Plants

Surprisingly, many of our gardening activities can harm our natural environment. Therefore, it is essential to consider the following tips for your garden to be environmentally friendly and to do your bit to help stop climate change.  

• Research your plants.  It is important to ensure that the plants in your garden are either native to Ireland or support Irish wildlife. The use of alien species can have many detrimental effects on other species, as has been seen with Rhodedendrons.

• Rather than purchasing new seeds, get clippings from your friends! You’ll reduce your carbon footprint by limiting the need for packaging, transport, and processing of the seeds and you’ll diversify your garden with new plants. As a social activity, you could set up a “Clipping Club” where you meet with friends to trade clippings and discuss what is best suited to your gardens.

• Don’t forget that your garden can also be a source of food.

• Plant more trees.  Each tree varies, but up to one tonne of carbon can be absorbed by an average tree by the time it reaches maturity. These trees will help reduce your carbon footprint, provide you with shade throughout the summer, and increase the value of your home. A great investment!