Things to Think About

Plants do more than just look pretty. Well, duh, right? We all know their environmental benefits. Food, energy, oxygen, and the list goes on and on. The information is instilled in us from elementary school biology class and returns as reminders in the form of public service announcements, commercials, billboards, etc. as we get older. We are well informed of the great things they can do for the earth but before we all think in that large of a scale, let's consider the personal benefits that affect our own lives directly. This way, by thinking small scale, we can all see the significance in contributing to the large scale benefits! I received a very nice pamphlet from Bracy's Nursery in Louisiana today that highlighted a few facts that most of us don't consider when promoting planting trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vegetables, and herbs. I will share some of the info with you here.

#1) The right landscape design can save you up to 25% of your energy usage. Trees and shrubs can provide shade to reduce heating costs and can also provide barriers to gusts of wind that could enter your house through small openings. 

#2) Well landscaped properties make outdoor playtime for children easier and safer. There are suggestions that kids who play in natural environments more have lower stress and are more fit. They can also concentrate better and develop reasoning, observational, and motor skills better.

#3) What's better than walking up to your front door and smelling fragrant roses or seeing the bright beauty of a line of wave petunias? Now, think about that feeling you get and consider what somebody else who may be interested in buying it would think. Landscapes are known to add value to real estate property. A nice landscape can yield an average 109% return on every dollar invested in the project and can speed up the selling process.

#4) If you're a business owner, you know the ongoing struggle of how to get people in the door. You try big colorful banners or catchy lines on your billboard but consider having some pots or hanging baskets outside of your business. It will reduce stress for your customers/clients while enhancing its appeal. The quality of your product or service will be perceived higher because of the attention to detail you put forth that customers/clients always notice.

So, next time you think about ways to save money, reduce stress, or enhance your child's development, consider what a carefully planned landscape could do for you!