Cardboard can be used to smother weeds and grass in preparation for a new garden bed. Less water is needed by choosing drought tolerant plants and zoning garden areas based on water needs. Lawn can be replaced with garden beds requiring less watering. Careful planning of the garden considers year-round interest, exposure, water needs and avoids impulse purchases of water-loving plants. Sharing the garden with wild creatures provides habitat but avoids pesticides and excessive fertilizers which increase water and nutrient requirements. Choosing native and adapted plants that are less likely to become invasive also reduces water and maintenance needs.

1. Practical Tips for Environmental Gardening
http://www.slideshare.net/lindamcmahan/are-you-an-ecological-gardener (web link to view
the presentation)
Linda R. McMahan, Ph.D., Associate Professor Emeritus, Department of Horticulture, Oregon
State University. © 2016 by Linda R. McMahan. Presentation and handout may be used freely
for educational purposes. For other uses, please contact the author.
Cardboard – learn to love it. Place it over grass or weeds to kill or control them. Cover with
bark, mulch, pine/fir needles, or straw depending on the desired future use.
Use less water. Choose herbs and other waterwise plants, “zone” garden areas for different
water uses, hand water or use timers to gauge correct amounts. Water only as needed.
Replace lawn with garden beds.
Plan your garden in advance for year-round interest, exposure, and water use. Avoid impulsive
purchases, which are often water loving or tender plants. Research plant choices for
appropriate use.
Avoid or remove invasive species which can harm wild areas. Check GardenSmart Oregon
http://www.nature.org/media/oregon/gardensmart-rev-2010.pdf For ivy removal, see
http://www.slideshare.net/lindamcmahan/ivy-removal-factsheet
Share your garden with wild creatures. Provide water, shade, shelter, natural pollen and
nectar sources. No artificial feeding required. Avoid pesticides if possible.
Use fertilizers and rich amendments sparingly to avoid overgrowth which increases
requirements for more water.
Use less electrical or petroleum-based energy. Do tasks by hand if possible, choose hand
mowing or electrical power for mowing. Use plant-based amendments.
Choose plants carefully to reduce water and nutrient use and lower the probability of inducing
invasive plants. Include native plants, North American plants, species plants if possible. Grow
those luscious and colorful hybrids in pots on your patio.
Prefer species instead of cultivars to increase diversity for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
Be the one in your neighborhood that other people copy! Have fun, ignore some garden
dogma, and help others learn.