Page 23 - Green Builder March-April 2016 Issue

Echinacea purpurea Good Medicine. A perennial “stroll
‘Magnus’ Magnus garden” was planted with both
Coneflower medicinal plants and those that
attract and nourish birds and bees.
Achillea millefolium
‘Walter Funcke’ Aster x frikartii
Walter Funcke Yarrow ‘Monch’
Frikart’s Aster

Eryngium planum
‘Blue Glitter’
Blue Glitter Sea Holly

Salvia nemrosa Seslaria autumnalis Lavandula
‘Cardonna’ Autumn More Grass intermedia ‘Grosso’
Cardonna Grosso Lavender
Garden Sage

CREDIT: JUSTIN JAMES MUIR

LAWNS VS. NATIVE PLANTS

CREDIT: JUSTIN JAMES MUIR

Lawns Native Plants
Usually rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides Little to no amendments required
Water intensive Little to no supplemental irrigation required
Monoculture doesn’t support wildlife Diversity of plants, shrubs and trees provides food, shelter and
nesting habitat for wildlife
Grass isn’t edible A native landscape can include food plants and trees
Maintenance requires fossil fuels Minimal maintenance beyond pruning and weeding;
(lawnmowers, edgers, etc.) once established, maintenance
Lawns sequester carbon, but the amount must be measured decreases
against emissions related to pesticide and fertilizer use and Greater potential for carbon capture
maintenance
Some potential for stormwater infiltration Greater potential for stormwater infiltration
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March/April 2016 GREEN BUILDER 21