Pennsylvania is known for its diversity and adaptability, and sustainability is sweeping through the state like the rest of the world. More residents are crafting eco-friendly garden solutions to help save their homes and the world beyond. A home’s yard is far more than just a place to sit and enjoy nature—it’s a sanctuary where you can benefit the world around you. The first step to creating a more energy-efficient landscaping method is to learn what options you have.
Pennsylvania has seen an increase in heat and humidity, particularly during the summers and near urban zones like Philadelphia. Heat is trapped more easily in materials like concrete, making outdoor spaces more uncomfortable when foundations and pathways are made from them. Pennsylvania homes are swapping out thick, non-permeable path materials for more porous ones that don’t retain heat. Options like mulch, decorative stone, or gravel make excellent natural paths that increase the comfort and sustainability of the outdoor space. You can purchase bulk materials affordably from local Pennsylvania sources, and even get them delivered for convenience. Search for terms like gravel delivery near me to compare prices in your area.
Pennsylvania has a versatile climate, and local plant life can adapt to these changes easily. The ecosystem has already incorporated these native plants, reducing strain and harm that can come from invasive, foreign plant species. Choosing plants that are native to Pennsylvania requires less maintenance, fertilizer, and water to thrive. They also provide food for natural wildlife as part of the natural ecosystem. They’ll easily grow and spread naturally without taking over harmfully. Spotted bee balm, cardinal flowers, and goldenstar are some of the many beautiful native flowers to the state of Pennsylvania.
For those who prefer container planting, plastic is an affordable solution compared to terracotta or ceramic. However, plastic doesn’t naturally break down in the environment, overflowing landfills, and contributing to environmental harm. More homeowners in Pennsylvania are waking up to their impact on the environment and switching to plastic-free whenever possible, including in their gardens. While materials like terracotta can come with a slightly higher price tag, they will last much longer in your garden without breaking. They also look nicer as a bonus!
In similar efforts to reduce landfill waste, Pennsylvania residents are finding the value in homemade, natural fertilizer for their yards. Composting involves using organic waste from the kitchen to serve as plant fertilizer. It’s a non-toxic solution that can promote plant health and growth, and it doesn’t cost anything extra to use. You can start by collecting organic waste from your kitchen in a designated bin or pile. Instead of tossing items like fruit peels, nut shells, eggshells, and chicken bones in the trash, consider starting a compost pile instead. The organic breakdown and decomposition of these materials add nutrients to the soil that help plants thrive.
Pennsylvania’s rain patterns have been difficult to predict, and in times of particularly wet weather, water pooling in yards can drown plants and make the soil muddy and inconvenient. A rain garden can help offset excess water. Choose native plants with deep root systems to help soak up excess water quickly and easily. Ground cover gravel can help reduce pooled water without damage. Designing your landscaping to include bioswales is a smart choice as well; these are natural, shallow channels in the yard with plants that can help direct stormwater runoff and filter it from pollutants. Collecting rainwater is also a great way to reduce excess pooling while providing a natural and waste-free irrigation source in times of drought.
Excessively wet periods in Pennsylvania aren’t the only weather to worry about. There are many times when plants can dry out from a lack of moisture. To better handle periods of dry weather, more homeowners are choosing native, drought-hardy plants, like Black-Eyed Susans. These plants that can survive with less water can also help conserve a home’s water usage as a bonus. Mulching around flowerbeds can also help retain moisture better than dirt alone for needier plant life as well. Installing smart irrigation systems that can automatically adjust based on soil and weather conditions is incredibly efficient.
Just like everywhere, bee populations in Pennsylvania are at risk. Providing a safe area where they can grow, thrive, and collect pollen can help put their numbers back on the map. It’s not unusual to see a Pennsylvania home with a pollinator garden. These include flowers that are good for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds without harming the local ecosystem. Milkweed, Black-Eyed Susans, and lavender are many species of plants native to Pennsylvania and make great food for pollinators. Layered plantings to cover year-round pollen sources can help these pollinators survive longer. These gardens are cared for without harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizers that can hurt pollinators. Water sources and places to rest are essential as well, especially for butterflies.
Many outdoor spaces use energy for lighting, water features, pools, kitchens, and more. This excess energy use contributes to higher energy bills and lower energy efficiency. More Pennsylvania homeowners are switching to renewable energy like solar every day. Solar energy usage is more likely in outdoor spaces, as many outdoor lighting systems can easily run on solar energy due to their proximity to sunlight. Using solar panels or wind turbines to power outdoor features is cost-effective and eco-friendly.
While rural Pennsylvania has no shortage of farm acreage, the rising cost of groceries has caused the entire state to grow more food in its backyard. Not every home can accommodate a full-scale farm, but most yards can easily grow mushrooms, herbs, vegetables, and fruits on a smaller scale. Not only does this add function to an outdoor space, but it also looks beautiful. Many crops grow well in Pennsylvania, like lettuce, tomatoes, and apples.
Landscaping and gardening that harm the environment defeat their entire purpose. More Pennsylvania homeowners are getting with the eco-friendly program in their backyards, inviting native plants and pollinators to enjoy the space with them. With unpredictable weather and temperatures in the state, hardy plants and weatherproof ground cover can help reduce frustration and damage to outdoor spaces. If you’re uncertain just what to do with your home, consider the materials you’re using and efficiency first.
