The environmental benefits of having a garden are numerous: it can reduce dust particles by filtering the air; reduce temperatures on a hot day; increase oxygen flow; and be a habitat for birds, butterflies and other creatures.

As it is becoming increasingly important for us to reduce waste and our carbon footprint, we should explore ways to create sustainable gardens. But before you start planning a garden, it is essential to ask yourself what you want in it and how much time and money you are willing to spend on it. The following would be useful to consider:

1. Plan your garden according to your daily routine
Time: If you are out of your house from 7am until late evening, you will not have much time to spend in your garden unless you hire a gardener. There is no garden that does not require maintenance.

Preference: For example, if you are a neat person who likes everything in order, do not choose materials or plants that are seasonal or change a lot over time. Don’t go for plants that die after flowering, like hymenocallis (spider lily), or trees that constantly shed their leaves, such as Bucida, Tower tree or Dalbergia. Also, avoid soft and semi-hard woods and most natural stone finishes as many of these change colour and grow mould and fungi. But if you are able to tend your garden regularly, the choices available are unlimited.

Family: Take into consideration the family set-up. Children would require different elements and more importantly, a safe and healthy place to play. The elderly might prefer to have planting beds on a higher level so these can be reached easily.

2. Plan your garden according to your surroundings
If you are living in an intermediate terraced house, you will not be able to create a sun garden full of flowers or have desert-like plants. Similarly, if you like a shady garden but your neighbouring lots are empty and fully paved, the heat around will affect your garden.

A desert garden with cacti and succulents, although possible even in our wet climate, will require a lot of attention and good drainage. Digging up most of the existing soil may need to be done to provide the best base. The garden would not need external water sources, although it can be rather hard on the garden during the dry season. Plants that flourish well during the rainy season may wilt and even die.

When choosing plants, be aware of how much water they need. Your lawn may turn yellow, but it will survive with no additional water as many plants are deep-rooted and do not require additional water.  Potted plants are not sustainable; you need to water them even on rainy days. So if you want a fully sustainable garden, do not use potted plants. Better yet, harvest rainwater in large closed containers (to avoid mosquitoes from breeding). Water used for washing dishes and cleaning the car can be used to water your plants — a bit of detergent will not harm the plants, although chlorine will.
 

3. Ensure good soil base and drainage
The soil is the main factor for a healthy garden. If its quality and drainage are well taken care of, there will be fewer problems. Plants will grow in poor soil but they will be stunted, often attacked by pests and will snap easily during a storm and so on.

For those with an existing planted garden, you could, with a bit of effort and patience, improve the soil condition. Add a 50mm layer of compost and work it carefully through the top layer. Be careful not to damage the roots of plants that are vulnerable — for example, the Ophiopogon does not like to have its soil base turned over — damaging the roots of bulbs such as the Zephyranthes and the hymenocallis (spider lily) will  stunt their growth for a while before they start to grow again.

If there are no plants yet, you could dig 450mm to 600mm deep and turn over the soil. Add some compost. If that is not possible, try to remove the lower layer of the soil (the top layer is most often more fertile) and then add compost.

Garbage enzyme works well on insects — just spray a fine mist on your plants; it creates a layer that will be avoided by many insects. Garbage enzyme can also be used as fertiliser and does a good job of keeping the leaves shiny. Just be careful that it is not too concentrated as the leaves may get “burnt”. Too much of it on the soil may also cause calcium deficiency. Nevertheless, garbage enzyme is a great and easy way to use your kitchen waste.

Now, there are even fewer reasons NOT to have a garden!

This article appeared in haven, Issue #36, April + May 2009, the deco and garden publication of The Edge Malaysia