Exteriors - Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Whatever amount of garden or outdoor space you have at your LEED, Passive House, ZNE or Green Home & however you hope to use it, we can help turn it into a beautiful, functional & enjoyable space with our definitive Q & A forum. We cover everything from alternatives to the traditional lawn, native plants, growing food on a balcony to choosing stormwater management systems, building a natural, chemical-free pool, solariums, durable deck building, natural pools, bee keeping and urban farming
What vegetables grow well in full sunshine?
About
Exteriors
Welcome to our community forum for Sustainable Exteriors! This is the place to share your outdoor projects and ideas, from beautiful, eco-friendly decks and gardens to innovative rainwater harvesting systems and natural swimming pools. Creating a sustainable exterior is all about enhancing your connection to nature while making responsible choices.
Whether you're landscaping in Australia, building a deck in Canada, planning a patio in the USA, or designing a garden in the UK, your questions and experiences are welcome. Let's inspire each other to create outdoor spaces that are not only enjoyable but also beneficial to the environment.
Share Your Deck, Patio, and Permeable Driveway Projects
Have you recently built a deck using sustainable composite materials, or installed a permeable paver patio or laneway? We invite you to share your project photos, your choice of materials, and any challenges you overcame during construction. Your real-world examples can help others who are planning their own beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces. We also have Canada's and the USA's most comprehensive high performance and sustainable prefabricated and modular homes directory available here, searchable by Province or State, as well as the largest online directory of green construction contractors and the best and most experienced Architects that are skilled in designing sustainable homes to LEED and Passive House standards here on EcoHome.
Questions About Landscaping, Rainwater Harvesting, and Natural Ponds
Are you looking for advice on selecting native, drought-tolerant plants for your region, or do you have questions about setting up a rainwater collection system? Perhaps you're intrigued by the idea of a chemical-free natural swimming pool and want to hear from those who have one. This is the perfect forum to ask your questions and get practical advice from a community of green-thumbed homeowners and landscape enthusiasts.
Discussing Home Food Gardens and Greenhouse Designs
What are your tips and tricks for successful home food production, whether in raised beds, containers, or a dedicated garden plot? Are you considering building a greenhouse or sunroom and looking for design ideas or kit recommendations? Share your gardening successes, ask for pest-control advice, and exchange knowledge on how to grow your own food and extend the harvest season, no matter your climate.