Indigenous gardens are greener and better for your pocket

Adapt, this is what homeowners and gardeners need to do in order to make their gardens more environmentally friendly, instead of bringing in foreign plants to spruce things up.

Whether you are under the impression that climate change is real or not does not really matter, anyone would be keen to save a bit of money on their water bill each month.

With that in mind, you can introduce indigenous plants and trees in your garden, which will also help combat climate change.

Not only are indigenous plants and trees easier to maintain, but they also require less work often relying only on rainwater and sunshine to thrive.

Melinda Govender from Muddy Boots in Salt Rock says succulents are key to reducing your monthly water bill.

These plants also keep you from forking out for pesticides thanks to being naturally immune to many pests.

“There are over 60 different families of succulents which total to about 10 000 plant varieties,” says Melinda.

With so many options, do you really have an excuse not to consider planting some of these hardy plants?

Another way to create an environmentally friendly garden is to introduce indigenous trees and, according to BBS Mica Ballito’s Jenny de Billot, you should opt for acacia, paperbark, cabbage or even fever trees.

These trees create a haven for both bird and insect life, and increase the level of oxygen your garden produces. Indigenous is key, and many of South Africa’s indigenous plant species actually aid in purifying air quality.

So, the next time you head to the nursery, perhaps consider supporting ‘local’.

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