- Rather than pushing rainwater into plant and vegetable beds or onto tree roots, water will simply pool on flat piles of concrete. If there is any kind of slope, the water will follow that slope, regardless of where your plantings are, leaving them dry.
- Concrete may be easier to walk on and may make your garden pop, but in reality, concrete is a very abrasive foundation that doesn't allow for any kind of nutrient or water to reach into the ground system. It also cracks easily, allowing weeds to take over the space.
- Even leaving three or four feet of natural soil and grass around garden and pouring a patio outside that space can harm the plantings. Plant roots need space to grow and the ability to search for groundwater and nutrients. Concrete doesn't allow for this, which can kill the plants.
- With a naturally sloping yard, use terraced natural plantings rather than a concrete retaining wall. Native wildflowers, brush and trees will stabilize any slope or hill naturally. If the yard is flat, simply plant a thick grass in defining areas to separate trees, flowers and vegetable gardens.
- Go to your local library or garden club and ask about native plants for your area. Then look up these plants and choose three or four that you like. This will add color to any yard.
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