Gardens

Ground screws: an eco-friendly alternative to concrete foundations

Concrete is an absolutely essential material for the building industry and it's unlikely a future Shard or the Burj al Arab will ever sit on ground screws. But the manufacturing of cement to make concrete accounts for five cent of global CO2 emissions and it ranks third in the production of manmade CO2 emissions worldwide after transport and energy generation; and as such there is a need to use alternatives to concrete foundations for smaller building projects.

Sailcloth upcycling: a new canvas

Dvelas is a perfect example of how simple and effective recycling can be. Based in Pamplona, it takes sails from boats and yachts that have become too worn for further use at sea and turns them into contemporary seating - beanbags, loungers, sun shades, stools and deckchairs.

Sprout's grow-your-own pencils

healthy living is made easy with grow your own microgreen kits from Danish start-up Sprout. grow seeds on a hemp mat on the windowsill - the eco friendly way to cultivate your own food. seeds grow on hemp.

Trex decking: waste made extraordinarily good

Decking has proved an enduringly popular feature in gardens and outside spaces for obvious reasons. It looks smart, it delineates areas for specific purposes, and if it's made from wood we feel it's a natural, sustainable choice of material.

On the whole, says north London gardener Patrick Wagstaff of The Plot Doctor, 'nearly everyone who wants their garden done wants some decking - usually it's an area for a table, chairs and some pot plants. Decking is neat and it makes the area feel like an extension of your living space.'

Make a beautiful memory garden

We tend to think of terms of public memorial gardens, but it can be very cathartic to make a memory garden at home in honour of a loved one who's died  

What are memory gardens?

Garden to reduce your carbon footprint

Grow your fruits and vegetables

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