Choosing-Plants

the what and why

Choosing plants that meet the SUN, SOIL and SPACE requirements can both improve water quality and enhance the beauty of your yard. They slow down run-off and absorb it through their roots. They also release cooling water vapor through their stomata (tiny opening on the underside of their leaves) that helps cool the surrounding environment. Some plants also mitigate pollutants, preventing them from getting into our lakes, rivers and streams.

Native plants are particularly good at reducing pollutants from reaching waterways because they have deeper roots that can break up compacted soils that prevent water from seeping into the ground. Native plants have also evolved to handle the variable weather conditions we have here in Minnesota. They provide important habitat and food sources for native pollinators, butterflies, bats, birds and other animals.

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Mississippi Watershed Org: Native plants

U of MN Extension Yard and Garden

where to start

Sometimes it can be overwhelming when we take on a new landscaping project. We all want our yards and gardens to be lush, healthy and long-lived; in other words, sustainable. When starting any new gardening project, think about the 5 considerations of sustainable landscape design in this order:

Functional: What you need / want to do in your landscape.
Maintainable: Minimize care and maximize performance.
Environmentally-sound: Have a positive impact on water quality, soil, air, and creatures like pollinators, birds, etc.
Cost-effective: Spend within your budget now and in the future.
Visual appeal: What you would like to see in your landscape.

Right plant, right place. The plants you choose for your yard and garden affect all of the above. Before buying a new plant, start by understanding your site conditions - soil type, amount of sun or shade, size of your planting space. Then select plants with growing requirements that match your site conditions. Plants that are forced to grow in difficult conditions become stressed, and a stressed plant is more susceptible to disease, and less able to recover from outside forces like insect feeding, storm damage and fluctuations in temperature.

SOAK IT UP!

Choosing the right plants

Plants help improve water quality. They slow down the flow of storm water and their extensive roots soak up any pollutants before they make their way into our bay.

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lawns for lakes

Lawns are ecosystems that affect surface and groundwater systems. Lawn grasses clean the environment by absorbing gaseous pollutants and intercepting pesticides, fertilizers, dust, and sediment.

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