Why You Should Change Your Landscape to a Greenscape

We spend so much time and money each year on our lawn. Money is spent on gas for the lawnmower, seeds & pesticides to keep our grass as green as our neighbors; and let's not forget the gallons of water we use each year on our landscape. I encourage you to consider some of the modern and eco-friendly landscape designs that are becoming very popular. Its another way to further reduce your carbon footprint and replace the endless hours you used to spend caring for your lawn with more enjoyable leisure activities.

GreenScaping incorporates a set of landscaping practices to your routine that can improve the health & appearance of your lawn and garden while protecting and preserving natural resources; and your health/well being.

By simply changing your Landscape to a GreenScape, over time you can:

• Save Money by eliminating unnecessary water and chemical use

• Save Time by landscaping with plants that require less care

• Protect the Environment by:

• Conserving water supplies

• Using chemicals properly and only when necessary to keep waterways and drinking water clean

• Reducing yard waste by recycling yard trimmings into free fertilizer and mulch (check out my composting blog : Recycling and Nature: Composting)

A natural, healthy alternative is planting trees and shrubs. This addition to your landscape will provide shade and a canopy that will slow the wind; which will ultimately reduce your annual heating and cooling expenses.

Adding trees and shrubs is also a smart property investment. Research shows that mature trees can increase the value of your home by 3-7%.

A few things to consider once you've made the decision to GreenScape:

1. Fall is the best time to plant. The trees and shrubs have a chance to get their roots established in the cool Fall weather.

2. Now is the ideal time to look at your home and determine the areas most challenging to mow. Then, you can design your landscape so that you replace the grass in that area with something more sustainable, like trees and shrubs.

3. Do NOT plant trees and shrubs too close to your house. You don't want the tree to damage the foundation of your home as it matures and establishes its roots.

4. Always research the size and conditions best suited for the variety of trees and shrubs you plan to purchase.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a great resource for step-by-step instructions on how to get started greenscaping. You can find that inforamtion here: EPA Info on Greenscaping. Don't be intimidated by all of the information provided, pace yourself...and remember that its a process.

As always, happy gardening!

Melwood's Horticulture Therapy program was established in 1963. Sheila Gallagher, the Manager of Horticulture Programs and Melwood's Garden Center is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist (CPH) and Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR). Visit Melwood's Garden Center to purchase your next tropical plant! Proceeds from plant sales go towards supporting Melwood programs including horticulture therapy for individuals with disabilities. Melwood's Garden Center is open to the public Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30am-4:00pm. Please call to schedule an appointment at: 301.599.4570