If composting seems like too much effort to you, let the worms do the hard work for you. Having your own worm farm means that you can transform your organic kitchen waste effortlessly into rich compost. The worms digest the scraps and soon you have fertile worm casting compost for your plants. This worm factory is made from recycled plastic and has a stackable tray system. As the worms make their way up into the next tray you can empty out the bottom one, now filled with compost, into your garden. This is perfect for small backyards and can even be kept inside an apartment to feed and nurture your pot-plants as there are no odors.

Costs $109 at Real Goods
and $18 for an additional two trays.

Water features are beautifully relaxing to look at and listen to on your porch or patio. If you want a zen ambience without wasting water or energy then a solar powered fountain is the answer. This simple three tiered design is attractive without being tacky and will easily fit into a modern yard design. The solar panels are underwater so are not obtrusive and will charge in direct sunlight to power the filtered pump system and keep recycling and aerating the water. Once it is set up there are no operating costs. It won’t work well in shade or in cloudy weather, as with most solar items, but will add atmosphere and a cool, zen feeling on sunny summer days.

Costs $176 at Smarthome

Designed for the small urban space, these rainwater barrels take up the minimum of space for the maximum water capacity. They can be located vertically against a fence or hidden horizontally under a raised deck, so that you can collect and make use of your free rainwater, even when you only have a very small backyard. The 47.6 gallon tanks are made of recyclable, food grade polyethylene, unlike many rain barrels, which means that your rainwater will be drinkable, as long as your roof or deck is made of non-toxic materials. They are not very beautiful to look at, but the small footprint and narrow design means that the tank can easily be fitted into small spaces and even hidden inside walls.

Costs $379 for one, or $699 for two, at Real Goods

When you are cutting your energy use around the home, it makes sense to use as much solar power as possible. This solar powered security light uses a dedicated solar panel to charge a powerful LED floodlight. Set off by movement within a 35 ft, 180 degree detection field, it will provide a bright blaze of light to deter unwanted visitors. It has a 15 ft cord linking the light to the solar panel making its position quite flexible and has daylight sensing and motion sensitivity controls which are easily adjusted. It may not be a terribly pretty and atmospheric choice in your backyard, but will give you peace of mind if you are concerned about security.

Costs $129 at Real Goods

A gentle swish of water in the garden adds a cool tranquil feeling. With this solar powered fountain you can enjoy the serenity of flowing water without wasting water or energy. It charges directly from the sun to power the pump, and the water is recycled from a hidden reservoir, so only needs occasional topping up. Birds will be drawn to your garden with the tempting birdbath offering them a regular source of water. The classic design is pleasing to the eye and would work well with most traditional garden styles, Made from a tough polyresin the fountain stands up well to weather.

Costs $209.99 from Home and Patio Decor Center