Environmental awareness days like Earth Day on April 22, and World Environment Day on June 5, have steadily shifted how many people think about human impact on the planet.

Consumers are better informed, and the push for eco-friendly living is increasingly shaping homes and everyday habits.  And gardens are often where it becomes most personal.

“As South Africa moves into autumn, the season presents a natural opportunity to rethink how we maintain our outdoor spaces. With less growth and cooler temperatures, small changes can make a meaningful difference without requiring extra effort,” says Timothy Isabirye, marketing Manager at Husqvarna, a gardening services company.

Also read: North Beach’s Sisonke City Farm goes green, creates jobs

He offers four simple ways to garden more sustainably this autumn.

Resist the urge to tidy everything
Autumn triggers something for many gardeners: a compulsion to clear, rake, cut back, and neaten. But sometimes the greener choice means doing less, not more. Leaving some areas of your garden a little wild, like an unraked corner, a small log pile, or some seed heads still standing, creates a vital habitat for insects, birds, and other small creatures heading into winter.

Mulch, don’t bag
Autumn often means bags of fallen leaves lined up on pavements, ready for collection. Yet those leaves are one of the most valuable resources your garden has. Instead of bagging, mulching allows leaves to break down and return nutrients to the soil, helping retain moisture and reducing weeds in the process.

Quiet power for ‘greener’ gardens
Outdoor power tools have come a long way. Battery-powered equipment is now more than up to the task for most residential gardens. Lighter, quieter, and with a low emissions footprint, it’s one of the more practical shifts towards low-impact gardening, and worth considering if you’re in the market for a new tool this autumn.

Also read: Windmill Road garden flourishes

Be water-wise
Water the plants early morning or evening when evaporation is lowest, aiming for the roots rather than giving the leaves a shower they don’t need.

Another simple but effective switch is how you clean outdoor spaces. Pressure washers, for example, use significantly less water than a standard hose while delivering better results on driveways, patios, and garden furniture.

“Sustainable gardening does not require a complete overhaul. It’s about practical decisions that build over time,” he concludes, “and as more South Africans adopt these habits, the collective impact will ultimately extend far beyond the garden,” Isabirye concluded.

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