The Green Review

The leaves are starting to turn, and the harvest will soon be upon us! Did you know that fall is the ideal planting time for certain species? Or that some do better growing indoors over the winter? It’s never the wrong time of year to start planning out the future of your lawn or garden, should you have one. Why not beautify and make your green space Green? Here are some ideas to consider for a sustainable property that is right for you!

• Choose native plants for your landscaping and gardening. Not only do these plants provide resources to pollinators and other local wildlife, choosing plants adapted to the local climate and soil conditions means less watering and maintenance. Additionally, some imported plants spread uncontrollably, becoming invasive species. For example, glossy buckthorn, which was brought to North America for landscaping purposes, has become a problem for native trees by growing quickly in early life and outcompeting other species.
• Grow vegetables and herbs. You may be able to cut the cost and packaging waste of future grocery trips. You may already have edible greenery on your lawn; dandelions are often considered the bane of the backyard, but not only are they good for the environment, they are also good for you! Be wary of pesticides, and always be sure to wash what you harvest and forage.
• Reduce the size of your grass lawn with gardens and trees. Grass has relatively few ecological benefits; by planting trees, you are sequestering more carbon, helping to prevent floods, and providing habitat to wildlife. There are added benefits in having a smaller area to mow; not only do you save on time, you may also lower your emissions.
• Use minimal pesticides and follow an infrequent mowing schedule. Check out our blog for No Mow May, a movement that has been growing in popularity!
• There are alternatives to grass as well; clover, grass and clover mixes, and moss have been catching on for covering open outdoor spaces. Before planting grass, do some research to see what type of lawn cover is right for you.
• Reduce or replace impermeable surfaces, such as pavement and concrete. The ground and plants absorb rainwater, which helps to prevent floods and the overloading of storm drain systems. Vegetation acts as a filter for sediments and pollutants, which include chemical runoff from pavement, keeping nearby bodies of water cleaner and clearer.
• Consider a raingarden; a garden designed to capture rainwater to allow it to soak into the ground away from your home. Climate change has brought an increase of storms and floods to New Brunswick, and this is an effective, beautiful way to help protect infrastructure.
• If you live near a watercourse or wetland, you may be required to have a protective buffer zone between the water and any landscaping activity, but even if you aren’t required by law, there are many benefits to adding more wild greenery to your property. Not only do forested areas filter pollutants, but the shade keeps streams and groundwater cool, which is extremely important for certain species, like our beloved brook trout and Atlantic salmon, which are very sensitive to temperatures we would consider comfortable.
• Instead of watering your garden with a hose, keep a rain barrel to save water for your garden.
• Use recycled materials in place of buying new. Be aware of what they may contain and release as they break down. Not all things are suitable to be left outdoors!
• Start your own compost bin. While smelly, this is a great use for what would otherwise be waste.