Eco-Friendly Plants, Grasses for Landscaping in New England

I live in the Northeast, in southern New England to be exact. We are trying real hard to get the Eco-Friendly thing right, so this year we have decided to let our landscaping company go and do it all ourselves! Here are some of the things that we have implemented into our green landscaping since January 2008. We are allowing native plants and ground covers to spread into our Lawn. It is a big step in going green and one that I admit I've had to get accustomed to. I am used to having crisp edges and clean lines around our planting beds and landscaping, this is a big change, but I already like the result. This is a step that is worth considering when starting a new project because materials such as stone, timber and gravel have to be sourced which in turn leaves and enormous impact on the environment.

I will tell you that, not all grasses and ground cover plants want to grow in the same soil, so if you notice that moss or a particular ground cover plant wants to spread in your lawn, let it happen. This will reduce the size of the lawn you will have to mow and give you more time to enjoy your new endeavor. It will also lessen your carbon footprint, something we all need to look closely at.

Our new project includes a wide variety of shrubs, perennials, and ground cover plants suitable for our climate. You can find what will work best in your zone or area at various college or University websites.

We chose plants and grasses that are suited to the levels of rainfall, temperature, and sunlight of the area.

Here are some of the plants that we have chosen:

Astilbe: Growing Conditions: Shade and moist or wet soil.
Size: To 2 feet tall and wide. Grow it with: Shade-loving plants.

Veronica: Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil.
Size: To 2 feet tall and wide. Grow it with: Shrub roses or pampas grass.

Miscanthus (Grass): Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, well-drained soil
Size: To 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

Coral Belles: Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil
Size: To 1 foot tall and wide. Grow it with: Astilbe, which light and airy blooms will complement coral-bells'.