How to Choose the Right Native Plants for Your Landscape Design

Not everyone has a green thumb, but ask any Landscape design expert and he or she will tell you that there’s always hope! This hope comes in the form of native plants. Native plants are those that naturally thrive in your area, like in the wilderness, without any human intervention.

Because these plants have adapted to the local conditions, they make a beautiful, rugged, weather-resistant landscaping alternative.

Benefits of Native Plants in a Landscape Design

Simpler to maintain: Because the plants are in their natural environment, they’re simpler to care for. They require less of your time, and less pruning and fewer fertilizers than common garden plants.
Save water: Most native plants do not need more water than the normal rainfall provides, which helps conserve H2O and money.
Fewer chemicals: Native plants naturally resist the pests in the area, so you don’t need to use pesticides in your garden.
Attract wildlife: Native plants attract the local wildlife to your garden, including butterflies, hummingbirds and beneficial insects.

Tips & Considerations when Choosing Native Plants

Green Landscaping

Do you currently have a yard to take care of? Maintaining a clean and manicured yard can be difficult and time-consuming, but is a chore that must be done. How do you take care of your yard? What specific products do you use to get the job done?

Have you ever considered using eco-friendly supplies or “green” materials? Take a look below at a few tips that could not only help you take care of your yard, but do so in a new way to help protect the earth.

The Benefits

Have you been contemplating to “go green” or use eco-friendly products in your yard? Once you make the decision, you will be able to take advantage of numerous benefits, such as: nurture wildlife, reduce air, soil, and water pollution, and make healthy recreation spaces. Does this sound appealing to you?

The Beginning

When “going green,” you must start by choosing the appropriate plants. For example, you’ll want to choose native plants or parts of plants that are native. Why is this method essential? Native plants will naturally adapt to your regional environment.

Do you currently have a fence in your yard? Though you may be concerned with privacy or keeping certain things in (or out) of your yards, fences aren’t the best for wildlife habitat. Instead, consider planting a living wall or a large hedge. These two methods will also look more pleasing than a fence that can and most likely will rot or rust over time.

Getting Started with Road Cycling: Trim Your Waist and Fatten Your Wallet

Cycling is one of the best all around activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a fuller pocketbook. Picking up road cycling as a habit could even save your life. Many of us are so busy that exercise seems to always take the back burner to work and family – but cycling can be added to your daily routine without sacrificing anything else.

We will look further into this later. Biking is a great way to commute to work and is the single most sustainable form or transportation next to walking! Let’s take a look at some of the many benefits of road cycling.

It makes financial sense

Do you ever have trouble making ends meet with your monthly budget? Picking up cycling can be a way to save money – and potentially a lot of it. Think about how many costs are associated with driving and owning a vehicle. The average American family spends upwards of 400 dollars a month just on gas.

Compound that with the costs of maintenance, registration and insurance and you have thousands of dollars per year spent on your vehicles. Replacing just one of those cars with a road bike could add thousands into your pocket book.

I’m not advocating getting rid your car entirely – although that could be an option – but start with something simple like commuting via bike to work. The amount you’ll save upfront and in wear and tear on you car will be significant. Biking also keeps more funds in your local economy rather than sending your money to overseas auto manufacturers and oil refineries.