Sustainable Plant Selection for Eco-Friendly Landscapes
Today’s chosen theme is Sustainable Plant Selection for Eco-Friendly Landscapes—an uplifting journey into choosing plants that conserve water, foster biodiversity, and thrive with less fuss. Join us, share your site’s story, and subscribe for plant-smart inspiration.
Start with Place: Climate, Soil, and Sun
Walk your space after rain, notice puddles and dry patches, track windy corners, and sketch the sun’s path. Share your observations in the comments to help others troubleshoot similar microclimate mysteries.
Start with Place: Climate, Soil, and Sun
Healthy soil acts like a savings account for plants and water. Add compost, protect structure by avoiding tilling when wet, and mulch generously. Subscribe for our seasonal soil checklists and compost recipes.
Native and Climate-Adapted Plant Heroes
Native plants coevolved with local pollinators and birds, offering appropriate nectar, seed, and shelter. They typically require less fertilizer and water once established. Tell us which native species anchor your garden’s character.
Water-Wise Design and Hydrozones
Place high-water plants together near spigots, and drought-tough species on the outer edges. This simple step slashes waste and stress. Post your hydrozone map or sketch to inspire other readers’ layouts.
Water-Wise Design and Hydrozones
Rain gardens, shallow swales, and tree basins slow and sink stormwater into soil. Paired with mulch, they cut irrigation dramatically. Subscribe to get our rain garden sizing guide and plant list downloads.
Water-Wise Design and Hydrozones
Drip lines deliver water right to the root zone with minimal evaporation. Add a smart controller using weather data and soil moisture sensors. Comment with your favorite drip components and tips for maintenance.
Biodiversity Boosters: Pollinators, Birds, and Soil Life
Plant for spring, summer, and fall flowers, then include winter berries or seedheads. Continuous resources keep pollinators returning. Share your three-season favorites to help others plan a dependable nectar buffet.
Low-Maintenance, High-Impact Choices
Perennial Backbone Over Annual Whiplash
Rely on long-lived perennials for structure and fill in with seasonal interest sparingly. You’ll save time and resources. Tell us which perennial workhorses carry your garden through unpredictable weather.
Living Mulch and Groundcovers
Low, spreading plants like native sedges or thyme suppress weeds, cool soil, and prevent erosion. They also add texture and fragrance. Comment with your favorite living mulch pairings beneath shrubs and trees.
Right Plant, Right Place: A Small Story
Mara swapped thirsty lawn strips for blue grama and penstemon along a sunny sidewalk. Two summers later, water use dropped by half, and neighbors followed. Share your own before-and-after milestone moment.
Edible and Beautiful: Productive, Sustainable Planting
Consider asparagus, rhubarb, artichokes, blueberries, and heritage apples. They anchor beds with structure and flavor while minimizing replanting. Subscribe for our perennial edible planner and companion suggestions.
