In California, homeowners are tearing out their lawns and planting fruit trees, native plants, and vegetable gardens. In the picture above, Bill has planted fruit trees and native plants to attract pollinators all around his house. Lawns use up to 10 times more water, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides then agricultural land. The long drought in California made native plants a good choice as they are attractive and do not need near as much water as a lawn. Native plants have adapted to their environment, do not need fertilizers, and can tolerate drought, poor soil, and floods, and therefore take less maintenance. Native plants are also food and shelter for bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, which helps to balance the ecosystem.
Homeowners are planting fruit trees, berry bushes, and grape vines in the landscape around their house instead of grass. Watered with drip systems and using organic gardening methods, even a small yard can harvest abundant succulent fruits. Kids can plant raised bed veggie gardens filled with rich organic soil for plenty of fresh organic herbs and veggies for the family at little cost. Perennial veggies, like artichokes, collard trees, and asparagus, can be planted among native plants for an attractive front yard landscape.
Cooking Magic for Kids 