The term "organic" often translates as "expensive" in the ears of many home owners
. With the cost of everyday living rising with slow but steady continuation, consideration of further costs associated with "going green" can be unwelcome to say the least.
The garden is perhaps an excellent place to start. Everything from garden offices to compost can be adapted to suit modern eco-home life. Making eco-friendly changes in the garden can be cheap, effective and a great first step on the road to complete eco-living.
Water
Collecting rain water in a water butt is easy, free and healthier for the garden than tap water. A decent sized water butt will supply an ordinary garden with tasty rain water the year round.
Composting
Composting is natures recycling plant at the bottom of your garden. Naturally produced compost is healthier for everything in the garden and is something you can rely on for year-round nutrients.
Pests
A well-maintained pond will encourage frogs, who are by far nature's best slug defence. Be wary of fish though, as the little blighters will devour any frogspawn.
Encouraging ladybirds and hoverflies by planting their favourite plants will have a wonderfully lethal effect on the greenfly population of any garden without the detrimental effects of chemicals.
Planting
Growing vegetables is a wonderful way to really feel in touch with a garden. Perhaps just start small with a couple of tomato plants.
Sourcing local plants is a great way to encourage local businesses, which tend to be more eco-minded than larger companies.
Garden Buildings
Eco-friendly garden buildings can be a great alternative to temporary structures or cumbersome house extensions. The choice of eco-architects is excellent, and with most of them offering bespoke modular designs to suit every size and shape of garden, that garden office might not be such an idle daydream.