Did you know it’s actually best not to have a lawn at all? It’s true! Grass generally wastes more water, energy, and fertilizer than flower beds. Instead, limit the area of grass in your backyard by constructing spaces that don’t require the use of a lawn mower. Don’t know where to start? Why not plant more flower beds, rock a rock garden (get it?), or even put in a small pond. These substitutes are almost entirely self-sustaining, allowing you to catch a few extra Z’s on Saturday mornings. Now that you’ve got a small lawn you don’t need a gas guzzling grass mower. This is even more good news considering that one lawnmower creates 93% more pollution than a new car. Besides cutting back on pollution, using a good ol’ leg powered mechanical lawnmower will help you mow a little of the winter flab off as well.

Avoid Sprinklers

Most of my plants usually die a slow crispy death, but watering your flowers, shrubs, and garden is a must if you want them to live. This summer, skip the sprinkler and opt for a better, more ecological way to water your red roses. Installing a drip or soaker hose system reduces waste up to 50 percent. Now that’s efficient! If you want to be more resourceful why not save rain water in a barrel? Don’t think of it as medieval, think of it as vintage. One quick note: After it rains it’s best to cover up the barrel so that it doesn’t become a breeding ground for infectious mosquitoes. What you don’t need in your rockin’ new backyard is a swarm of pesky bloodsuckers making your legs look like a pincushion.

Say ‘No’ to Chemical Pesticides

Nobody likes decrepit looking weeds ruining their garden. Often people make the mistake of using chemical pesticides to rid themselves of annoying dandelions and weeds. This is not only dangerous, but hazardous to… everyone. Consider using less toxic herbicides such as white vinegar, salted water, boiled water or even corn gluten meal. Another alternative is using the water you boiled potatoes in. Pour these substances over the weeds you want to quash. Studies prove that these natural weed zappers are just as effective as the harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, the best method is still the most basic and most tedious: removing the weeds by hand. I know – not fun but it gets the job done.

Planting Flowers Native to Your Climate

We all have those neighbors whose back yards look like an exact replica of the Japanese Botanical gardens. While they may be pretty they are definitely not practical. When planting, decide on flowers that will thrive in the climate you live in. My very own grandmother has an intense fascination with Hibiscus flowers. She got eight of them on sale for $2.50 – a great deal but money wasted. More often than not, tropical flowers will die within a week if they are planted in a climate whose summers are not typically warm. There’s a reason why there aren’t any palm trees in Canada. Exotic flowers tend to need more care, more fertilizer and may end up overcrowding your garden anyway. To find flowers that are native to your climate and that are natural bug repellants you can ask a garden supplier for suggestions.

Do you have any other tips? We’d love to know, because we care like that.

For more backyard & garden fun read our article on Green Rooftop Gardens.