Here are some tips to make you a more ecologically-minded gardener:
1) Plant Trees. One of the simplest acts to reduce pollution and global
warming is to grow trees. Trees absorb pollutants such as carbon
monoxide and particulates. When properly placed, deciduous trees also
cool houses in summer while allowing the warming
sun’s rays to heat houses in winter.
2) Mulch Plants. To conserve water and reduce weeding, apply a 2- to
4-inch thick layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark, around
trees and shrubs. In dry areas use native rock or stone mulches to
conserve soil moisture.
3) Find the Right Plant. Plant the right plant in the right location.
Choose plants adapted to your growing region. Native plants are great
because they are used to growing in your climate, and some produce
berries for local birds. Site the plant in an area with well-drained
soil and proper sun exposure. Make sure the ultimate size and shape of
the plant will fit the location.
4) Keep Plants Healthy. By properly watering and fertilizing your
landscape plants, you’ll keep them healthy and less likely to be
attacked by insects or diseases.
5) Compost Your Garbage. Kitchen and yard waste make up more than 30
percent of the waste we send to the landfill. By composting kitchen
scraps and yard debris, you’ll be making great soil for your plants and
reducing the amount of trash in the landfill.
6) Grow Less Lawn. Lawns have their place in the yard. However, with a
smaller lawn you'll reduce pollution because you won't have to use the
power mower as much. Try using an electric or push mower instead and
plantings more trees, shrubs, and gardens.
7) Leave the Grass Clippings. Keep your lawn healthy by mowing high (up
to 3 inches tall for cool-season grasses) and leaving the grass
clippings on the lawn. The clippings will decompose to feed the lawn,
and you won’t have to send them to the landfill.
8)
Water Wisely. When watering your lawn, trees, and shrubs, remember that
infrequent, deep watering is better than frequent light watering. Water
in the morning so plant leaves dry before evening. Wet leaves are
conducive to diseases. Water a few times a week so the water soaks 1
foot deep into the soil.
Ecological Landscaping
Green is the buzzword across the country right now. Whether it's
recycling plastics, changing to energy-efficient light bulbs, or using
nontoxic cleaning products, everyone seems to be looking for ways to
lessen their impact on the enviornment. One area in which it's easy to
see immediate results is our yards. By gardening more ecologically, we
can reduce pollution, create wildlife-friendly plantings, and conserve
water.
Charlie Nardozzi, a nationally recognized garden writer,
book author, speaker and radio and television personality. He is the
senior horticulturist and spokesperson for the National Gardening
Association (www.garden.org) and Chief Gardening Officer for the Hilton
Garden Inn.
