With spring in the air, we're back in the yard -- our very own bit of nature. Trouble is, so many of the things we do to make it beautiful cause problems outside the fence. Pesticides and fertilizers pollute our swimming holes and drinking water. Lawnmowers cloud our air with smog. Luckily, there are better ways to garden!

1. Landscape to minimize mowing, watering and fertilizing needs:

• Plant grass/flower mixtures that grow slowly.
• Switch to alternative ground covers.
• Grow less grass and more shrubs and trees.
• Cultivate plants native to your area.
• Practice companion planting for flowers and vegetables.

• Change oil regularly.
• Clean or replace air filters regularly.
• Get periodic tune-ups.
• Maintain sharp blades.

For related information, see these pages:

BUYER'S CHECKLIST: PLANNING TO LANDSCAPE
http://www.ucsusa.org/vision/index.html?gregshop.html#landscape

GREEN LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE PLANTS
http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/

HOME COMPOSTING
http://oldgrowth.org/compost/home.html

MULCHING
http://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/CCS/Mulching.html

ATTRACTING BENEFICIAL INSECTS
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets2/ insectpest/jan94pr1.html

SAFER ALTERNATIVES TO PESTICIDES & FERTILIZERS
http://es.epa.gov/new/contacts/newsltrs/shopping.html#link11

YOUR YARD AND CLEAN AIR
http://www.epa.gov/OMSWWW/19-yard.htm