Environmentally sound gardening begins with choices. Eco-conscious choices and actions will help conserve natural resources.
• Plant more trees to clean the air. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Strategically placed trees provide shade and lower air conditioning use.
• Reduce size of water-thirsty turf areas. Certain grasses require high amounts of water to remain green. Allow grass to brown during droughts; know that it will perk up as soon as rain falls again.
• Set aside a portion of your yard as a natural area (woodland, wetland or meadow), based on existing conditions. Re-introduce the native plants that once grew before their habitat was damaged.
• Practice soil conservation by incorporating compost to condition, aerate and improve soil structure; apply organic mulch to planting areas to prevent moisture loss and weed growth.
• Group plants according to their water needs; plant more drought tolerant species.
• Conserve water in the garden by installing a water-efficient irrigation system.
Collect downspout rainwater in rain barrels to use in the garden; use a hand-held nozzle to avoid wasting water.
• Utilize organically safe gardening techniques to avoid the application of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
*Gardeners: We can have a positive, eco friendly impact on our patch of earth!
