It's green outside21 April 2011
Designer Oliver Heath reveals practical ways you can green your outdoor space.
Gates, fences and front door
First impressions really do count. If you're thinking about a new front door, fence or gates - try local reclamation yards.
This is great if you live in a period property as there can often be real hidden gems. These can give your home a real sense of individuality, identity and charm.
If you're interested in salvage and reclamation, try Salvo.
Outside walls
The quality of natural paints has really improved recently. Try using ones like:
You could clad sections of your home in cedar tiles to give a natural woody feel. It'll look great and protect from weathering.
Roofing
Retiling the roof? Investigate using recycled plastic slate effect tiles.
They're totally convincing even on close inspection but won't crack and age like natural slate. Or try them as cladding material for your exterior walls.
Lights
Lighting plays a big part in the atmosphere that your home gives off at night.
Ask your electrician to fit all exterior lights with infrared sensors adjusted to come on when you pass in front of them.
For efficiency make sure lights operate for short periods of time and only after dark.
Wheelie bins
With so many councils using big wheelie and recycling bins, it's worth thinking about where they're going to live.
One solution is to build a simple slatted screen or shelter out of reclaimed timber.
This is also a great material to make fences with. You can stain or preserve them, to bring up the grain. Or simply paint for a wonderfully romantic shabby chic feel.
Decking and furniture
Try using recycled plastic decking (see Recology) - looks good and easy to maintain. Garden furniture is now available in this recycled material too.
Still prefer timber decking and furniture? Check it's from a sustainable source (see Greenpeace's Garden Furniture Guide).
To save cash, build a recycled pallet deck. Choose pallets from your local wood reclamation yard, fill in the gaps with additional timbers and apply a stain to preserve them.
Garden
A must is a home composting system to recycle all your kitchen waste, hoover contents and more (read tips from HDRA).
For more organic gardening ideas, see Growing Concerns.
Collect rainwater from gutters in a tank - this can be used to water the garden or even wash the car.
Investigate The Postcode Plants Database to find out which plants are local to your area before you make any purchases.
Don't miss Oliver's new series - Front of house - on ITV where neighbours choose a house that is letting down their street.
This article is taken from Earthmatters (Summer 2005), Friends of the Earth's supporter magazine - join to receive your copy.
© Mrmole
