Resources:
http://www.ecolandscaping.org
http://www.epa.gov/greenacres
http://www.ecolandscape.org
http://www.asla.org
http://www.eco-farm.org
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop
http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare
Organic Lawn Care Tips
by Kelly Richardson
All About Lawns Columnist
- Testing Soil. Testing the pH of your soil is always a good first step in the process. It allows you to identify deficiencies and plan for the problems that may plague your lawn throughout the year.
- Cleaning and Aerating. Cleaning your lawn of debris and weed growth will provide a fresh start for seedlings. Use spiked thong sandals to aerate as opposed to the gas-guzzling machines that are typical for this duty.
- Organic Herbicide. Apply an herbicide that is made from corn gluten meal. This is currently the only proven pre-emergent organic herbicide on the market. Apply 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
- Organic Fertilizer. Look for blended organic fertilizers that are made from biodegradable materials. A tip for applying organic fertilizer is 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet early to late spring.
- Periodic Mowing. Keep your lawn at a height of three inches throughout the year. You should only cut it shorter than 3 inches at the conclusion of the growing season. Eco-Landscaping Tips from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency http://www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/greenbuilding/residential.cfm
- A well-designed yard provides many benefits to the homeowner and the environment. Using native plants reduces the need for watering, fertilizing, and applying herbicides and pesticides. Landscaping with rain gardens can prevent polluting runoff and soil erosion. Planting trees in strategic locations will make your home and yard more comfortable while reducing energy bills. With some additional planning, your yard also can become an oasis for butterflies and birds.
- Planting trees in strategic locations will help increase the comfort of your home and reduce energy bills. A windscreen of evergreens on the northwest side of your house will block winter winds. Locating your air conditioner on the north side of your house and shading it with a tree will keep it cool in the summer and reduce energy use. Large shade trees on the east and west sides of your house will block out summer sun and keep your house cooler.
- When buying things for your yard, look for sustainable products made from certified wood, recycled materials and organic ingredients. Examples include garden and soaker hoses, planters, patio furniture, landscape edging, decking, timbers and posts, compost, fertilizer, and mulch. Major local retailers, lumberyards and garden centers stock recycled and other sustainable lawn and garden products. If you do not see these products on a local store’s shelves, ask the store management to carry them.
Considering Landscaping with Native Plants?
http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/tips.html
Whether you are thinking about planting a small urban plot or a few acres with native landscaping, you may have some questions about getting started and what you can expect from your new landscape. First, you need to decide what you want to do with your land. Are you going to incorporate some native plants into your garden? Restore an area to its original pre-settlement condition? Is your goal to attract wildlife or to solve an environmental problem such as flooding?
Next, consider the land and climate you have to work with. Is it a sunny or shady location? Is the soil wet (a low point on your land, or under a rain gutter spout), or sandy and dry? There are native plants that were originally found in sunny prairies, shady woodlands, or moist areas. It is important to choose native plants which will thrive on the current conditions on your site. These specific plant types will flourish without additional water or fertilizers once properly established, because they are well-adapted to your particular climate and soil.
To get started, it is a good idea to prepare the area to be planted following recommendations from the nursery or garden supplier you choose to buy from. Native plants take time to become established in the landscape. Depending on whether you use seeds or plants, the wildflowers or grasses may not be abundant for one to three years because the plant's energy is directed towards developing the roots. Working with nature takes patience, but it is well worth the wait!
You may encounter some polite curiosity' from neighbors who are only familiar and accustomed to the extremely manicured and defined lawn. You should talk to your neighbors about what you are doing, and about why landscaping with native plants will improve the environment in your neighborhood. Placing a border around the area you planted with native flowers and grasses will help define the landscape. You may also want to contact your local authorities regarding local ordinances and weed laws.
Suggestions for native landscaping on residential properties:
- Draw your plan on paper
- Start out small, only do a little at a time.
- Tell your neighbors what you plan to do. Consider putting up a sign (e.g. Jane's Wildflower Garden) to define your natural area. This will help others feel more comfortable with a different approach to landscaping.
- Talk with local officials to find out if there are any local ordinances you should be aware of (e.g. restrictions on the height of vegetation). If so, will they help you get a variance?
- You may even want to register your natural landscape with the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program of the National Wildlife Federation or with the National Institute for Urban Wildlife. There may also be other local associations available to assist you.
