How does one person save the planet? By starting with their own little corner of it, even if that corner is very small. Our patchwork of lawns and gardens are a large part of the ecosystem and the choices we make in their management impacts our world. Saving the planet starts with how each of us tends our small piece. Here’s how you do it. Build your backyard nature reserve Imagine your yard a small nature reserve, a…
We may not always be the best of neighbors, but we need birds and other wildlife. They are an essential part of our ecosystem and anything we do to help them helps us all. Spread holiday cheer and care with the wildlife in your world with these easy ideas. Decorating for the birds Outdoor decorations can be more than plastic and electric. Decorating real trees and shrubs with organic, edible decorations can be both beautiful and beneficial to wildlife. It…
When it rains, do you see puddles in your yard or rivers flowing past your foundation? If yes, take heed. Uncontrolled water flow damages everything in its path. Water flowing towards your house damages your foundation. Strong currents and standing water kill grass and erode precious top soil. There are three ways to prevent water damage and by implementing them, you can actually benefit from heavy rains: Redirect the flow Soak it in Save it for a non-rainy day Redirect…
Your irrigation system keeps your lawn lush and healthy. It also protects the investment you make in your landscape. Save money, save water and keep your system humming with these important tips. An ounce of prevention The adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, applies to irrigation. Like your automobile or your teeth, regular inspection and maintenance is essential to keep your irrigation system running smoothly. And discovering issues quickly stops water waste and saves money,…
We are big fans of wildflowers. Once established, they are easy to maintain, bring color to the world and, most importantly, support butterflies, birds, and bees. And restoring green space with ecological variety is always the right thing to do. As Fall is the best time to plant most Central Texas varieties, what better time to consider revamping a tired part of your lawn with wildflowers and native grasses. Wildflowers love poor quality soil Since wildflowers grow well in poor…
It is hot outside. No need to tell you that. So hot, that stepping outside soon makes you long for air conditioning inside. With shade, however, you can enjoy even steamy summer days in your own backyard. If you do not already have enough shade, here are three easy way to create it. 1. Plant your shade Plants and trees provide idyllic dappled shade. Make a plan to group your plantings to create appealing islands of shade, destinations for play…
A beautiful lawn and garden add value to your home and provide space for fun and relaxation for everyone in the family. It can also be very costly. Here are five tips to help you save money on lawn maintenance and new landscaping projects. Turn your kitchen waste into free plant food Compost made from your own food scraps is not only a great way to recycle and adopt a sustainable habit, it is also virtually free and some of…
April is National Lawn Month and a great time to consider going organic. We love organics, not only because they do no harm to the environment, but because they grow robust, healthy lawns and gardens. Here are some of the benefits of going chemical free. Healthy, non-addicted lawns Chemical treatments are addicting. Breaking the cycle of dependency gives your soil an opportunity to rebuild and naturally perform the jobs of chemicals, namely nourish grass, fight off grubs and…
We are taking a break this month from the full newsletter but still wish to share tips for lawn and garden care during the strange weather of this season. With cold fronts followed by warming spells, plants are confused and lawns are still largely dormant. Weeds, however, need only one warm day to sprout. And once they bloom, they start spreading. The best way to control these types of weeds is to mow. So even if your lawn is not…
Unlike most new year’s resolutions, these four garden resolution ideas are not only easy, but fun and rewarding! 1 Welcome more winged friends Bees, butterflies and birds are assets to your garden and important to our planet. In addition to their helpful benefits pollinating plants and dispersing seeds, they add color and beauty everywhere they go. Help to protect our delicate ecosystem by welcoming more to your garden! Start small. Attract a butterfly species by planting its host plant. Monarch…
