July 12th

By Mutt Mulligan

Check out the new Living Landscapes Matter website

Are you concerned about the drought and what that means for your living lawn, plants and trees? Do you want to conserve water and improve your landscape, while maintaining your home values? Do you know that living landscapes benefit not only the environment, but also the health of your family, pets and wildlife?

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) – the folks that created TurfMutt – is here to help with a brand new website, LivingLandscapesMatter.com.

The site plays off the theme that TurfMutt barks about: “nature starts at your back door.” It reiterates the fact that living landscapes – including a balanced mix of climate-appropriate grass, trees, shrubs and flowering plants – contribute to the health and wellbeing of people, pets and wildlife.

Landscaping isn’t just for aesthetics. It provides a wildlife habitat, and serves as a stress reliever, recreational space and outdoor living area. The site offers a number of resources for homeowners, including:

• Facts about Living Landscapes
  Living landscapes play a vital role in the health of our environment, our communities and our families. Download the Living Landscapes Fact Book and find additional resources to educate yourself about the benefits of living yards.
• Drought Facts
  It is possible to be drought responsible and still keep your living landscapes and outdoor spaces. You must choose the right plants, trees and shrubs for your climate, lifestyle and desired benefits (wildlife habitat, stress relief, etc.).
• How Can You Help?
  This section drives home the point that each of us plays a role in protecting our living landscapes. What can you and your family do to protect this vital resource?
• Yards & Home Values
  Living landscapes contribute to home values, too! Learn more about how the benefits of living landscapes extend beyond curb appeal.

Additionally, the site links to TurfMutt.com where you can go to download activity sheets, digital games and story books for your kids. Your child can become a backyard superhero that protects living landscapes, just like TurfMutt!

To learn more, visit LivingLandscapesMatter.com.