Practical Tips for Environmental Gardeninghttp://www.slideshare.net/lindamcmahan/are-you-an-ecological-gardener (web link to view the presentation)

Linda R. McMahan, Ph.D., Associate Professor Emeritus, Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University. © 2016 by Linda R. McMahan. Presentation and handout may be used freely for educational purposes. For other uses, please contact the author.

Cardboard – learn to love it. Place it over grass or weeds to kill or control them. Cover with bark, mulch, pine/fir needles, or straw depending on the desired future use.

Use less water. Choose herbs and other waterwise plants, “zone” garden areas for different water uses, hand water or use timers to gauge correct amounts. Water only as needed. Replace lawn with garden beds.

Plan your garden in advance for year-round interest, exposure, and water use. Avoid impulsive purchases, which are often water loving or tender plants. Research plant choices for appropriate use.

Avoid or remove invasive species which can harm wild areas. Check GardenSmart Oregon http://www.nature.org/media/oregon/gardensmart-rev-2010.pdf For ivy removal, see http://www.slideshare.net/lindamcmahan/ivy-removal-factsheet

Share your garden with wild creatures. Provide water, shade, shelter, natural pollen and nectar sources. No artificial feeding required. Avoid pesticides if possible.

Use fertilizers and rich amendments sparingly to avoid overgrowth which increases requirements for more water.

Use less electrical or petroleum-based energy. Do tasks by hand if possible, choose hand mowing or electrical power for mowing. Use plant-based amendments.

Choose plants carefully to reduce water and nutrient use and lower the probability of inducing invasive plants. Include native plants, North American plants, species plants if possible. Grow those luscious and colorful hybrids in pots on your patio.

Prefer species instead of cultivars to increase diversity for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

Be the one in your neighborhood that other people copy! Have fun, ignore some garden dogma, and help others learn.