Striving for a more environmentally focused backyard? There are plenty of ways to achieve this, one of the most popular being the addition of eco-friendly structures. You might worry that this could detract from your garden’s character, but if you approach it carefully, you can create a green space that’s both sustainable and eye-catching.
If you’re wondering how to incorporate eco-friendly structures into your garden, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to share the best tried-and-tested techniques to transform your backyard into a sustainable haven in no time.
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Build a Chicken Coop With Reclaimed Wood
Do you own chickens, or are you considering getting some in the future? Building a chicken coop using reclaimed wood could be a suitable, sustainable addition to your garden needs. By using repurposed materials, you eliminate the need to source new wood, making the most of what’s available.
Most of the exterior can be constructed with repurposed wood, and then all that’s needed is a metal roof, windows, and chicken wire for the fencing. Inside, you can use more reclaimed wood for additional features like nesting boxes, so you leave a minimal impact on the environment.
Set Up a Pergola With Bamboo
Create a retreat for yourself for the times when the sunshine becomes too intense by building a pergola. So that you keep things sustainable, choose an eco-friendly wood like bamboo. Not only is it extremely versatile, but because it’s a renewable material, it can be harvested without killing a plant, making it a good choice for homeowners like yourself.
You may be wondering what the ideal height for a pergola is. While it can vary, the average column height is around 9 feet, offering plenty of space for any activity underneath. Of course, you can stretch it a little further if you wish, but bear in mind that going too high might reduce the amount of shade you get.
Make a Solar Powered Garden Shed
Garden sheds can be extremely beneficial to homeowners, as they serve many purposes. However, these uses often require a lot of power, whether it’s as an office, a games area for the kids, or an extra living space. Instead of using all that energy, you can go green by building a solar-powered garden shed.
While the initial investment in a solar-powered shed may be on the higher side, it will significantly lower your future energy costs. Installing solar panels on a basic property typically costs around £30,000, but for a shed, the price will be lower. Additionally, some homeowners may qualify for a solar tax credit, which can substantially reduce the cost. After that, building the shed is the cheapest part. Currently, prices for building a shed range from £15 to £150 per square foot. However, the materials and design will dictate the price, as well as whether you build it yourself or with the help of a contractor.
Work Upwards With a Vertical Garden
Don’t have enough room to add a large structure to your garden but still want to do your part for the environment? A vertical garden is a smaller build that can have an even bigger impact than some other options. Though not as big as most structures, it works beautifully in small spaces and takes up less room because it leads upward rather than outward.
If you think outside the box, you’ll find places on your property where you can build a vertical garden. It could be on your fence, the side of your home, or freestanding in a spot you like at the back. Adding colourful plants to it will be the perfect final detail. Yes, they’re visually pleasing, but they also bring numerous environmental advantages, including improving air quality and providing a natural cooling effect.
Create a Greenhouse With Sustainable Materials
Keep your flower growing all year round by creating a greenhouse with sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood, recycled metals, and bamboo. It will look like you just bought it brand new, but it will be much more beneficial to the environment.
Since plants will be inside, you’ll want to insulate the greenhouse properly so they can survive, regardless of the weather. Straw bales are a great natural material to use for this, as they’re biodegradable. To maintain the right temperature, try using solar-powered fans and pumps. They run on renewable energy, allowing you to keep the greenhouse cool when it gets hot outside.
Construct One of These Eco-Friendly Structures in Your Garden
As climate change worsens, more people are making a conscious effort to make their gardens greener. You can do the same by adding one of these eco-friendly structures to your garden, which will make it look gorgeous and benefit the environment at the same time.
