The Urban Permaculture Farm Magazine

Vegetable gardens are popping up everywhere - at the White House, at the California statehouse, in front of city halls and in backyards across America - in large part because the progressive food movement got the word out.

But many in the gardening and environmental communities are saying, "Vegetable garden? Great start! Now how about fixing the environmental problems on the grounds?" But with all the media attention on the Obamas' vegetable garden, there's been no mention of creating a sustainable landscape on the rest of those 18 acres around the official residence.

So Green the Grounds.org was created to bring attention to the other changes that need to be made on these highly prominent landscapes - starting with the White House but including governor's mansions and official residences of mayors. Now as Americans are learning to grow their own food and eat healthier diets, they can also learn healthier ways to treat their backyards and frontyards - healthier for family members and for the surrounding ecosystem, as well.

Sustainable Landscaping Basics.

Nontoxic lawn care. More fertilizer is dumped on American lawns than on all of American agriculture and for what? Acres of thirsty turfgrasses that do nothing for wildlife and require pesticides, too. Organically maintained lawns are kinder to wildlife, human health, waterways, and budgets. Less lawn. Lawn has its place and is essential for play areas, but perennials, shrubs and trees are far better for stormwater retention and for wildlife. If even a portion of such high-visibility sites as the South Lawn could be reduced in size, it would show Americans that there are better plant choices.

Water conservation. Far too many public landscapes waste far too much water irrigating their lawns and thirsty plants (those bedding annuals in particular). Water-wise landscaping uses drought-tolerant plants and smart watering techniques.

Managing stormwater. Rather than directing water directly into stormwater systems, it can be retained on site to replenish groundwater and be purified. That's a huge issue in D.C., where storms flush pollutants directly into the Chesapeake Bay.

Choosing pest-resistant plants. No rose gardens has to include disease-prone hybrid tea roses when there are no-spray roses available, which are especially lovely when grown with companion perennials that attract beneficial insects. Smart plant choices make sustainable landscapes easier and cheaper to maintain.

Recycling yard waste. Incredibly, yard waste is still being dumped into landfills across the country. Instead, grass clippings can be used as lawn fertilizer, fallen leaves can be turned into compost, and pruned branches can be chipped and spread on paths.

Sustaining wildlife. Public landscapes, especially those in cities, need to providehabitat and sustenance for pollinators and other essential wildlife.