By Clara Beaufort of Gardener Gigs
While a freshly cut and well-watered lawn looks really nice, it's not the most economical or environmentally friendly use of outdoor space. Swapping some of that lawn for eco-friendly landscaping is a great way to do your part for the environment — and save some money too! Instead of fighting against the high-altitude conditions of the Colorado Front Range, create a garden landscape that can withstand scorching summer sun and low humidity. Here are some tips from Black Forest Garden Club to get you started!
Why Invest in Eco-Friendly Landscaping?
Creating a sustainable lawn and garden can help you conserve water, save money, reduce maintenance, support local wildlife, and boost your home value!
Sustainable Landscaping Fundamentals
To get started with eco-friendly landscaping, consider reducing the size of your lawn and creating a garden full of native plants and winding paths.
How to Optimize Your Water Usage
Maximize the use of water in your eco-friendly garden by mulching your plants and installing a drip irrigation system to prevent water loss from evaporation and run-off. Bonus points if you collect rainwater!
With a little hard work and creativity, you can design a garden space that’s both environmentally friendly and beautiful! This is a great chance to spend some time outside and learn how to work with new plants. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your yard for summer or support native flora and fauna, creating an eco-friendly garden is the way to go!
For more local gardening resources, check out the links on the Resources page of this website.
While a freshly cut and well-watered lawn looks really nice, it's not the most economical or environmentally friendly use of outdoor space. Swapping some of that lawn for eco-friendly landscaping is a great way to do your part for the environment — and save some money too! Instead of fighting against the high-altitude conditions of the Colorado Front Range, create a garden landscape that can withstand scorching summer sun and low humidity. Here are some tips from Black Forest Garden Club to get you started!
Why Invest in Eco-Friendly Landscaping?
Creating a sustainable lawn and garden can help you conserve water, save money, reduce maintenance, support local wildlife, and boost your home value!
- Create a water-efficient garden that conserves water year-round.
- Save money on utilities, fertilizers, pesticides, and other lawn maintenance costs.
- Work towards restoring a native habitat with plants that nurture and sustain birds and other local wildlife.
- Boost your curb appeal — and your home value — with attractive landscaping.
Sustainable Landscaping Fundamentals
To get started with eco-friendly landscaping, consider reducing the size of your lawn and creating a garden full of native plants and winding paths.
- Limit the size of your traditional lawn and fill the remaining space with drought-tolerant landscaping — or plant a vegetable garden!
- Choose native ferns, grasses, shrubs, and trees that naturally thrive in your climate.
- Create paths out of permeable materials that will allow rainwater to absorb into the soil below instead of running off your property and picking up pollutants.
How to Optimize Your Water Usage
Maximize the use of water in your eco-friendly garden by mulching your plants and installing a drip irrigation system to prevent water loss from evaporation and run-off. Bonus points if you collect rainwater!
- Mulch your garden beds to keep moisture in the soil and insulate roots from extreme temperatures.
- Install a rain barrel to collect rain that runs off your roof and use this to water your plants.
- Use a drip irrigation system to slowly deliver water directly to plant roots and minimize runoff.
With a little hard work and creativity, you can design a garden space that’s both environmentally friendly and beautiful! This is a great chance to spend some time outside and learn how to work with new plants. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your yard for summer or support native flora and fauna, creating an eco-friendly garden is the way to go!
For more local gardening resources, check out the links on the Resources page of this website.