A patio and a path are essential, but they’re not very exciting. The magic happens when you add the extras – arbors, benches, ponds, and fire pits.
Chapter 13 is the fun stuff. Owen Dell covers a range of “spice” elements that add personality and function to your sustainable landscape.
Arbors and pergolas provide shade and vertical interest. Build them from sustainably harvested wood (like FSC‑certified cedar or redwood) or recycled composite. Train vines like wisteria, grapes, or climbing roses over them for cooling shade and wildlife habitat.
Benches and seating turn a path into a destination. A simple stone slab, a recycled plastic bench, or a log from a felled tree on your property – all work. Dell advises placing benches where they offer a view or shade, not just randomly.
Water features – small ponds, fountains, or birdbaths – attract wildlife and add soothing sound. The sustainable key is recirculating pumps (very low energy) and no fish (they require electricity for aeration and filtration). A simple solar‑powered fountain can run all day for free.
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces extend the use of your yard into cool evenings. Dell warns against built‑in fire pits made of concrete (high carbon footprint). Instead, use portable metal fire bowls or rings made from recycled steel. Burn only local firewood or compressed sawdust logs – never treated lumber or driftwood.
Outdoor lighting lets you enjoy your garden after dark. Solar‑path lights are cheap and easy, though they provide minimal light. For task lighting (like over a grill), low‑voltage LED systems are far more efficient and can be run from a small transformer.
Dell’s final advice: don’t overdo it. One or two special features per yard is plenty. More than that, and your landscape becomes cluttered instead of charming.
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