By Pat Dray
The Garden Spot
Pat Dray
I was recently speaking to someone who was quite concerned about climate change. Based on the change in our planting zones, we know that our climate in southern Connecticut has gotten warmer over time. But they felt there was nothing they could personally do about it. I was a bit surprised by this, so thought some tips on how we can reduce waste and use fewer natural resources would be helpful.
The first thing every gardener should remember is “right plant in the right place.” If you see a plant you love, research it and learn if it can thrive in your landscape. Remember that as the landscape matures, trees may provide more shade than they did when initially planted, so track the hours of direct sunlight again. Plant as many native plants as possible since they evolved in our climate and will attract our native pollinators.
A new term you may have heard is xeroscaping, which is designing water-efficient landscapes that reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. Start by looking at water drainage patterns to determine where you have wet versus dry zones. Reduce the amount of turf you have in dry zones by replacing it with plants that have lower water requirements.
If you do use an irrigation system, avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to reduce water loss from evaporation. Change your system by installing a rain sensor to shut off the system and avoid overwatering plants. I can’t say how often I see turf being watered while it’s raining out. Turf needs about 1 inch of water a week, so if we have a rainy day, you may not need to run the sprinklers at all. That’s the beauty of water sensors rather than timers.
Another area where individuals can make a significant difference is in reusing and recycling. According to RecycleNation, the typical family uses 500 Ziploc-type bags a year. If you can reuse even a quarter of those, you can save money and reduce your carbon footprint. Just don’t reuse bags that contain raw meat or anything moldy.
Your newspapers can be saved and used as weed barriers. They will decompose over the winter, and you’ll have a new area to xeroscape next year. Check with your town’s recycling resources to learn more about what you can recycle.
You can also avoid what is called “fast fashion.” The trend to thrift items is a great way to save money and the planet. Even the US General Accounting Office calls fast fashion “great for your wallet and bad for the planet” due to the amount of waste associated with it.
Finally, turn down the heat. The US Department of Energy states that the optimal temperature for keeping a home comfortable is 68 degrees Fahrenheit and can be lower at bedtime. Of course, this is a matter of personal preference (and many family disagreements). But with the price of heating oil this winter ,I expect that we will all be wearing extra sweaters in the house.
Pat Dray is a past president of the Garden Club of Orange and a master gardener.