of homegrown, organic produce is a great way of doing your bit for the planet. Not only is a greener garden often a more cost-effective option, green innovations make a great talking point at parties and may even prompt others to follow your example!