“...we are going to have to make a commitment, each of us in our own way,
to being an agent of change for the environment.” Jeri Pollock, Professor, Pepperdine University
70% of Americans have the gardening bug. We love our gardens. But how do our gardening activities affect the environment? This is a question of vital importance.
Home gardeners can play a key role in protecting the environment by making eco-friendly gardening choices as we tend our land. In today’s world of dwindling water supplies, global warming, and air, soil and water pollution, using environmentally friendly gardening techniques is every home gardener’s responsibility.
Whenever we create a garden, we’re manipulating nature and changing the ecology of our land. We clear away existing vegetation and introduce something new. If that something new is not suited to the area, local birds and insects won’t be able to survive. And our gardens will need extra water, pesticides and fertilizer.
Why should we make more work for ourselvesand take a chance on harming the environment? Get in the habit of buying easy care plants that thrive in our area. Native plants like the beautiful Birch Leaf Spirea (left) and their cultivars are an excellent choice, because they basically take care of themselves. Planting natives ensures the return of species that belong in our area.
Let's keep soil healthy, use water judiciously and protect biodiversity. We can keep soil healthy by feeding it with organic matter (compost and shredded leaf mulch) instead of chemical fertilizers. When soil is healthy, plants will be healthy too.
We can conserve water by using soaker hoses or drip irrigation, installing a rain barrel, watering only when absolutely necessary and planting drought tolerant plants.
Encourage and protect biodiversity by removing invasive species, planting a variety of native plants and using the least toxic pesticide—only when absolutely necessary--if an insect or disease problem arises that requires the need for control. Pesticides are often not necessary if we're willing to tolerate a certain amount of chewed leaves. Remember, caterpillars need to eat to become butterflies.
Using eco-friendly gardening principles will allow you to enjoy birds, butterflies and bees frolicking in the beauty of your garden, knowing that you made their existence possible by being an environmentally responsible gardener.
For more information on how you can protect the environment, contact your local County Extension office. In Delaware County, call 610-690-2671.
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
June 14, 2008
Shade Gardening
Learn about annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs and trees that will help you develop your shade garden to its full potential. Cost: $10
July 12, 2008
Trees
Alan Jensen Seller, from The Care of Trees, will teach you about the trees on your property. Cost: $10
The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School
A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save.
For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website for a registration form.
