The English country garden has been personified and eulogized to such an extent in popular culture that it now remains a firm part of British mythology. However, with many citizens now opting to concrete over their natural land, the countryside is paying the consequences.
There is now a campaign to ‘Rewild’ the United Kingdom, and landowners everywhere are letting their lawns fall into a natural state. This transition back into wildflowers, weeds, and shrubs supports ecosystems and improves the health of the broader landscape.Â
In America, maintaining an immaculate lawn is also a favorite pastime for many people. However, this comes at both ecological and financial costs.
An online gardening enthusiast is sharing tips for an environmentally responsible approach to backyards that will save gardeners time and money. Here are some takeaways from a post where she discusses these ideas.Â
1. Think of Your Yard as Part of The Wild
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Firstly, our yards are like an extension of nature. Gardens are the frontier between habitation and the wild. By enacting small changes in your approach, you will attract a richer, healthier collection of creatures to your surroundings.Â
2. Contributing to The Ecosystem
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You may be proud that your yard is covered in lawn, not tarmac. However, the average American uses a gas-powered mower on their turf, which isn’t only expensive and contributes to air and noise pollution.Â
3. Plant Natives in Place of Turf Grass
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Here is one way to save bucks on increasing gasoline or two-stroke costs: by slowly transitioning your lawn to native plants, trees, and shrubs, you will no longer have to spend time or money — your local birds will also thank you.Â
4. Leave Those Leaves
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Considering leaves are like “free mulch,” you should consider not moving or raking them off the lawn. They help the ground retain moisture when the weather is dry, and if you do feel the need to rake them, wait until all the caterpillars are gone before hauling them off. Baby birds depend on caterpillars.Â
5. Stop Motion-Detecting Lights
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Leaving your yard lights on all night may give you peace of mind against burglars, but it can be a waste of electricity. Switching to motion-detector lights will be enough to safeguard against thieves while conserving electricity.Â
6. Vamonos Pest!
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There is an urge for gardeners in more humid states to spray their yards for mosquitos every season, but this can be a mistake. Even organic pesticides may contain “pyrethrins made from chrysanthemums,” says the original poster, who adds they are also “indiscriminate killers of all insects — good and bad.”
7. Control Your Water Sources
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By policing any points of standing water in the garden and placing a bucket of water with “some grass clippings and a mosquito dunk in an inconspicuous place,” gardeners can keep greener control over unwanted winged pests. Mosquito dunks attract those blood-sucking insects with bacteria which is harmless to humans and other animals.Â
8. Get to Know Your Local Planters
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Gardening enthusiasts love to share ideas and, more importantly, plants. The discussion proves that native plant experts in your area and beyond are willing to share cuttings of their favorite species. One commenter says native plants can provide homes for “mosquito predators.”
9. No-Mow Grass
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Slow-growing grass varieties mean minimal use of valuable electric or gas mowers. This makes perfect sense if your yard is big. One commenter said they “Only need to mow [their lawn] like twice a summer.”
10. Pollinator-friendly and Drought-proof Plants
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With much of the country still in official drought measures, there are measures one can take to still enjoy a backyard with minimal grass. One couple living in summer drought conditions says, “we have encouraged local pollinator-friendly and drought-resistant plants to grow.”Â
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This originally appeared on Planet Natural.
This thread inspired this post.
Melissa Askari is a biologist and master gardener who is known for her contributions to the field of sustainable living. She is a regular contributor to Planet Natural, a website that provides information and resources for gardening, composting and pest control. Melissa's work focuses on promoting environmentally-friendly practices and helping people create beautiful, healthy gardens using natural methods. With her expertise in both biology and gardening, Melissa is able to provide valuable insights and advice to gardeners of all levels. Her passion for the natural world is evident in her writing and her dedication to promoting sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.
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