Five Useful and Usable Tips for a Sustainable Outdoor Yard

Sustainable Outdoor Yard Tips are here just in time for Spring to (actually) show up and for Summer to be right around the corner.  This week on the blog we showed a sneak peek of an outdoor project. Check it out here.
This is a topic we love to cover at LiLu so we gathered up more of our blog posts for you to read.  They can be found here or just search outdoor on our blog page.  Today we are covering Five Useful and Useable Tips for a Sustainable Outdoor Yard part of our Healthy Home Series.

1) Grow plants and flowers.

Whether you plant in the ground or in pots just growing plants helps our environment.  Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.  They help to eliminate dust, prevent erosion, and create food for our bee friends! Plus they are beautiful and can add to your overall curb appeal and your mood!

2) Practice safe gardening

Know what is in the products and plants that you buy.  We are becoming more aware that less chemicals are for the better.  What we use on our plants and in the grass is absorbed into the earth and has lasting effects some which are negative.  Being a smart consumer is also being a responsible gardener.

The main reason to ask or to do research is because what is used on the plants is then absorbed into the ground but also comes out through the pollen and nectar.  This is where the cause for concern lies.  The pollen is what insects like our butterflies and bees do their work.  Remember when we are planting we are not just doing this for us but also for the animals and insects in our world who keep it turning.  We need the bees.

Local nurseries may cost a little more but you should be able to discuss with the staff what products they are using along with what is right for your yard.

In addition to making sure where you buy your plants, make sure the nutrients and dirt that you buy for your plants is safe.

3) Know what to grow.  Don’t over complicate this step.  Learn your yard first.

Two ways to simplify:

1. Take photos of your yard and walk it throughout the day to understand how the sun works.  Are there shady spots? Where and when is the sun most intense?  Do you have large trees that shadow over areas where you thought received sun?
2.  Take a walk around the neighborhood.   Take photos and jot down notes of what others are growing and what seems to be successful.  I have a neighbor who has a thriving, beautiful flower garden in the front of her yard.  I have stopped so many times that her and I talk and she gives me all the tips.  Bonus…you actually might talk to your neighbors.

4) Grasscycle:

Each time we mow, many of us clean up the clippings that are on the lawn.  But instead skip this step!  The clippings decay very quickly and the nutrients that are released can be absorbed and used by your lawn.  This one step can help reduce the need to fertilize by ¼ or 1/3.  Mulching light layers of your leaves into your lawn is also good for it along with using it as a mulch around your plants.

5) Use a Rain barrel

Collect the water that runs off your roof into a barrel and use this water for pots or flower beds.

There many classes or options to build on or purchase at a local store.

We wish you all the luck in your growing season this Summer!