Here's My Great Green Idea!

Every garden is green. But not every garden is "green." The typical garden in America is composed of a lawn and a collection of non-native plants - requiring vast amounts of water and chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides) to thrive.

Instead, develop a native plant garden. These gardens require significantly less water and chemicals. We started by identifying the plants that would have naturally been growing in our area prior to development. Trips to the bookstore and searches on the internet uncovered a wealth of information on local native plant species. The State University agriculture extension service also helped. Local nurseries put us in touch with local Master Gardeners - whose mission is to assist and educate people.

When going "native" - start small. Pick an area of your yard to gain experience with some of your local native plant species. Native ground cover makes a fantastic alternative to lawns. Add native wildflowers to existing flower beds. Select native shrubs and trees to compliment your existing garden design. Actively remove invasive non-natives that compete with native species. As you begin to transition away from the heavy use of water and chemicals, the wildlife will reward your efforts by gathering in your garden.