Gardeners are a secret weapon in the battle against global warming because we’re so close to the signs of climate change: earlier bloom times, butterfly sightings ahead of schedule and birds arriving sooner at backyard feeders signal a potential problem.
Gardeners in some states, like Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, have been feeling the heat ever since the Arbor Day Foundation released its new Hardiness Zone Map several years ago, shifting them to warmer Zone 6 from Zone 5.
With an estimated 90 million U.S. households involved in lawn and garden activities, gardeners can help reduce some of the impacts related to global warming by thoughtfully managing their landscapes.
The National Wildlife Federation lists these nine ways to get started:
Rethink gas-powered tools. Quieter, emission-free alternatives are available for just about every gas-guzzling lawn mower, leaf blower and weed eater. Reel push mowers don’t use gas or oil and help reduce air pollution every time you use them.
Reduce the threat of invasive plants. The problem with a warmer climate and invasive plants is they spread fast, choke out native plants and can change an area’s ecosystem. These can include invasive ornamentals such as purple loosestrife, common tansy and oxeye daisy, all of which are considered noxious weeds in Colorado.
Add native plants. Native species are an essential part of the landscape as important food sources for insects and wildlife. Look for native flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees to add plant diversity to your yard.
Reduce outdoor water use. There are ways to conserve water in every landscape, including reducing the amount of irrigated lawn, planting water-wise gardens, adjusting automatic sprinkler systems to the weather or adding an evapotranspiration controller.
Use outdoor energy more efficiently. Ways to improve energy efficiency in the backyard include using solar lighting, installing automatic light timers and replacing regular light bulbs with compact fluorescents.
Plant for rain. Rain gardens are low spots in the landscape designed to slow heavy rainfall from running off site and overloading wastewater systems. Runoff causes flooding and is also responsible for polluting waterways with fertilizers and pesticides.
Start composting. Composting reduces the amount of waste in landfills and the greenhouse gas methane. It also turns everyday kitchen and garden waste into rich, crumbly material to use as a natural soil conditioner for growing healthier plants.
Plant a green roof. Green roofs are becoming a popular way to help reduce a home’s energy costs and reduce stormwater runoff. Green roofs, like the demonstration project at the Denver Botanic Gardens, show how special soils and plants reduce energy costs, prevent storm water runoff and provide another habitat for wildlife.
Plant more trees. The simple act of planting a tree can reap big benefits. Every new tree will absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing one of the greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. Trees also have a positive impact on property values, energy use and air quality.
Read more of Jodi Torpey’s writing at or follow her on Twitter @westerngardener.
Good-earth gardening
Want some more ideas about gardening for the good of the planet? Visit the National Wildlife Federation at .
