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Many things that
we have always considered trash are actually valuable resources
that can be diverted from landfills to our gardens, where
they can become a part of the sustainable landscape at no
cost. Here are a few ideas that you might consider just for
starters. With a little imagination, you can come up with
other resources that are yours for the taking. Do yourselves,
others and the earth a favor and become an expert at tapping
the urban waste stream.
PAVING
"Crazy
Paving" made of broken concrete laid like flagstones
has been used for centuries. Most of the time, this material
is free for the hauling. Set in sand, broken concrete is attractive,
permeable to rainfall and durable. Fragrant groundcovers like
creeping thyme or chamomile can be planted in the cracks.
You could also
make crazy paving out of broken asphalt or other durable construction
refuse.
If a large tree
is being cut down, have the workers cut the main trunk into
3-4" thick slabs that can be used as stepping stones.
Tree chips make
a nice informal path and are often free or available at minimal
cost from tree companies.
GARDEN ART
Use construction
waste, manufacturing scrap, fabric remnants, found objects,
even car parts to make art for the garden. Make furniture
out of wood from urban tree trimming & removals. Use discarded
containers of all kinds to hold plants. Brake drums make great
planters!
WALLS
Sturdy low retaining
walls can be made from broken concrete; they look surprisingly
attractive. Broken asphalt could be used the same way, but
isn't quite as strong.
Free-standing
walls and fences can make use of rammed earth, rubble or waste
stones. With a little creativity and craftsmanship, fences
can be constructed of tree branches, bamboo or waste wood.
COMPOST
Raw materials for
composting are everywhere. Stables can provide manure and
bedding. Food waste is available from restaurants, institutions,
markets, wineries, breweries and coffeehouses. Woodworking
shops and lumber yards can supply sawdust and wood shavings.
Gardeners, landscapers and tree companies can divert loads
of trimmings from the dump to your house. The possibilities
are endless. There are also lots of materials that can be
spread as a mulch over bare ground, including tree chips,
chipped pallets and waste wood. You might try roofing companies
- sometimes they have large quantities of gravel removed from
roofs. What else might be out there?
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