| Why We Should Garden With the Environment in Mind Gardening with Heart, Purpose, and Planet in Mind |
| I am occasionally asked this question. I am lucky in many respects. Of all the gardens we now maintain, which numbers close to sixty and is increasing monthly, many of my clients are already hyper-focused on being or becoming more environmentally minded. However, there are still some who don’t quite understand the importance. Gardening is more than shaping plants and keeping outdoor spaces tidy. It’s a chance to care for the small ecosystems right outside our doors—ecosystems that quietly support us, our communities, and the broader landscape. When we garden with the environment in mind, we create spaces that thrive naturally, welcome wildlife, and stand firm amid changing weather patterns. At Earthly Comforts, this approach is woven into everything we do. Here’s why eco-minded gardening matters—not just for nature, but for the quality and resilience of your garden. |
| Healthier Gardens Start With Healthier Soil Soil isn’t just “dirt”—it’s a living foundation. When it’s nurtured through organic matter, careful planting, and low-disturbance methods, it becomes richer, more absorbent, and more supportive of plant life. Healthy soil leads to: More vigorous, more resilient plants Less need for synthetic feeds and quick fixes Better moisture retention during dry spells Natural suppression of pests and diseases Invest in the soil, and your garden pays you back in abundance. |
| Wildlife Needs Our Gardens More Than Ever Urban and suburban landscapes often leave little space for wildlife. A garden designed with nature in mind becomes a haven for the small creatures that keep ecosystems functioning. Environmentally conscious gardening supports: Bees and pollinating insects Butterflies and hoverflies Birds, hedgehogs, and amphibians Beneficial soil organisms Even simple choices—like flowering borders, water dishes, and pesticide-free practices—create a ripple of positive impact. |
| Lowering Our Carbon Impact, One Garden at a Time Every garden has the potential to reduce carbon emissions and increase carbon storage. Small actions add up, especially across a community. Environmentally minded gardening can: Reduce fuel use through low-noise, low-emission tools Increase carbon capture with long-lived shrubs and trees Minimise landfill contributions through composting Cut plastic waste by choosing reusable materials Eco gardening isn’t just greener—it’s cleaner, quieter, and more neighbour-friendly. |
| More innovative Water Use in a Changing Climate The UK is experiencing wetter winters and hotter, drier summers. Gardens built on sustainable practices cope far better with these extremes. Water-smart gardening includes: Mulching beds to hold moisture Capturing rainwater in barrels Planting species suited to local conditions Improving soil so it absorbs and stores water naturally These practices reduce stress on both plants and your water bill. |
| Protecting Pollinators and Soil Life When we garden gently, nature responds. Reducing chemical use, avoiding harsh practices, and encouraging natural pest control help maintain the delicate relationships in your garden. This approach helps to: Keep pollinators safe Allow soil organisms to flourish Support natural predators like ladybirds and birds Maintain long-term garden stability After all, a garden is a partnership—not a battle. |
| Gardens Built for the Future Climate resilience is fast becoming a necessity, not a luxury. Thoughtful planting and eco-friendly maintenance ensure gardens can handle heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and unpredictable seasons. This means: More drought-tolerant plants Shade and shelter are created with clever planting Diverse planting schemes that stabilise the ecosystem Reduced reliance on costly replacements or emergency fixes A resilient garden stays beautiful no matter the weather. |
| A More Meaningful Gardening Experience Eco-conscious gardening doesn’t just improve the land—it improves our connection to it. There’s something gratifying about tending a garden that hums with life, purpose, and harmony. For homeowners, it creates a peaceful, thriving outdoor space. For us at Earthly Comforts, it’s the heart of what we do. |
Earthly Comforts 