How to Keep your Garden Green

May 23, 2021 2:44 pm
Published by Brighton Homes

How To Keep Your Garden Green

Brighton Homes has been building some of the most energy-efficient Meridian ID homes for decades. We are a company dedicated to reducing our footprint on the planet and helping our clients do the same. We are one of Idaho’s few 100% Energy Star builders receiving national awards recognition from the EPA since 2012. Since we do our utmost to create healthier indoor environments for all our home buyers, here are some helpful tips for applying similar ‘green’ thinking to outdoor environments as well!

Top 10 Tips for going ‘Green’ while cultivating gardens and green spaces:

Start small. Cultivating a fully organic garden can be intimidating so start small by trying your organic gardening methods out first in a planter or small section of your yard. Expand from there.
Place a small bin under your kitchen sink to collect food scraps. Have a larger bin at the back of the yard where you can then dispose of your accumulated food waste. Regularly turn this compost over and cultivate some nutrient-rich food for your soil. Not only will you create fertilizer, but you’ll also reduce the trash taken to the landfill.
Collect rainwater. This is especially important in areas with water shortages but also beneficial in areas with regular rainfall. Making a homemade rain barrel is relatively easy and is a great way to reduce your impact on the earth and ensure your garden is green.
Water smartly. There are proven methods to water more efficiently and effectively thereby, reducing your environmental impact. Water during the coolest parts of the day, namely, the nighttime, or set your sprinkler systems to an early dawn setting. This reduces the amount of water that simply evaporates when you water during warmer parts of the day.
Reduce lawn size. Long the pride and joy of many a homeowner, the value of lawns should be reconsidered. The amount of water and effort a lawn takes is significant. Consider different ground covers i.e. indigenous plant species, wildflowers, wild grasses, stone, pavers, etc., and leave your weekends free to something more fun than mowing!
Switch to a manual mower. If you do keep a lawn, consider switching to a non-gas-powered reel mower. It is great exercise and non-polluting – both gas-wise and noise-wise. Your neighbors will thank you!
Cultivate food. The pandemic illustrated the importance of self-sustainability. If you can grow some of the food you eat, you will reduce trips to the grocery store which, in turn, reduces the emissions used to get there. You can also sign up for a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) – these are farms that allow you to purchase local food products directly from them. It is a great way to support your local farmers and community and ensure you are eating better, greener more locally-produced food.
Plant a tree. Trees serve many purposes. They offer wildlife a home, they purify the air, they provide shade, and of course, they add a beautiful dimension to your yard. Most cities offer guidance on how and what type of tree to plant, including the City of Meridian ID. Nurseries, too, are a good source for advice on tree selection, planting, and cultivation.
Plant organic seeds. This is a great first step in greening your garden and ensures some of your new plants start their young lives on eco-friendly terms.
Reduce your use of chemical-based garden products. Try to avoid chemical-based fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides when nourishing your garden. Seek out natural, more benign alternatives.

—

If a green lifestyle is important to you, be sure to check out Brighton Homes’s newest community developments in the Meridian ID area – The Pinnace and Quartet – both coming soon.

The secluded Pinnacle community will feature a community center, outdoor amphitheater, pools parks, and both public and charter school sites. In addition, an extensive network of walking trails will connect these impressive amenities and offer residents a beautiful place to stroll, run or cycle.

To receive the latest updates on Brighton’s Meridian ID Pinnacle Community, contact the New Home Specialist at 208-917-4874 or complete the contact form on our website.

The Quartet community is coming soon to North Meridian ID, located just off Black Cat Road offering larger homesites for building and proximity to shopping, dining, and services. The community will also feature interconnected walking paths, green spaces, and a community pool.

Contact the New Home Specialist at 208-917-4869 to learn more about the Quartet Community and other Brighton home builder plans and communities.

Get PDF