presentations
evaluation tools
 
intro to the basics
     
     
1   choose the right plant for the right spot
     
     
2   recycle your yard waste
     
     
3   use fertilizers and pesticides responsibly
     
     
4   water wisely
     
     
5   reduce runoff from your yard and increase groundwater recharge
     
     
6   reduce soil erosion. keep it planted and mulched
     
     
7   pick up after your pets
     
     
8   use and dispose of fuels and hazardous products properly

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.

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, think about 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.

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. Think about 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:

URI CE GreenShare Sustainable Trees and Shrubs Manual
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Endophyte-Enhanced Grasses
A Guide to Successful Pruning: Pruning Basics and Tools
Perennials for Specific Sites
Planting for Sustainable Landscapes
Selection of Grasses
Shade Gardens
Woody Plants for Shady Places

or call our URI Master Gardener Hotline: 1 (800) 448-1011
Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 2 PM


URI Plant Protection Clinic (401) 874-2900
Assistance with identification of plant insects and disease


URI CE Home*A*Syst Program Factsheet
Shoreland Buffers and Water Quality Protection


The Rhode Island Wild Plant Society (401) 783-5895
Information on native plants, native plant suppliers, and a list of invasive species to avoid


URI CE Home*A*Syst Program and the The Southern New England Forest Consortium -- Today's Forest Tomorrow's Legacy: A Guide for Small Acreage Woodland Owners


The Center for Watershed Protection (410) 461-8323
Information on rain gardens and watershed protection

See our Healthy Landscapes page on Rain Gardens