A green garden is one that is not only attractive, but also earth-wise. It includes the environmentally-sound use of landscape chemicals and equipment, appropriate watering, and reduced and/or reused gardening waste.
Keep Water on Your Property
Credit
Plant or mulch any bare spots to prevent erosion and weeds and reduce water needs
1
For pathways and patios, use materials like gravel, crushed granite, tumbled glass or wood chips to allow water to soak into the ground
2
Install rain barrels to collect rainwater from rooftops and gutters to reuse on the property. City of Austin Rainbarrel Sales Program
2
Create a rain garden to catch and store rainfall for short periods of time (Rain Garden)
2
Create berms or swales to keep water from running off the land
1
Save our Air!
Credit
Use an electric or battery-powered mower instead of gas powered
3
Sweep Yard debris rather than using a leaf blower
1
Yard Basics
Credit
Make sure you have 6-8" of quality soil before planting turf or shrubs
2
Plant native, adapted, and non-invasive plants and trees - they require less water and are naturally resistant to pests and diseases
(see Plants www.growgreen.org)
1
Plant shade trees on the south and west sides of your property
2
Put the right plant in the right place - shade-loving plants in the shade, sun-loving in the sun, etc.
1
Plant St. Augustine grass only in the shade
1
Top-dress your lawn with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of compost or Dillo Dirt each year to add nutrients and reduce water needs
1
Cover planting beds with at least 2" of mulch at all times (but just 1" around trees)
1
Mow high to encourage a deep-rooted, healthy turf
1
Use paper instead of plastic bags for yard waste and leave them at the curb
1
Copies of the Green Neighbor
booklet are available
at all Austin libraries.
For additional information, call 974-2550.
