One key to having a landscape that thrives without
intensive inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides and frequent
watering, is to choose plants that are best suited to your yard
conditions.
Wickford Cove Demonstration Site
Many factors affect plant growth and maintenance including: - Amount
of sun or shade
- Soil
conditions including texture, acidity, fertility, drainage, and
moisture holding capacity
- Exposure
to wind, salt, and traffic
- Land
features such as steep slopes, irregular depressions, wet or dry
spots, and stones, boulders, and ledge Plants prefer or tolerate a certain set of conditions over others.
When plants are forced to grow in areas that are not as suitable,
they become stressed, fail to thrive and become more susceptible
to disease and pests. Lawn grass, for example, can require a lot
of inputs and maintenance compared to other plants such as certain
groundcovers, shrubs and trees.
 If
your lawn has trouble spots or areas that are hard to mow,consider
replacing them with other plants that are naturally
disease and pest resistant and that are well-suited to those conditions
that are problematic for a lawn. Always beware of introducing
an
invasive species and consider native plants.
Think of your yard as a unique environment with the opportunity
to be creative. Where there are wet spots, a water garden may be
an alternative. Where there are natural woodlands on your property,
consider leaving them intact and incorporating wildflower gardens,
shade gardens, and creative edge landscaping between your yard and
the woodlands. Where there are steep slopes and/or surface stones
or ledge, groundcovers, low-growing shrubs and rock gardens may
be a nice solution.
The Glen Demonstration Site
Another
important factor that adds to the success of your landscape is
proper planting and establishment of the plants. Proper site
preparation, handling and planting methods, fertilizing and watering
are important in getting the plants off to a good start. With
careful
planning and selection, well-established plants will eventually
require minimal maintenance and inputs in the way of fertilizers,
pesticides and watering. Consider renovating or planting new
areas in phases, to avoid having large areas that are in need of
special attention.
For more information on sustainable plants and landscaping:
Sustainable
Tree and Shrub Manual
URI
CE Coastal Landscapes Program - includes a RI
Coastal Plant Guide.
URI
CE Home*A*Syst Program
Today's
Forest Tomorrow's Legacy: A Guide for Small Acreage Woodland
Owners
URI
Master Gardener Hotline: 1-800-448-1011
URI
Plant Protection Clinic (401) 874-2900
Assistance with identification of plant insects and disease
Healthy Landscapes Demonstration
Sites
URI CE Home*A*Syst Program Factsheet
Shoreland Buffers
and Water Quality Protection
The Rhode Island Wild Plant Society
The Rhode Island Natural History
Survey
Information on native plants, native
plant suppliers, and a list of invasive species to avoid.
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