50 Ways to Save Your Lover: Just slip out the back Jack…

“Just slip out the back, Jack..”
Backyard ideas for going green(er)!

1) Use organic plant food and fertilizer in your backyard. I like these guys.

2) Grow steppable ground cover instead of grass, which demands lots of water, fertilizer, and weed work. I like “pygmae” which has yellow flowers. I put in a half dozen each year to gradually (and economically) replace some of our turf. My local garden store carries this line , but why not go all out and find an organically grown alternative? (Tell me if you find one!)

3) Order a rain catch barrel and use it to water your yard. We get through about half the summer with just this watering source. It’s great for watering indoor house plants all year long too!

4) Compost! It doesn’t have to be complicated. Spin this one every couple of days and have rich compost in a few weeks. Or, for the cheaper DIY version try this site for help and guidance.

5) Plant drought tolerant flowers, trees, and shrubs in your yard. Find out what planting zone you are in, then google your zone plus “drought tolerant” and you’re bound to find some local examples.

6) While your at it, give up the formal garden for a xerioscape. Use a site like the National Gardening Association to find out more.A friend of mine did this and let her back yard get back to it’s natural, beautiful, bowery state.

7) Plant a tree, breathe easier. The National Arbor Foundation will give you 10 free trees with membership.

8) Learn to avoid over watering – which will also save you money! Here’s some tips from one gardening site, check your local nursery for more ideas.

9) Really, really rethink your lawn. They don’t grow naturally, you have to use a mower on ‘em, and they really soak up the water. Try something new or at least by a person-powered mower.

10) Whatever you do don’t pour concrete. If you need a side walk or patio, use pavers or beautiful mosaic pebbles which can be easily removed if the next owners change garden plans. Better yet, jack some concerete up and let the earth breath!

Ten down, forty to go….

Posted in Magpie Girl
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