Collaborative post by another author. As the trend of outdoor living spaces continues to influence homeowners in the UK, the search for sustainable landscaping solutions has become important. 

With a growing consciousness towards environmental conservation, creating an outdoor oasis that blends with nature is not just a trend but a responsibility toward our planet's well-being. It is a perfect way to stay connected with nature while minimising your carbon footprint. For instance, many people choose to plant trees to make their outdoor space more sustainable.

Creating a sustainable garden

The benefits of a sustainable outdoor oasis range from improved mental and physical health to increased property value, and environmental benefits. By choosing sustainable landscaping practices, such as xeriscaping or native plant installations, you can conserve water and reduce maintenance efforts. 

Furthermore, strategically placed trees and shrubs provide shade and reduce energy consumption by cooling the surrounding area during hot weather.

Planning your sustainable Oasis

• Consider the size and layout of your outdoor space. Before you can start designing your outdoor living space, you need to first consider the size and layout of your property. No matter the size of your outdoor space, whether large or small, you could create zones for different activities. These  might feature a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and fireplace, one for cooking, socialising, and relaxation.
• Think about the purpose of your outdoor oasis: this reflects the reason why you are designing the space in your garden. It could be for relaxation, entertainment, gardening and more.
• Choose sustainable materials for your project, such as composite decking, reclaimed wood, and native plants. Your outdoor living area should be an extension of your indoor living area, so your design schemes for patios, gazebos, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens should have similar quality and style.

Designing your sustainable Oasis

• Incorporating features which place a priority on the natural world helps you meld your passion for sustainability and show you are interested in supporting the local environment. These include water-saving features, rain barrels and drought-resistant plants.
• Design for energy efficiency. By implementing energy-efficient practices outdoors and creating an energy efficient home, you'll consume less energy, leading to lower costs on your utility bills, lower carbon footprint, improved lighting, reduced reliance on heating and cooling, use of shade sails or pergolas to reduce sun exposure.
• Create a natural habitat for wildlife by planting native plants, providing nesting boxes and encouraging green life. Going green is not just good for the earth; it's great for your bank account, too. It's a step towards a future where you enjoy a beautiful, sustainable outdoor space that keeps giving back.

Building your sustainable Oasis

• Choose sustainable construction methods, such as using recycled and rapidly renewable materials, prefabrication, energy-efficient designs, green roofs, water conservation and minimising waste.
• Install energy-efficient lighting, such as solar-powered lights, LED lights, low voltage lights and string lights can help save money and reduce environmental impact.
• Consider adding water features, such as ponds, waterfalls, fountains, streams and birdbaths. These features can be used for irrigation and to add style and beauty.

Maintaining your sustainable oasis

• Use natural pest control methods such as ladybugs or beneficial nematodes, promote biodiversity in plants, and companion planting, create a natural habitat for predators and practice good sanitation.
• Practice water conservation techniques, such as plant selection, mulching, rain barrel collection and watering your plants early in the morning or using a drip irrigation system.
• Regularly composting garden waste is also an efficient practice which aids in the natural growth of outdoor plants without the use of artificial fertilisers to create nutrient-rich soil for your plants.

Transforming your home’s exterior space into an oasis shouldn’t undermine the local ecosystem. Instead embrace the natural world’s needs by creating bug hotels and utilizing Shakkei. This will bring balance to your garden design and help you create an oasis for humans and animals alike. 

Transforming your back garden into a sustainable outdoor oasis is not just a trend; it’s a sustainable lifestyle choice that benefits both you and the environment, from growing your food to harnessing renewable energy.