Landscaping with Reclaimed Materials

Nowadays there is a constant bombardment from all manner of people and agencies to be more eco sensitive and mindful of our carbon footprints. All self-builders are affected by Part L of the Building Regulations, which require measures to be taken to improve the insulation and energy consumption of buildings (visit www.opsi.gov.uk for details of the current Building Regulations).

In general, most of us would agree that a more efficient use of energy and other finite resources has to be a good thing; but one area where little attention is paid is in the reuse of redundant and waste building materials. The figures are quite astounding, with more than 110 million tonnes going to landfill each year - especially as the rubbish being dumped is mainly of the same composition as that being used and put back into the replacement structures. Much of the demolition and builders rubbish can be reused or recycled in some form.

Whether it is premium materials available from architectural salvage yards or just crushed masonry used as a more affordable hardcore, there are many reclamation businesses specialising in this area that can satisfy your every requirement (see useful links on the right).

For those undergoing building works to older properties, it makes even more sense to reclaim reusable materials with a double saving obtained in lessened removal costs, transportation and tipping charges. Any reasonable quantity of surplus material could even be sold to a salvage yard, but more often than not, reusable items are found in small quantities on a day-to-day basis during building works: stone rubble out of trenches, a few hundred bricks recovered from demolishing a dilapidated outbuilding, broken paving slabs etc. The variety of objects trouvés is huge and probably the quantities individually won't amount to very much, but are considerable taken as a whole.

With a little imagination and inventiveness most of these odds and sods can be incorporated into garden landscaping both walls and paving - giving pleasing and mellow results with an individual character. The beauty of these old materials is their adaptability and ease of working - stone especially can be cut and fashioned into shapes that wouldn't even be considered with concrete, and their inherent natural and aged appearance are highly desirable characteristics in creating mature gardens.

ABOVE LEFT: Over 20 types of stone, brick, cobbles etc. went into this ‘pavement tapestry’. RIGHT: Limestone obtained from digging foundations re-utilised in new boundary wall

Scrapyards can prove a happy hunting ground for iron railings and gates, usually obtainable at very reasonable prices, even if a little customisation or repair is required.

The secret of the 'waste not want not' school of thought is in knowing the quantities of all the materials to hand. This will enable the potential areas of wall panels or paving to be calculated - and remember that boundary walls only need to show a single face: the backing can be built in modern brick if old masonry is scarce. Other devices for eking out and utilising small quantities of masonry are: creating recesses and blind arches, and dividing panels horizontally with cills and string courses but the possibilities are endless.

Using the larger quantities of available masonry for walling is a preferred starting point as this will define the garden area and leave the smaller quantities, which are easier to use in paving works.

To achieve a softer and more mature appearance, a mortar containing some coarse-washed sand together with a rubbed flush or slightly recessed joint will give a head start in achieving a worn and natural look. Using a lime mortar will not only give aesthetic and practical benefits, but by virtue of its lower energy requirements in its manufacture, will reduce greenhouse emissions.

The creation of such a garden area can be a fascinating and evolving process which will be truly unique with many eco benefits such as reduced landfill, minimised transportation, saved money and reduced carbon footprint and for most renovators it will also be a lot of fun!

Further Reading:

• Reclaimed Plain Roof Tiles
• Buying Building Materials