Does your patio seem dull, dated, and in need of a makeover? If so, why not take this chance to make it even greener? For any homeowner who is planning to renovate their patio, here are five great tips and ideas on how to make it look beautiful while also being nature-friendly.
Plant a couple of trees
Trees act as natural air conditioners, and they’re great for cutting utility costs during warm summer days. When positioned strategically, they can provide shade during summer and in autumn, when their leaves fall off, the sun rays can pass through their leafless branches and warm up the house. Their roots are often said to be the smartest parts of the plant because when they’re experiencing drought, they reach deep into the ground to detect a source of water, thus regulating groundwater. The trees you plant in your yard will also keep the outdoor air clean, absorb the noise, boost your curb appeal, and even serve as a new home for your local wildlife. Basically, there’s no reason not to start planting trees in your backyard right away.
Try your hand at container gardening
Container gardening is a great way to control the moisture of the soil, as well as keep certain plants like lemon balm under control (they tend to spread quite fast). Different plants have different needs, and while some might need to be watered frequently, others can do without water for longer. While herbs like parsley, basil, and mint require ample moisture, herbs such as thyme, sage, rosemary, and lavender actually prefer when their soil is more on the dry side. They are perfect for adding flavor to various dishes, and having fresh herbs at your arm’s length is a great way to ensure you season your meals in a healthy way. Surround your outdoor space with herb planters and watch as they make your patio come to life.
Give your exterior walls a fresh coat of (low-VOC) paint
When it comes to quick and easy transformations, painting your exterior walls is one of the best ways to make an obvious change while still spending a reasonable amount of money. Known as the renovation-nation, Australians don’t really rely on stonework for their exteriors, but much rather prefer using cement and bricks which can be easily painted over. However, given how conscious they are as consumers and how they care about sustainability, they put emphasis on the type of paint that is used. Many of them prefer eco-friendly products, and paint is no exception. Homeowners on the east coast of the country often opt for skilled house painters from Brisbane to ensure their exteriors are painted meticulously, all while minimizing their impact on the environment by using low-VOC paint and disposing of the waste properly.
Install porous paving to ensure proper water drainage
Environmentally friendly material for paving, pervious concrete is the perfect alternative to asphalt and standard concrete. These two are impervious surfaces, which means they prevent the water from being infiltrated into the soil, thus creating natural ecosystem imbalance and lead to a number of issues such as pollution of water and erosion. On the other hand, installing porous paving to create pathways or pave your patio will result in better water drainage. What’s more, the permeable paving system will also reduce your need to water your lawn and garden as much, and it’s just as durable as conventional concrete.
Choose eco-friendly patio furnishings
Of course, no patio is complete without some comfortable furnishing. However, shopping for outdoor furniture can be another way to help the environment and make eco-conscious decisions. There are brands out there that are known for their green practices, so look for products with the FSC logo on them to make sure they’re eco-friendly. While products made from teak wood are high-quality and durable, bamboo is a much better choice because it is a material that renews rapidly, unlike teak wood which takes a long time to mature and enter the manufacturing process. You can also go for patio furniture made from recycled materials such as plastic, or simply buy used furniture for cheaper and save it from going to the landfill.
While your current patio might look nice and green already, there is always something you can do about it to make it better. Use these tips to turn your outdoor space into an environmentally friendly area you can enjoy with a clear eco-conscience.
About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid freelance writer and blogger. He is a regular contributor to numerous lifestyle blogs and online magazines, where he writes about interior design (his specialty!), travel, family, sustainable living and other related and unrelated topics. Mike’s goal is to create insightful and compelling content that will help readers navigate through these vast and ever-changing fields.