Recapping why Gardens vs extensive built structures

Summary of why gardens are golden:

• filtration function - ground-water, storm-water and CO2 sink
• oxygen giving benefits
• soil and environmental health -  gardens protect top-soil and ground water: help avoid compaction, erosion, contamination
• birds, beetles, bees, ants and bees play an important role in  the biosphere
• shade, urban heat island, wind-break benefits
• productive benefits (eggs via chooks, growing vegetables, fruit)
• reduced need for resources from old growth habitats, and reduced waste compared with outdoor structures  
• non C02 intensive, provided lawns and hedges are kept small  (large hedges require oil powered machinery to maintain).
• horticulture therapy - connectedness to nature, the cycle of life and the seasons
• fitness benefits and Vitamin D!
• cost-effectiveness - outdoor structures come at a high price

 These benefits are all potentially lost when extensive outdoor structures are built and substantially replace the garden.

 Tips for building Outdoor Spaces sustainably

•  Build small rather than big.  
• Ask yourself: Is your Outdoor Room going to substantially do away with a garden?  See first half of this blog as to why gardens are vital!
• Opt for permeable surfaces over non-permeables.  
• Don't build if the product is sourced from existing habitats, eg sourced from coupes illegally logged or active waterways
• Think about the economics, before you act.  Are you investing in a fad?   
• Chose plants that attract pollinators.
• Protect, nourish (with compost) and conserve the top-soil (sediment control/erosion/soil biota).