GARDEN PLANNING IV. A GARDEN THAT’S GOOD FOR THE PLANET? SUSTAINABILITY. THE 4R PRINCIPLE

SUSTAINABILITY

When planning and creating a garden, it is important to consider how we do it and what impact we have on nature. We recommend considering four essential aspects through which to view plans and actions at every stage of garden creation.

4R – Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

RETHINK – think again

Especially during the planning stage, it is important to reconsider whether we are making the most of what we already have and whether our plans align with a sensible ecological system for the future. For example, will we use locally available materials to reduce the environmental footprint of transportation while also contributing to the local community’s economy?

REDUCE – minimize

What can we use less of, what should we avoid doing, or how can we make better use of what we already have? Is there anything unnecessary?

REUSE – use again

Perhaps there is soil, old paving material, or plants already available that could be integrated into the future garden? Are there other materials that could be preserved and creatively given a new life instead of being thrown away?

RECYCLE – process and reuse Existing fertile soil can certainly be reused by sieving and improving it, but excess soil shouldn’t be removed — it can be used to shape the landscape! Old, unusable paving stones can be crushed using a small machine to create gravel for new paths, thus avoiding the need to purchase new materials. A felled tree trunk can become a garden bench, and branches can serve as eco-friendly base filler for raised vegetable beds. And that’s just the beginning — sustainable possibilities are endless.

"A garden is an idealized part of nature, shaped by our understanding of beauty."

— Ansis Birznieks

This is one of five articles in the series—we recommend reading the others as well.