Green tips for a recycled garden

Gardening has always been a passion of mine. I might not have lots of time to spend in the garden, but every now and then I walk around and take a deep breath to relax and unwind after a day in front of the computer.

 

Although I have a small garden, I have tried to fill the space as much as possible with plants that I love. I truly believe that the success of the garden is due to the fact that I recycle everything that grows.

Leaves that have fallen from the trees make the perfect mulch for the soil. They might look dead, but as the leaves decompose they add much needed nutrients and put back what plant growth takes out. Don't rake away fallen leaves, use a garden fork to mix fallen debris into the soil for rich, nutrient filled beds. Not many gardeners have the space for a compost heap, and by letting leaves sit where they fall is an easy way to add compost to the garden.

Plants that have died off, perhaps from frost or lack of care, can be returned to the soil instead of being thrown in the trash.

GOOD TO KNOW
Don't add plants that have died off from pests or diseases.

Dead-headed roses and other flowers are rich in nutrients - so add them to your beds.

As flowers come to the end of their blooming season, cut them off and dry them to make your own dried flower arrangement, or to make potpourri sachets for in and around the home.

Pruned branches cut from larger shrubs and trees can be left to dry out and then used for various home decor projects. This week on Home-Dzine I show you how to make your own wooden buttons. And there are many other crafty ideas to show you how to recycle branches into wonderful decor accessories. Try our driftwood crafts, or make a cellphone or iPad docking station, or make your own coasters. If you have any more ideas, please share them with us.

If you haven't yet got round to fixing that dripping garden tap, and yes, I do admit to being guilty, put a bucket under the tap to catch the water and then use to water plants in the garden - an easy way to ensure water does not go to waste. It's so easy to harvest water for your garden with a rain barrel - even a small barrel. But do have a very fine net over the top to avoid creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Alternatively, place a bird bath or small water feature below the tap so that it can catch dripping water, and it will always be full.

 

 

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