Here is a shot of my cluttered little mississippi cottage garden with its wildflowers and "green roof" entry arbor...

i am VERY interested in sharing and learning more about ways to get more out of our gardens with less "input" that is more FUN and EASY!    and environmentally meaningful.

my little garden includes a "rain harvester" porch that collects over 300 gallons of water for my garden every time it rains an inch, a "green roof" entry arbor that is planted with low-maintenance plants (including cascading herbs that survive on rainfall alone), a simple compost system that requires very little effort, and HUNDREDS of plants that thrive on little or no care.

i'm not lazy, just busy and TIRED a lot of the time, and would rather play with my dog than mow grass (i have a dog, but no lawn).

if you have some ideas to share, BRING 'EM ON!

and don't be skeered, it's just gardening...

 Felder's Quick List of "Green/Lazy/Cheapskate" Garden Tips

             You don't have to feel like a cult member to see how these tips can save you time, money, and effort in the garden, while actually helping your garden look and work better.

In fact, they could be seen as being lazy or cheapskate approaches. As a bonus, they happen to help you and your family, the environment in your neighborhood, the country, and the world - all at the same time.

            Take a quick look at the following quick tips, and ponder those that stir your imagination.

 Plant drought tolerant, pest-resistant, native and adapted non-native plants

 Plant more trees and shrubs, in groups and masses

 Plant shade vines on an arbor over the patio and on west-facing walls

 Use natural slow-release fertilizers to feed the soil as well as your plants

 Mulch to conserve water and help control weeds

 Control weeds without herbicides - it's possible

 Control insect pests natural ways; reduce the use of chemical pesticides

 Add plants that attract butterflies and bees; put up a bat house

 Redesign the lawn to be smaller and more sensible

 Lose the leaf blower and leaf shredder - use "human powered" tools

 Grow some of your own vegetables, fruits, and culinary herbs

 Make Compost - or at least have a leaf pile

 Collect and use rain water

 Create a "rain garden" sump

 Install low-voltage night lighting

 Put the water garden pump on a timer

 Create and plant a "green roof" for your tool shed, garage, or arbor

 Put up - and occasionally use - a clothesline

 For details and photos of all these, go to www.felderrushing.net and click on the link

 
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