What is actually meant by a natural garden? If you're looking for a clear answer to this question, you've come to the right place! Whether it's a natural garden, cottage garden, rose garden, orchard or even a gravel garden - in a way, all gardens are natural. But not all of them are automatically natural!
In times of the finally awakening, ecological awareness and sustainable action, the creation of a near-natural garden offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful garden every day and to provide native plants and animals with an ideal habitat that is as close to nature as possible.
In this article, I will therefore provide you with everything you need to know about the natural garden. From the definition, features and benefits to tips and ideas for design. Let's go!
Here you can find a short overview in advance:
Definition: What is a natural garden?
A natural garden (often also called an eco-garden or near-natural garden) is a garden created by us humans, whose Design based on the local nature.
If possible, it is designed in such a way that it is Variety of local wild bees, beetles, butterflies, birds and others Wild animals a natural habitat. Natural gardens are also very Lively and dynamic.
Characteristics: What is different in natural gardens than in ordinary gardens?
Natural gardens differ from traditional gardens in several key ways - and I've already mentioned a few of them. Here are the most important ones, characteristic featuresthat characterize a real natural garden:
- Natural design: A natural garden imitates natural landscapes and dispenses with the strictly symmetrical shapes that are often found in conventional gardens. So no perfectly mown lawns and no rectangular beds. 😉
- Natural materials and structures: Instead of pruning and tidying everything up, natural gardeners let their plants grow as naturally as possible. In addition to dry stone walls and Cairn For example, dead wood that has been left lying around provides a new habitat for insects and small animals. Recycled or upcycled decorative items are also often found in a natural garden as a beautiful addition. Artificial light sources, on the other hand, are avoided as far as possible.
- Native plant species: Natural gardens prefer native plants (e.g. rowan or blackthorn), which are better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and offer native animal species food, nesting sites and protection.
- No chemicals: Natural gardeners rely on a natural pest control and soil care instead of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. For example, attracting ladybugs helps against aphids.
- Many native animal species: With the help of near-natural structures and native plants, you can achieve an unbelievably high level of natural beauty in a natural garden. Biodiversity and diversity of local garden animals.
- Water management: In a natural garden, natural irrigation methods are used wherever possible. This is mainly done using rainwater collected in cisterns and barrels.
- Constant, natural changes: Natural gardens are dynamic habitats that change naturally with the seasons. Nothing is rigid, because everything is interconnected.
Advantages: Why should you create a natural garden?
Where should I start? There really are hundreds of reasons to create an organic garden. First and foremost, there is the promotion of Biodiversityas you are providing a habitat for native plants and countless insects, birds, amphibians and small mammals, avoiding the use of chemicals and creating an island of biodiversity in the local (often sealed) environment with your natural garden. In other words, you are making a decisive contribution to the global Stop species extinction.
But you will also benefit yourself! Among other things, you promote a stronger Connection to nature. For example, you learn a lot about plants and animals - and create a lively but calming environment, healthy retreat in the fresh air for your mental regeneration.
You also benefit from a less maintenanceas natural gardens rely on natural growth and are self-regulating. They are therefore even more resistant against climate change. The open infiltration design also allows the soil to absorb, store and use more water during heavy rainfall events.
You not only save work and time, but also a lot of money. Because you can definitely save on disposal, water and electricity with lower costs calculate.
Planting: How do you create a natural garden?
Even if you give nature a lot of free space, a natural garden must be nevertheless be well planned. When planning, your main focus should always be on diversity and Sustainability lay
Consider above all the different habitats within a natural garden. These include, for example, free-standing trees, grassed paths, stone piles, dead wood, rough beds, dry stone walls, wild fruit and fruit trees. Wildflower cornersponds, lean beds, sandy areas or even green roofs.
You should also focus exclusively on native wild plant species (and e.g. not on invasive trees) that have an ecological value for the local wildlife. Also pay attention to the respective requirements of the Location. (e.g. sun or shade and nutrient-rich or nutrient-poor soil)
Here is a Rough overviewhow you can go about creating your natural garden:
- Inform about natural gardening and the needs of plants and animals
- Define your own wishes and make plans
- Select plants (e.g. Bird-friendly trees and Bee-friendly berries)
- Prepare the floor
- Carry out planting
- Create structural elements (e.g. dead wood and stone walls)
- Observe, maintain and supportively adapt the garden
Tip: Make sure you also take a look at the most common natural garden mistakes to avoid them right from the start.
Natural garden - an opportunity for nature and all hobby gardeners!
There is nothing better than lying in the hammock and to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the animals in the garden you have created with your own hands with your eyes and ears. Natural gardens are the key to this - and also an incredibly great opportunity for the preservation of biodiversity.
Here today you have learned the definition, features and benefits, as well as tips on designing natural gardens. Use them to a real difference in your own green and to intensify your connection to nature.
"Nature must be experienced through feeling."
Alexander von Humboldt (more at Nature Quotes)
I hope that this article inspires you to plan and create your own natural garden. Do you have any questions, suggestions or further tips about natural gardens? Then I look forward to your comments.
Stay close to nature and creative,
PS: Many mammals also hang around in a natural garden! Like you, for example Attract squirrels to your nature gardenyou will find out next in the linked blog article.
