Green Gardening

Green Gardening. Sounds redundant? Think again.

I live in the South, where historically, spring means a profusion of flowers. Whether annuals or perinneals, we have an abudance of colors popping up. However, in recent years, our droughts have been so extensive that our gardens have suffered terribly. With constant water restrictions, many neighbors have spent thousands digging wells. Other neighbors have turned into Mrs. Kravits, and turn in their former dog sitters for watering gardens on "off" days. Oh, the headaches and hassles and traumas of having an embarrassing Southern yard!

Well, it's time for us to adapt, and I don't mean digging wells and cat fights. It's time for us to adapt to Green Gardening.

Global warming has affected all of us, and with it, our gardens. As such, instead of lamenting wilted hydrangeas that have been a staple of Southern gardens, we should be infusing our gardens with plants that can not only sustain, but thrive in warmer, drier climates. When we travel to the coast or to the arid Southwest, we expect to see different landscapes, so we immediately think them beautiful. However, when back at home, we want our blooms. Well, perhaps we need to be thinking outside the box and instead making our gardens just as beautiful by incorporating grasses and plants that thrive in more arid climates. We might not have to get rid of all of the hydrangeas, but perhaps if we integrate a few other species into the garden, we will achieve a garden that is sustainable with less rain, yet still beautiful to view.

When you get ready to plant this spring: think green.