How to plant a low-carbon garden
A garden designed to absorb carbon is a plant-lover’s heaven. The more plants you grow, the more carbon dioxide your garden can lock away – so it’s the best excuse to pack in as many plants as you can
Plants take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, much like we breathe oxygen. They then convert it into glucose, which helps them to grow.
So when you put plants front and centre, keeping hard landscaping to a minimum, your garden becomes a living sponge, sucking carbon dioxide directly out of the air.
Here are five ways to make the most of your garden planting's carbon-capturing potential.
1. Plant in layers
Mimic natural ecosystems with lush planting, keeping bare soil to a mininum, to get the maximum carbon benefit
Plant a wide mix of trees, shrubs, perennials and ground cover, and your garden will become a miniature carbon sink. Trees are so efficient at extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere that planting them has become a recognised way of "offsetting" your carbon emissions in other areas of life. So why not offset at home?
2. Plant permanently
Peonies are classic long-lived herbaceous perennials, each clump can live for many decades
Tender bedding plants are raised in heated spaces and replanted yearly, so have a high carbon cost
Fast-growing plants and those with extensive root systems are particularly effective at capturing and holding on to atmospheric carbon. Bamboo in particular is a superstar in this regard, but pick a less-invasive clump former such as Chusquea, Fargesia or Dendrocalamus.
Put plants front and centre and your garden becomes a sponge, sucking carbon dioxide directly out of the air
4. Work with your garden
Many plants love dry conditions, it's just a case of picking the right ones. Remember, watering your garden has a carbon cost too
In damp gardens, save cash and carbon by growing plants that enjoy the conditions, such as Siberian iris, instead of installing drainage
Use the RHS Find a plant tool to help you pick the right plant; explore the filters to discover plants that will thrive in your conditions and fit the space available.
5. Design close to home
Some plants, particularly exotics such as this tree fern, can be imported many thousands of miles before they get to your garden
From hedgerows to high fashion – native plants work beautifully in this RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden by Sarah Price
More low-carbon gardening ideas
How to grow a low-carbon garden
Using sustainable materials
Grow a potted mini orchard
Make a low-carbon wildflower meadow
Grow your own garden sundries
Low-carbon container growing
