Our Power, Our Planet

Earth Day 2025’s theme was applied to energy; but it also applies to our greenspaces approach.

We do have “power”, to benefit the planet, individually and collectively by incorporating plants in more nuanced ways.

Green installations and maintenance are artificial impositions upon landscapes containing few vestiges of what once existed. To mimic the original conditions and prepare for future water/heat situations, plant more items in agreement with that scenario. Reserve high water/high maintenance plants for up close human interaction areas.

Native/adapted. Is it necessary to plant 100% native for a more water friendly yard? No. Adapted plants can perform well too. It’s hard to imagine Austin without Crepe Myrtles, for instance! And lawns are fun for bare feet and playing catch with pets. Abelias attract pollinators, Thryallis isn’t native at all, and even some non-native Agave do well here.

Take your “power” and reduce resource intensive lawn areas. Although walkable green spaces have their place, often less is more. Add large trees, especially Oaks. Augment with lower canopy shade trees, shielding more area from intense sun, decreasing ambient temperatures. Windmill Palm and Pomegranate are non-native, low water, sun to partial shade plants excellent for Austin. Natives are Texas Redbud, Mexican Plum, and Texas Persimmon. Use smaller shrubs like native Turk’s Cap or non-native Sweet Almond Verbena (butterfly favorites) for sun to partial shade areas.

Add live groundcover or mulch to newly renovated areas. Native Silver Pony foot helps prevent erosion and suppress weeds. Non-native Creeping Germander is helpful too. Decomposing mulch adds nutrients and should be replenished several times yearly. (Keep mulch away from living wood like tree trunks) It’s easy to create more planet sustainable landscapes. At Leaf Landscape Supply, we help you get your (super) “power” on! It’s planting season, come visit us soon!