by Sarah G. Wood, El Paso Master Gardener
What is in a name? Xeriscape™, water-wise, water-smart, green garden are familiar names for garden design and maintenance techniques that share the goal of environmental resource conservation while establishing an attractive, pleasant landscape in which to live. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has chosen and registered the name “Earth-Kind®” to identify its environmental stewardship program.
Earth-Kind® landscaping uses research-proven techniques to provide maximum garden and landscape enjoyment while preserving and protecting the environment. The objective of Earth-Kind® landscaping is to combine the best of organic and traditional gardening and landscaping principles to create a horticultural system based on real world effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
Earth-Kind® landscaping encourages:
Landscape water conservation. Examples include low volume irrigation, mulch, rain harvesting, and using raised beds.
Reduction of fertilizer and pesticide use. Examples include encouraging beneficial insects, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), non-chemical pesticides, and creating native habitats.
Landscaping for energy conservation. Examples include effective landscaping design and construction, well-adapted plants, and soil improvement.
Reducing landscape waste entering landfills. Examples include composting leaves, grass clippings, tree limbs, and vegetable and fruit peelings.
Detailed information about how to reach these goals is available on the web at Earth-Kind® publications and from El Paso County Master Gardeners. Individuals using Earth-Kind® landscaping principles and practices can create beautiful, easy-care landscapes while conserving and protecting natural resources and the environment. A healthy environment starts in your own backyard.
Read related articles under the Earth-Kind® topic here.
Note: Xeriscape™ and the Xeriscape™ logo are trademarks the Denver Water Board of Denver, CO.