Our blog post from earlier this month highlights the numerous benefits of plants, from their economic impact, such as job creation and boosting property values, to environmental advantages like reducing stormwater runoff and supporting biodiversity. Plants also enhance well-being by reducing stress, improving concentration, and providing therapeutic effects through gardening. We also dive deeper into the value of sedges, ornamental grasses, and native perennials.

In our latest blog post, we dive into the benefits of green roofs and how grasses and native perennials are ideal for these projects. We talk about their ability to manage stormwater, support biodiversity, and enhance human well-being. We also share insights from experts on how to use grasses and perennials for year-round interest and reduced maintenance on green roofs.

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Prairie Blues' is a cultivar of little bluestem, known for its striking blue-gray foliage that turns to shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall. It's a hardy, drought-tolerant grass ideal for prairie plantings, meadows, and low-maintenance landscapes. It's also a favorite for attracting wildlife like birds and pollinators.

Helianthus angustifolius, commonly known as swamp sunflower, is a tall, native perennial with narrow leaves and bright yellow blooms in late summer to fall. It thrives in moist soils but is adaptable to various conditions, making it great for rain gardens or naturalized areas. Its cheerful flowers attract pollinators and add vibrant color to the landscape.

This article from the USDA highlights the benefits of green roofs, particularly on Forest Service buildings from New York to the Caribbean. These roofs help reduce stormwater runoff, provide insulation, and improve urban biodiversity. By incorporating native and drought-tolerant plants, green roofs offer environmental advantages while also creating habitat for wildlife. The article emphasizes the Forest Service’s commitment to sustainability through these innovative, eco-friendly solutions.

This episode of The Climate Conversation podcast, "Shoring a Better Future for Coastal Ecosystems and Communities" explores how natural infrastructure, such as wetlands and mangroves, can help protect coastal ecosystems and communities from climate-related threats like rising sea levels and extreme weather. Daniel Hayden, president and CEO of Restore America's Estuaries discusses the importance of restoration efforts, policy changes, and the role of communities in sustaining these vital ecosystems.

A recent study highlighted by SciDev.net reveals that the world’s hottest cities, particularly in low-income regions, often lack sufficient cooling green spaces like parks and tree-lined streets. This absence exacerbates heat stress and worsens living conditions for urban populations. The study emphasizes the importance of increasing urban greenery to mitigate the impacts of rising global temperatures and create healthier, more resilient cities.

This piece from Inside Climate News discusses a wetlands restoration project in Baltimore aimed at enhancing climate resiliency. The restoration helps protect against rising sea levels and storm surges, while also improving water quality and providing habitats for wildlife. Local communities benefit from the green spaces created, which offer flood protection and recreational opportunities. This project is part of broader efforts to use natural infrastructure to address climate challenges.

This article from Fine Gardening and Jared Barnes explains how understanding plant survival strategies, such as drought tolerance and pest resistance, can lead to a healthier garden. He covers techniques like choosing native plants, mimicking natural ecosystems, and utilizing proper soil care to enhance plant resilience. By aligning with plants' natural abilities, gardeners can reduce maintenance, conserve water, and create a more sustainable, thriving garden.

This New York Times piece explores the growing popularity of wild and naturalistic landscape designs, which prioritize biodiversity and sustainability over traditional manicured lawns. It highlights the nonprofit group Wild Ones' free library of landscape designs that are tailored to specific regions and accessible to anyone. This resource helps homeowners and professionals alike to create eco-friendly landscapes with native plants that benefit local ecosystems while requiring less maintenance.

This post from House Digest highlights the best plants for gardens with shallow soil. It suggests options like Coreopsis, Echinacea, and Schizachyrium scoparium, which are resilient, low-maintenance, and capable of growing in rocky or shallow environments. These plants offer beauty and practicality for gardeners dealing with less-than-ideal soil conditions.

This article from Morning Ag Clips highlights Cherokee sedge (Carex cherokeensis) as a great choice for sustainable gardens and lawns. This native sedge is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and adaptable to various soil conditions. It works well as a ground cover, helps control erosion, and supports local wildlife. Its versatility makes it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional turf grasses.

On this episode of the Gardening Tips podcast, Jacob Burns from the Chicago Botanic Garden shares insights on using grasses to add texture and movement to your garden. Plants like sedges, switchgrass, and other ornamental grass varieties bring dynamic motion and visual appeal year-round. By layering plants with different textures, you can create a more engaging and lively garden space.

This article from AP News discusses how many gardeners are rethinking fall cleanup by postponing major tasks until spring. This shift allows garden debris, like leaves and plant material, to provide habitat for wildlife over winter, benefiting pollinators and beneficial insects. It suggests a more natural approach to garden maintenance, leaving some cleanup for spring to promote a healthier ecosystem.

The article from Nursery Management discusses the 2025 Garden Media Group Trends Report, which highlights emerging trends in the horticulture industry. The report's theme, "Nature's Renaissance," highlights the movement to reintegrate natural elements into our lives, landscapes and cities. Key trends include a focus on climate-friendly gardening practices, the rise of tech-integrated gardening, and an increasing interest in sustainable and regenerative landscape designs.