Or, even better, remove grass from your landscaping and return your yard to a naturescape. That is my current project in the smaller portion of our large backyard that is closest to the house.
The East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District (Portland, Oregon area) has a great website devoted to naturescaping. Check out the website to read their innovative and helpful "Naturescape in 8 Steps." Below are some introductory remarks from the same website.
Naturescaping.Naturescaping is beauty and function. It is the practice of designing (or redesigning) a landscape so that it reduces water use, stormwater runoff, and pollution without sacrificing splendor. Plus, it saves you time, money, and energy – all while providing a beautiful habitat for birds, wildlife, and you. The practice focuses primarily on native plants, helping you to choose the best ones for your particular setting and needs. Native plants are recommended because they are adapted to our soil and climate so they need relatively little or no watering, fertilizing, or care once established. They are also less susceptible to common garden pests and diseases, and they attract a variety of native birds and butterflies by providing food and shelter.
6 comments:
I've always thought "lawns" were a type of artificial plant.
Hi Lydia. Hope you're doing well.
Hi Ted. I am doing well. I've wondered about you; RU OK? Hope so.
I agree with you. The house we bought ten years ago has quite a lot of lawn around it. I've been whittling away at it each season and it is shrinking.
I'm sure the lawn will turn out lovely. I think this is a great project to undertake.
Hi, Lydia! I grew up in Clackamas County (Wisonville), graduated from West Linn High MANY years ago. Of course, I'm very familiar with Multnomah county. I did not know they had a website with that kind of information. Thank you for sharing that--I will check it out today!
I love gardening, and I totally enjoyed your insights in this blog.
Yes.... May I copy the naturescape quote, too??? I currently don't have much in the way of a yard to take care of. But I was just handed a small portion of a plot to care for by the water's edge. Right where the sweet lil muskrat comes looking for nesting materials... I think I'll be eco friendly and plant something perennial he would enjoy.
@Samurai- Gads, I thought I'd responded to your comment long ago. Sorry! Hope your summer isn't going as fast as mine is, or as fast as the grass grows!
@Beth- And ditto the comment to Samurai! I'm pretty sure I did reply but I probably bungled up the send...
Yes, this Multnomah County site was a surprise that informed and enlightened.
@Lille Diane- Of course, please do post this or keep it or whatever you want to do with it. I love the muskrat story (remember that song "Muskrat Love"? I hadn't thought of that for years...) Make a nice place for him like we have for the raccoons, skunks, and just found out there's a rabbit hanging around too. They appreciate it, especially this time of year when they are raising their young.
:)
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