Earth Day is upon us falling on Sunday April 22! This is a great time to pledge to do something positive for the environment and protect Mother Earth. There are plenty of ways in which you can contribute to helping the environment. Just planting plants is one way! Plants absorb carbon dioxide and, in turn, release oxygen back into the atmosphere which is essential for our survival. In addition, plants and trees assist with reducing heat due to urbanization. They also can provide food and shelter for wildlife such as those important pollinators like the birds, bees, and butterflies as well as reduce flooding and prevent pollutants associated with stormwater runoff from entering our streams and rivers.
We have a few suggestions for projects that you can do with your garden or landscape to assist with Earth Day. If you have drainage issues or live near a stream, a rain garden can help with flooding issues as well as provide a buffer for the adjacent waterway. If rain gardens are a new concept to you, you can read more about them in our blog Rain Gardens – Raleigh Landscaping https://www.designscapesofnc.com/sustainable-landscaping/rain-gardens-raleigh-landscaping/.
Another great way to help the earth and make sure that our pollinators can do their job is to provide them with appropriate plants and shelter. Creating a wildlife garden can accomplish this and can also be a fun project for the entire family. Our blog, Certified Wildlife Gardens – Theme Garden Series https://www.designscapesofnc.com/theme-gardens/certified-wildlife-gardens-theme-garden-series/ offers advice on implementing a garden that is attractive to wildlife.
Contributing to a greener earth can be accomplished by making simple sustainable choices. For instance, installing permeable pavers that allow water to be absorbed rather than carried off immediately from impervious surfaces is one option. Another option is to incorporate native plants into your landscape design. Native plants require less water and pesticides These sustainable choices allow the residential homeowner to be a part of a healthier environment. If you would like more information, you can check out our blogs on Sustainable Landscapes https://www.designscapesofnc.com/sustainable-landscaping/sustainable-landscapes/ ,Pollinator Gardens https://www.designscapesofnc.com/pollinator-gardens/pollinator-gardens/ and Bring the Wings https://www.designscapesofnc.com/wildlife/bring-the-wings/.
We hope you can get out and enjoy Earth Day this weekend!
