Save green: Use your gray water

by Jacqueline A. Soule, Ph.D.

Not so long ago, the three Rs were reading, 'riting and 'rithmatic. Today, it's more likely to be reduce, reuse and recycle. One great way to apply this is to reuse gray water from your home in the landscape.

Gray water is not gray from sewerage. It's gray from the bathwater of grubby children or a washer load of clothing. Not only is gray water safe, its use is encouraged in some areas. However, be sure to check your local ordinances before you start reusing your household water. >>

Plants create relaxing bathroom retreat

SOUTHEAST: Animate your home bathroom's décor by incorporating a few well-appointed plants. Ellen Goff details the the conditions plants in a bathroom would live in so you can make better choices.

Health and well-being from the garden

NORTHWEST: As winter approaches, sunlight diminishes. The shorter days can rob us of our energy and time. Get tips on what simple herbs to use from your own garden that can help you decompress or give to others as gifts.

Landscaping tips for outdoor shower areas

NORTHEAST: Once the weather warms up, consider constructing an outdoor shower. Gardening expert C.L. Fornari gives advice on what to consider when installing an outdoor shower, as well as what kinds of plants work best around it.

Save green: Use your gray water

Using the three Rs — reduce, reuse and recycle — in your home is good for your budget and for the environment. Get ideads on how to apply this by reusing gray water from your home in the landscape.

Using manure as a soil additive for gardens

MIDWEST: Animal manures are sustainable, plentiful and do a terrific job of improving the soil. Learn more about how to implement this soil amendment into your gardening routine and get tips on what variety to use.

Pumpkin pleasures abound in autumn

SOUTHEAST: The best place to find the perfect pumpkin depends on what you're looking for. Many families take their search to a local pick-your-own farm with acres of pumpkins as an annual fall outing.

Pacific Northwest's fall is a prime gardening season

NORTHWEST: Returning rains quench the dry garden, and plants and the soil respond with fresh vigor. That makes NOW the perfect time to spruce up the landscape and get a jump on next season.

Guidelines for overwintering plants

NORTHEAST: New England professional gardeners say overwintering some varieties of annuals is a good idea, but others may not keep well indoors.

Tips to use water smartly in gardens

There are water shortages from California to South Carolina, Arizona to New York City, even rainy Pennsylvania. So, what's a garden lover to do? Adapt.

Fall cleanup tips to ensure a spectacular spring

MIDWEST: There are lots of reasons to pay attention to the landscape before the full force of winter hits. Here are some additional dos and don'ts to consider.

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