Five Tips for an Eco-Wise Garden

Go organic. Apply mulches on garden beds, use organic fertilizers as needed, and avoid toxic chemical pesticides.
Irrigate with drip. Install drip irrigation to conserve water.
Use permeable paving. Gravel, decomposed granite, and other porous materials allow water to be collected on-site.
Recycle materials. Look for recycled steel, wood, and other building materials at local salvage yards or online green building resources. The cast-concrete bench shown here is ornamented with upended wine bottles.
Switch to electric. Avoid air-polluting power tools; switch to an electric leaf blower, mower, and string trimmer. For small lawns, use a push-type reel mower.

About Garden: Gardening Fundamentals: Watering, Pest Control, Soil, and Weed Prevention; Selecting Garden Paving Materials for Landscape Enhancement; Digging a Garden Pond: A Family Project for a Backyard Oasis; Expert Tips for Buying Wooden Garden Furniture That Lasts; 10 Essential Tips for Beginner Gardeners; Buying Garden Pond Accessories: Sizing & Material Quality; Essential Tips for Growing a Successful Indoor Herb Garden; Organic Garden Tips: Mulch, Pest Balance, and Plant Knowledge; 14 Expert Tips to Preserve Your Garden Furniture for Years; 7 Tips for a Beautiful Winter Garden: Expert Advice for Four-Season Interest

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