Grow a green garden

The first steps towards solving some of the world's biggest environmental problems can begin at home. Experts feel that using natural resources in a sustainable way to design an eco-friendly garden can have a positive effect on our environment. By ensuring that the space is free from chemicals, we not only support local biodiversity but also minimise long-term environmental damage.

Lee Allen, Landscape Architect of Cracknell, Dubai, says the main features of an eco-friendly garden in the UAE should be the use of local plants to reduce the need for irrigation.
"Local plants need a fraction of the water compared to the tropical, lush planting styles favoured over recent years. The Bab Al Shams resort is a great example of planting in harmony with the environment," says Allen.

According to Allen "eco-friendly" does not mean an "untamed wilderness". "Local plants lend themselves particularly well to ordered layouts due to their sculptural shapes. Even
a geometric garden can be appealing to wildlife and be fortunate to host unexpected visitors such as lizards, geckos, birds, butterflies and other insects. The more eco-friendly gardens you have in your neighbourhood, the more appealing it is for local wildlife."

An environment friendly garden also helps compost your waste, grow your own food and reduce energy consumption. Beena Boniface, a horticulturist at Belhasa Projects, says an organically grown garden is the best way to promote sustainability.

Keeping in mind the desert climate of the UAE, it's also important to develop the right irrigation system. Boniface recommends developing a suitable watering schedule for existing plants to conserve water. "Develop plant zones and use drip irrigation systems wherever possible, as it makes the best utilisation of water by minimising the percentage of evaporation, lost water during run-off and deep leakage. Using mulch also helps the soil to retain water.

It is a good idea to select native, drought-tolerant plants such as marigold, pentas, sassuvium and vinca and trees such as acacia, neem and parkinsonia and then arrange them in efficient water-saving ways," she says.

Boniface also advises the use of home-made insecticides and fungicides that can be prepared by diluting vegetable oil, baking soda and liquid dish wash in water.
Since it is not always practical to harvest rainwater for irrigation in a desert climate, it is also a good idea for homeowners to install small underground tanks to collect, filter and treat grey water (water from showers, air-conditioning and bath sinks). This, Allen says, can be ideal for irrigating the garden. "Also consider having a small area or container for composting organic waste from your home. This reduces the household waste and is free feed for your plants."

Allen says once irrigation and maintenance costs are reduced, an eco-friendly garden can be cheaper to maintain than a traditional one. All it takes is forward planning and practical thinking. Once you create this wonderful spot of green, it can become a permanent place to live in harmony with nature.