As humans, it is incredibly important for us to take care of the environment and make sure we practice sustainability to benefit the generations to come after us.
When it comes to gardening and optimizing your land, there are a number of things you can do to ensure you are being as environmentally friendly as possible.
Planting with the environment in mind doesn’t have to be difficult; there are many small changes we can make to ensure we are working sustainably.
Here is our guide to planting for the environment, biodiversity and the future.
1: Choose Native
Choose Native Species when Planting
Choosing native species for your outdoor space can help the environment a great deal. This is because native plant species to Ireland are able to grow with little help, due to the plants being used to the soil and climate in the country.
We stock a variety of native plants, hedging and trees that are perfect for the Irish climate:
Whitethorn Hedging
A whitethorn hedge, also known as Hawthorn hedging is a Fast-growing, traditional thorny hedging.
These plants are traditionally used in agricultural setting on farms etc as it is robust and provides a valuable stock proofing mechanism.
Whitethorns are an incredibly popular plant due to their flowering properties.
Whitethorn hedging encourages wildlife and birds, due to its flowering and fruiting properties.
Scented White flowers appear on the whitethorn plants in Spring, followed by glossy red berries in late Autumn.
The scented white flowers of Whitethorns attract nature’s pollinator, the bees and the red berries are a stable food source for birds and other small animals in Autumn.
Red Oak Trees
Planting an oak tree is a fantastic way of helping the environment and encouraging biodiversity in your garden.
A single oak tree can provide food and shelter for over 500 life forms, from birds, bees, butterflies and mammals, to different species of fungi, mosses, lichens and insects.
An Oak tree is considered a symbol of strength, endurance and wisdom and provides so much to any garden or setting.
Oaks are the national tree of Ireland
They are considered a symbol of strength, wisdom and endurance.
They are a deciduous broadleaf tree.
They can be planted as a stand alone focal tree or through a hedge to add impact and volume.
Mountain Ash Trees
A Rowan tree can host several different species of wildlife, including caterpillars and aphids making them Popular with birds who also forage on their berries in Autumn months.
The white flowers attract nature’s pollinators, bees, in the Summer months.
These trees produce white flowers in May and flame red scarlet berry like fruit in Autumn.
These trees are a Staple addition to any garden and tend to be planted through Green Beech hedges or along avenues.
Mountain Ash trees are Suitable for all well drained types of soil, are hardy in cold weather, and will do well in full sun or partial shade.
Copper Beech
Copper Beech is a low maintenance Eye-catching purple colour in Summer Months.
It is a moderate growing hedge that Retains brown/golden foliage in the Winter.
Planting a hedge of any type, including copper beech hedges in the garden is a great way to encourage biodiversity and preserve ecosystems.
A hedge in the garden provides shelter and security for nesting birds, caterpillars, aphids and other insects.
Beech hedges also act as a network for small animals to move around the garden and breed.
Note:
Planting species that are not native to Ireland or this side of the world means that you will most likely need to use chemicals, which are extremely harmful to the environment.
Chemicals such as fertiliser can cause both water and air pollution, so try to avoid using chemicals, where possible.
There is a variety of native tree and hedge species to Ireland that can work wonderfully in your garden and will help to prevent the use of harmful chemicals, as well as make a great home for wildlife.
2: Encourage Wildlife
Encourage Insects by Planting Bundles of Bright Flowers
Insects such as bees are crucial for pollination, which is necessary for the fruits and seeds we eat, and also necessary for food that livestock consumes.
Unfortunately, the number of bees across the world is declining, which is why it is so important for us to do our best to encourage insects for pollination.
Planting bright, colourful, and plentiful flowers is great for the environment as it will entice bees throughout the year.
In Ireland, the best flowers to plant for attracting bees are marigolds, geraniums, asters, roses, poppies, bluebells and more!
Flowering trees and hedging all help attract wildlife to your garden.
Species such as Guelder Rose, Spindle, Holly, Whitethorn, Privet hedging and flowering trees like Native Cherry Blossom and Mountain Ash are all perfect.
3: Carbon Reduction
Choose Plant Species that Love Carbon Dioxide
Plants and trees that love carbon dioxide will take in more of the harmful gas, and release oxygen back into the atmosphere.
Some trees will take in more carbon dioxide than others, which is better for the environment, so where possible we should try to opt for trees that take more of a liking to the greenhouse gas.
Oak trees are native to Ireland and also ideal for respiration, taking in carbon dioxide and letting out oxygen.
This is because oak trees have dense wood which is better for storing carbon dioxide.
Scots pine is another native tree that is wonderful for the environment if you have room! Scots pines can grow up to 200 feet tall, so better for landowners, rather than those with a small garden.
Scots Pine
Scots Pines are an evergreen conifer often found in forests and woodlands.
They differ from other native trees such as Green Beech Trees or Oak trees in that they will hold their colour and foliage all year round.
They are medium to tall growing trees that can reach up to 35 metres and can be up to 700 years old.
These trees are brilliant specimens for biodiversity and provide homes and food sources to many different mammals and birds.
The flowers develop into cones, a stable food source for squirrels and pine martens.
They are drought and frost tolerant and will grow well in dry soils.
4: Trees
Plant a Tree in Your Garden
You may not have considered planting trees in your garden due to space, but we have a range of native trees available in different sizes, so you can find one suitable for your outdoor area.
Look for native trees that do not grow too high or wide, such as hawthorns, strawberry trees, and hazel.
Planting a tree in your garden will help reduce pollution, improve the air quality and also encourage the nesting of birds and other wildlife.
5: In Your Garden
Did you know that a single Oak tree can provide for over 326 different species of wildlife including 257 different species of insects?
Planting indigenous native trees, bush hedges and shrubs in your garden is an excellent way to maintain the natural beauty of the land while fostering biodiversity.
Native trees, hedging and shrubs provide shelter, food and protection for so many different species of birds, bees, butterflies, caterpillars, ladybirds and insects in our ecosystem.
Hedges provide a habitat that can be used to feed predators in gardens, allowing them to seek their food from areas where there are more foliage and/or invertebrates.
Beech, Laurel, Privet and Griselinia hedging can also naturally be used as a windbreak for butterflies, birds and other insects.
In addition, hedges that are intermixed with native plants such as Spindle, Guelder Rose Hawthorn and Blackthorn are wonderful nesting options during the Winter months for indigenous fauna that would otherwise not have enough shelter or breeding grounds.
We’ve all had experience with the special effects of Alder, Silver Birch and Hazel catkins. These early bushes riddle the atmosphere with an afternoon’s worth of wild, honey-scented nectar for bumblebees.
We’ve all had experience with the special effects of Alder, Silver Birch and Hazel catkins. These early bushes riddle the atmosphere with an afternoon’s worth of wild, honey-scented nectar for bumblebees.
The leaves provide shelter for common caterpillars and wild birds nest in the branches. Berry-producing trees like Rowan, Native Cherry, Guelder Rose, Hawthorn and Holly can offer quick bites to hungry songbirds.
Native Tree and Hedge Species at Cullen Nurseries
Here at Cullen Nurseries in Co. Carlow, Ireland, we specialise in providing native trees and hedging around Ireland.
We want to help our customers take steps to become more environmentally friendly. Biodiversity will help protect our planet for generations to come so get started now.
Book an appointment to come and view our plant species in person, or order online for nationwide delivery.
