Gardens and landscaping
Spending even a small amount of time with nature can have lots of benefits for our health. It can lower our blood pressure and stress and boost our immune systems. Walking and gardening are great ways to reconnect to the natural world around us. Explore In Our Nature’s guide to their favourite parks and green spaces in Manchester.
Trees and plants produce the oxygen we breathe and store carbon in their trunks and roots. They even provide materials, food and shelter for millions of species. And they protect land from erosion and reduce flooding and air pollution. Tree Council have useful care tips for young trees.
You don’t need much space to grow your own food and flowers. Our friends at In Our Nature have useful tips on food growing – whether you have a big garden or a small window ledge.
Collect rainwater to water your plants. It gives you a supply of water outside and saves money if you have a water meter. To get a discounted water butt for your garden go to www.savewatersavemoney.co.uk.
How to green your front garden
Kerb appeal isn’t the only reason to add plants to your front garden. Though it can transform your outdoor space. Benefits include helping to reduce flooding and improving air quality. And providing a sanctuary for wildlife and your household. This often overlooked space is due a ‘green up’.
Small changes can make a big difference. The RHS have useful ‘how to’ guides. Find out how to green your front garden and much more.
If your front garden provides off-street parking, you can still create an oasis to enjoy all year. Find out how to create clever planting designs with easy to grow plants for drives.
Plant a living fence
Also known as a hedge. These wildlife corridors are a more natural way to create a border around your garden. Hedges can help prevent flooding and soil erosion. And a habitat and food for many insects and birds. They can also withstand strong winds and last longer than a traditional fence.
Choosing the best hedge planting is key for the look and size you need. Slow-growing plants often make good hedges, so they can take a while to reach the size needed.
If you need a quicker way to screen your garden, a solution is to guide young plants on a traditional timber fence. When the fence rots and needs replacing, your hedge will be more developed.
Find out which hedging plants the RHS think are best for your project.
Sustainable planting advice from our arboriculture teams
Our arboriculture (tree) teams are expert at planting in Manchester. They've given us their recommendations for planting designs for your home or community project.
Find out what our expert teams suggest for your planting project.
Grow a community gardening project
Want to get more hands on in your local community? Find out how to get involved.