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The Garden

The garden takes you out of the built-up world and lets you connect with nature. It’s a place to lose yourself in a whole range of activities. Or you can just sit back and enjoy the greenery. Then at the end of the day you can look at what you’ve done and see what you’ve achieved (and taste it too if you’re growing fruit or vegetables).

6 tips for higher yields in an eco-friendly garden

10 spring bulbs to plant now

So many types of composter… which one is right for you?

14 creative recycling garden ideas

Expert design tips for a small garden (infographic)

Design tips for a small garden by top garden designers. How to create an impressive garden with plants and landscaping in a small space.

Last minute autumn garden jobs (infographic)

It's easy to leave Autumn garden jobs to the last minute. Focus on the essentials to clear away the Summer and get ready for the Spring.

12 convincing benefits of a vertical garden

Maximising space is only one of the benefits of a vertical garden. Planting upwards opens up design possibilities and it's ecofriendly too.

9 ways to prepare your garden for climate change

Prepare your garden for climate change to withstand more extreme weather, shifting weather patterns and unpredictable seasons.

Garden Tags – a new free gardening app

Garden Tags is a new social-networking app for gardeners. It's a community for expert advice and inspiration and sharing your own garden.

Maximise yields in an edible balcony garden

How to get more space and grow more plants on a balcony garden. Plan to maximise yields with more food in less space and still have flowers.

8 important secrets for growing herbs

Growing herbs connects you with nature, they transform your cooking and you can use them in so many ways all round the home.

26 ways to attract birds to your garden

Attract birds to your garden with food, water and shelter for the life they add, and don't forget how good they are at controlling pests.

11 inspiring examples of balcony garden wall art

Balcony garden wall art can transform a dull wall into an important element. Aim for balance, somewhere to rest your eyes among the greenery.

10 garden recipes for natural pesticides that work

Natural pesticides are a proven way to tackle pests in the garden without toxic chemicals. Most use a simple approach and simple ingredients.

Eco tips

Choose drought-resistant plants for the garden to cut down on the need for watering.

Instead of buying paper napkins for each celebration buy cloth napkins that you can use again, or make your own.

Choose rechargeable batteries and a battery charger to cut down on disposables. Eventually recyclable batteries reach the end of their life too but they can be recycled – local recycling policies vary so check with your recycling facility.

Take holidays closer to home and avoid air travel if you can to reduce your carbon footprint.

Check your local library to find out all the resources it provides. Libraries are a good place to read magazines and newspapers as well as borrowing books (and DVDs).

Go for the most significant impact on your waste by aiming for a zero waste kitchen.

If possible replace disposable products with reusable ones (eg. food storage, coffee filters, straws, etc.).

Share tools and gadgets that people use infrequently rather than each of your neighbours buying their own individual items. Plan ahead and co-ordinate new purchases with your neighbours.

Use dried tea leaves as a deodoriser. Scatter them over the carpet, leave for ten minutes then vacuum up. Place in the fridge to absorb odours (like baking soda).

Rub beeswax over pans and baking sheets rather than use butter or oil each time. Over time the pan develops a permanent coating.

Sprinkle dry tea leaves to deodorise problem areas such as your cat litter tray.

Save and re-use the little sundries that come along with packaging, such as rubber bands, twist ties and boxes.

In the garden, use coffee grounds as a mulch for acid-loving plants or around the base of plants to deter ants and slugs.

Avoid chemical products for pest control. Rely on non-toxic alternatives.

Switch to LED lights. They cost less to run and last longer than any other bulb.

Take time to work out how much you need before making a purchase. If you do this for items such as food and paint you'll avoid paying for quantities that will only go to waste.

Save electricity by running your washing machine on a cooler setting and consider line-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer.

Look at the types of products you use and switch from disposable to reusable, such as food and drink containers, razors and nappies.

Use charcoal deodorisers around the home to absorb rather than mask odours and toxins.

If you only need a tool or piece of equipment infrequently then instead of buying one, save resources by asking a friend or neighbour if you can borrow one. Or check online for a lending club, such as Streetbank.

Choose houseplants that reduce toxins.

Make your own toiletries or switch to natural brands.

Avoid creating waste. When ordering food avoid plastic utensils or straws by asking in advance.

Where there's a choice select products with minimal or no packaging.

If you order coffee when you're out and about carry your own mug to avoid paper waste – we all know this is an easy win, but do we all do it?

Share the little things in life, such as newspapers, magazines, books and DVDs, between friends and neighbours.

Use beeswax candles instead of ordinary paraffin candles. They burn cleaner, brighter and last longer. They also emit negative ions which improve air quality.

Make your own compost

Reduce toxins in the home – always leave outdoor shoes at the door.

Use natural cleaning products or make your own.

Use a recycled plastic water butt to collect rainwater for your garden.

Grow houseplants for clean air and give them rainwater occasionally as it has less impurities than tapwater.

Save paper – always refuse paper receipts.

Avoid synthetic fragrances. Choose natural methods to make your home smell fresh.

Those little fruit and veg labels that supermarkets use can be recycled too. Peel them off and stick them onto a plastic container in the recycling bin.

Filter water for all uses, not just drinking. Install a water filter instead of filling up those jugs.

To avoid creating waste, choose products with the least amount of packaging.

If you're looking for a hotel go to TripAdvisor and select 'GreenLeaders' from the 'More' menu option above the search box.

Replace at least part of your lawn with a meadow as a wildlife habitat, and cut down on the need for watering.

Nature Holds The Key