In the past several years people all over the world have enjoyed a renewed interest in all things outdoors, especially when it comes to their own "back yards.
" Indoor and outdoor spaces are no longer seen as separate entities; rather many of today's homeowners use smart landscaping - plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, walkways, water features, etc.
- to extend their indoor living spaces to the great outdoors where they relax and unwind, entertain, participate in sports, garden, and more.
As importantly, many of these same people view their landscaping decisions with more practical eyes and create outdoor spaces that add value to their homes and help them save money (i.
e.
lower utility bills), and transition into more eco-friendly lifestyles (conserve fresh water).
And it's easier than you might think to "have it all.
" It merely requires a well-thought-out plan, some basic skills, and a few bucks.
Below are eight of the simplest, least expensive, and most straightforward ideas for making this happen.
1.
Plant shrubs and trees advantageously.
If you're like many Americans you'd like your home to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
If so, plant trees that lose their foliage (deciduous) right outside of the windows alongside the hottest (e.
g.
western and/or southern) walls of your home, In the summer, they'll provide cooling shade; in the winter, they'll allow the sun to shine through and warm up the rooms inside.
On the colder sides of your home (e.
g.
northern and eastern), you'll want to plant evergreens or other low-growing bushes, which will fill in as they grow and shade the walls of your home.
They also act as great "wind breakers" for wintery gusts! 2.
Trade in your hose for a watering can.
Once you have those beauties planted, avoid over-watering them, which is more likely using hoses or sprinklers.
A watering can is all you need for smaller plants.
It will get the job done and save lots of water.
3.
Add succulents, cacti and other drought-loving plants to your landscaping mix.
There are many varieties of these low maintenance plants so you can certainly find some that suit your aesthetic preferences and climate and soil conditions.
Another good rule of thumb is to stick with plants that are indigenous to your area.
They're usually more robust, less expensive, and they require far less maintenance, fertilizers, and water.
4.
Place water-loving plants close to your water source and consider drip irrigation over sprinklers and hoses.
As their name implies, drip irrigation systems release water to plants' roots bits at a time.
This keeps the plants moist, not saturated.
Better yet, you'll use up to 75% less water than you would with sprinklers or hoses (and they're allowed to be used during drought-restricted water shortages).
What's more, they very affordable and extremely flexible - even novices can install them easily.
5.
Cool off your deck, patio, or entertainment area with climbing plants.
A great - and very affordable - way to add shade to any outdoor area is to plant ivies, clinging vines, and other fast-growing plants right next to a large trellis or pergola.
You'll be thrilled with the amount of shade - and beauty- they provide.
Get started with plants such as Boston Ivy, Virginia Creeper, and Silver Lace Vine.
6.
Reduce your carbon footprint and improve your curb appeal with eco-friendly, grass pavers.
Grass pavers (as known as, turf pavers, permeable pavers, and pervious pavers) are wonderful alternatives to "hardscape" (e.
g.
cement/concrete or stone) patios, walkways and paths, garden edgings, driveway extensions, and the like.
First, they're better looking.
Second, they're friends to the environment because they prevent undesirable storm water runoff, and allow water to soak naturally into the soil.
And today's varieties are very durable, so let your imagination run wild! Even better, they're easy to install and a wise investment for your home (they'll pay you back big-time when you sell).
7.
Collect storm water using gutters, grates, and channel drains and divert it to capture devices such as rain barrels, cisterns, and catch basins.
Then, go ahead and use it to wash your car; water your plants, flowerbeds, and grass; clean your windows, and the like.
Yes, this does require a bit more thought and effort, but you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much water you'll save.
8.
Set your mower blades higher.
Don't over cut your lawn.
Instead set the cutting height so you're only loping off 1/3-1/2 of the blades.
Not only will this dispense with "clumps" but it will also spread your grass clippings over a larger area (and the grass will donate vital nutrients and other substances to the soil - not to mention the joys of less raking!).
These are just a few of the ways I've learned to use my own landscaping to transition into a more eco-friendly lifestyle, enjoy my beautiful outdoor spaces, add value to my home and save money.
I hope you'll begin incorporating some - or all - of these ideas into your lives as well, because when you do - at least if you're like me - you'll wonder what took you so long!