Ideas to Take Home

A spicebush swallowtail finds nectar at the native butterfly milkweed plant, a lovely splash of orange in the garden. Here Green-Wood offers a list of do-it-yourself ideas that you can use to create a healthier, more beautiful environment at home, at school, and at work, whether you are gardening in a window box, a city or suburban lot, or the common area of your co-op or condominium. The good news is that even planting one tree can make a big difference. PLANT PLANT TREES ADAPTED TO OUR CHANGING CLIMATE Trees can live a long time, so choose species that will be able to tolerate the warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns that are expected in the decades ahead. Consult your county extension office for recommendations. PLANT TREES THAT BENEFIT WILDLIFE As wild habitat has disappeared, the importance of creating wildlife-friendly gardens has grown ever greater. Scientists say that native trees such as white oak, American holly, and shagbark hickory are best at supporting birds. GROW GROW A POLLINATOR GARDEN Plant flowers that offer pollen and nectar sources to restore the health of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Grow a variety of plants that will provide blooms from early spring into late fall. Eliminate pesticides whenever possible, because many are toxic to bees. JOIN JOIN COMMUNITY GREENING EFFORTS Pitch in and volunteer your time to help habitat restoration efforts organized by local conservation groups, parks, and public gardens. RETHINK RETHINK YOUR LAWN Use less synthetic fertilizer and toxic pesticides, and learn to tolerate a few imperfections. If you have a large lawn, replace areas with fruiting shrubs and nectar and pollen-rich flowers for the birds and bees.