‘Greening’ Chiswick might sound like a grand idea undertaken by the local authorities. However according to RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) it is easy to take simple steps in your own garden.
Planting wall shrubs or growing a few more plants
can really make a difference. Even with small London gardens, if lots of people do something, the results will really add up. Four ways to green up:
1
Plant climbers and wall shrubs
Vertical leafy coverings help insulate homes in winter (reducing heating bills) and keeps them cooler in summer. You can go up the wall with plants by installing green-wall planting systems.
2
Grow plants for wildlife
When it comes to encouraging wildlife, the more plants the better. Aim to grow different types of plant, including natives, and provide as much cover as possible. This should help ensure that you provide food and shelter for most of the year.
3
Use permeable paving
Think carefully before you pave over your front garden. Keep the area as small as possible and use permeable materials (planning permission is required for non-permeable options). These measures allow rainwater to soak into the soil, rather than cause flooding.
4
Plant a tree
Trees provide amazing benefits: sustain wildlife; cool air on hot days; reduce the risk of flooding by capturing rain on leaves; some even help clean the air. To get the maximum benefit, go for the biggest tree you can manage in your garden, but if small is all you can manage take a look at these
top five trees for smaller gardens.
Download this free RHS booklet on front gardens.
Download this free RHS booklet on front gardens.
