| With the recent passing of Earth Day (April 22), it | | | | since these animals have relied on them for food, |
| is time to start thinking about the ways you can | | | | shelter and nesting in the wild. Try to incorporate |
| reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to | | | | native plants into your landscape. Check your |
| create a healthy, sustainable environment. Here | | | | states websites for a complete list of native |
| are some simple tips for reducing energy costs | | | | plants in your area. |
| and waste on your little piece of the world. And | | | | Compost - To help reduce waste and fertilize |
| remember to plant a tree to celebrate Earth Day! | | | | your plants organically start to compost! Food |
| Plant Trees and Shrubs to Reduce you Energy | | | | scraps, kitchen waste and grass clippings make |
| Needs - Plant trees around your house to provide | | | | great composting materials. Adding compost to |
| shade in the summer and create wind protection | | | | soil before you plant will help plants thrive by |
| in the winter. Plant deciduous trees on the south | | | | improving the soils structure and fertility and |
| and west sides of your home where the sun's | | | | allowing the soil to retain more water. |
| rays can be the most intense and direct. In the | | | | Solar Powered Landscape Lighting - To cut down |
| summer these full trees will shade your home, | | | | on your energy bills, use solar powered landscape |
| and in the winter these trees will lose their leaves | | | | lighting to light outdoor paths and driveways. Many |
| and allow the suns light to heat your home. To | | | | of these lights are attractive, easy to install (no |
| shield your home from the winter winds, plant | | | | wires or electricians) and can be found at many |
| shrubs and evergreens close to the house. | | | | home improvement stores. |
| Determine your dominant wind direction and plant | | | | Grow a Small Vegetable Garden - A great way to |
| on that side of your home. | | | | reduce spending and eat the freshest vegetables |
| Utilize Native Plants - Native plants are plants that | | | | is to grow them yourself. If you don't have a big |
| have naturally adapted to growing in your area's | | | | yard, just add a few plants in your backyard |
| geographic conditions. This means these plants will | | | | flower beds. Look for a sunny spot (with six or |
| naturally require less water, maintenance and are | | | | seven hours of sunlight a day), with good drainage |
| more resistant to disease and pests than other | | | | and some room for the plants to grow. Pick your |
| plants. Native plants also will attract local wildlife | | | | favorite vegetables and grow! |