A yard full of native plants can be a unique and stunning feature of your home. But it also comes with a variety of unexpected environmental benefits.
A TikTok creator recently demonstrated one such incredible benefit.
@amanduhlynn We are in a constant drought here in Central Texas, so we've made it a priority to try to capture as much water on our land. Most of our rainfall is during storms where we get a couple inches at a time, and the land can't keep up with holding the water… so it just pools and runs off causing massive erosion. One of the ways we are trying to keep the water in the land is by utilizing rain gardens! By digging a small trench we're giving the water somewhere to pool and be absorbed into the land. We filled our rain garden with drought resistant, native plants that can last months between watering 🌼🌱 #raingarden #gardening #soilhealth ♬ Little Sparrow - Paul Alan Morris
In the video, TikToker Amanda Ramirez (@amanduhlynn) wrote, "Whenever it rains, our yard gets some intense flooding, so we decided to use rain gardens to capture some of the water."
Amanda digs a trench and fills it with rocks, and then she surrounds the trench with native plants.
In a caption below the video, Amanda said that since her family has to endure regular drought conditions in Central Texas, they "made it a priority" to capture as much water as possible to benefit their land.
By capturing the little rainfall they do get, about "a couple of inches at a time," they can conserve resources, reduce erosion, and ensure vital water can be channeled to where it's needed.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
"By digging a small trench, we're giving the water somewhere to pool and be absorbed into the land," she said. "We filled our rain garden with drought-resistant, native plants that can last months between watering."
There are many benefits to rewilding your yard that extend beyond capturing rainwater. First and foremost, native gardeners save money and time on lawn maintenance, as native plants require much less upkeep. They also require significantly less water, which is beneficial for both monthly bills and the planet.
Native plants are also naturally attractive to pollinators, the insects and small birds that keep plant life thriving. It is estimated that pollinators are responsible for one in every three bites of food we take, according to Pollinator Partnership.
There are many ways to upgrade to a native lawn or rewild your yard. Buffalo grass and clover are excellent, low-maintenance ground-cover options, while xeriscaping makes use of rocks and drought-tolerant plants. Even a partial lawn replacement has its perks.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Commenters on the post were impressed with the ingenuity. One said, "I'm trying to do the same thing!"
|
How much time do you spend taking care of the plants inside or outside your home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Several hours a week 🧑🌾 
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
