Plants
Find out why plants are a crucial part of sustainable landscapes.
Why are Plants Important?
Plants are the foundation of healthy landscapes.
Plants do more than beautify. They clean air and water, regulate temperature, and support wildlife. Choosing the right plants for your site helps conserve resources and build a thriving, low-maintenance garden.
From producing oxygen and purifying water to regulating temperature and stabilizing soil, plants are essential to the health and function of sustainable landscapes.
Well-planned plantings can create peaceful outdoor spaces, reduce household energy consumption, and contribute to overall mental and physical wellness.
Choosing regionally adapted plants lowers water usage, limits the need for fertilizers and pesticides, and reduces long-term maintenance efforts and costs.
Plant smarter for lasting impact
Beyond enriching our lives, plants provide key environmental benefits. They make oxygen, clean the air, purify water, regulate temperature, control erosion, and create wildlife habitat. Plants keep healthy home gardens and surrounding landscapes functioning. They also provide a variety of economic and social benefits, such as reducing energy costs for the cooling and heating of homes and creating restful, restorative spaces. Selecting plants that are adapted to site conditions, climate, and garden design requires fewer resources and less maintenance. By understanding plant selection, site conditions, and maintenance, gardeners can conserve water, reduce costs, reduce erosion, and minimize the need for fertilizers and pesticides.
Plants are integral to sustainable gardens
Plants play an essential role in Earth’s ecosystems by regulating water flow, supporting soil health, storing carbon, and contributing to nutrient cycling. They provide valuable services, including:
- Mitigating the urban heat island effect
- Cleansing air and water
- Providing oxygen and resources
- Controlling erosion
- Providing habitat
- Creating restful and peaceful settings
Sustainable vs. Unsustainable gardens
| sustainable landscape | UNSustainable landscape |
|---|---|
| Vegetation is carefully selected to avoid the use of invasive species; existing invasive species are removed from the garden. | Requires potable water, fertilizers, and pesticides to maintain plant health. |
| Includes plants that are adapted to the climate and conditions of the site. | Requires potable water, fertilizers, and pesticides to maintain plant health. |
| Includes plants that are both beautiful and serve as food or refuge for wildlife. | Often has low diversity and minimal habitat for wildlife. |
| Uses vegetation to reduce the heating and cooling requirements of the home and surrounding buildings. | Not designed to improve home energy efficiency. |
Changing the world one yard at a time
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