Growing green does not always require a green thumb—there are a range of landscaping techniques that can be used in Bastrop County to support local flora and fauna while also enhancing a yard's curb appeal with little effort.

The gist

With the growing shift toward eco-friendly practices, sustainable landscaping and xeriscaping are increasing in popularity due to their environmentally conscious approach, as well as their low maintenance, Community Gardens Nursery Manager William Solomon said.

What you need to know

Solomon said both styles usually go hand in hand, with a common goal of using less water and requiring less work.

Though the two styles of landscaping both have shared objectives, there are some key differences.

“True xeriscaping makes it so you don’t have to water at all,” Solomon said, adding that, if done right, xeriscaping can be a great practice but is usually more expensive to get started.

Solomon said sustainable landscaping is adapting the yard to naturally thrive in that particular location with little maintenance, and often using plants that provide homes for pollinators, wildlife and more.

“You see it a lot when driving down the highway during different seasons,” Solomon said. “The flowers, grasses and plants change just about every month, and each has its own prominent period.”

He said one drawback is that because the natural environment is being mimicked, this usually invites wildlife and insects, and not everyone likes that.

A combination of the two is a promising approach for most Bastrop County residents, Solomon said, as it affords a better chance for appealing plants year-round, while also supporting the surrounding species.

Notable quote

“Our goal as homeowners should be to have beautiful yards but also to do it in a way that benefits not only ourselves but the entire community and ecosystem by providing habitat, lowering water usage and developing more within our bounds of the environment than trying to completely change it to our own means,” Solomon said. “That doesn't mean you can't have what you want, but it should be done with a bit of consideration.”