News

Gardening that won't cost the earth

This feature was added on 18th August 2010

Gardening in itself is considered a 'green' activity and why not make it even greener? It doesn't have to cost the earth to have a great garden.

Hertfordshire Waste Partnership is appealing to residents to save money and reduce waste sent to landfill by giving your garden a green makeover.

Each year the average Hertfordshire household produces over a tonne of waste. This adds up to half a million tonnes of waste being produced Countywide every year; enough to fill the Titanic over five times! We are all guilty of throwing away items that could be reused in a different way. You'd be surprised at how many used and unwanted household items, with a little imagination and creativity, can have an incredible range of uses in the garden – giving you a unique garden your friends will be envious of!

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Use old wellington boots or chipped/cracked crockery such as teapots to plant herbs and flowers for that 'shabby chic' style.
Old bath tubs and sinks make excellent ponds when sunk into the ground. Or they can even be used as planters!
Empty plastic bottles can be used to water plants while you are on holiday. Poke some holes in the shoulder of the bottle, bury it upside down at root level next to the plant, fill the bottle and let the water seep out slowly.
Transform your garden and kitchen waste into rich soil improver by composting. It couldn't be easier; Hertfordshire residents can get a cut price compost bin delivered to your door through Hertfordshire Waste Partnership. To order visit www.herts.getcomposting.com or call 0845 130 6090.

Executive Member for Waste, Derrick Ashley explains: 'Reusing products is even better for the environment than recycling. It's not just keeping an item out of landfill, but it's reducing your carbon footprint by getting more out of the materials and resources that have made it in the first place. And on top of that it can save you money! If we all take some simple actions, and what better place to start than in the garden, we can have a really big impact on the amount of waste we produce and also on the environment.'