10 Earth-Friendly Plants To Include In Your Climate-Conscious Garden

The mere act of gardening is beneficial to the environment, and for many of us hobbyists that's enough to satisfy our ecological pursuits. If you've clicked open this article, though, you're likely wondering what more you can do to help. You've got the idea of climate-conscious gardening in your head and now it's time to put a plan into action. One way to start is by being mindful of the plants you choose to include in your landscape; at the surface level, that means opting for non-invasive and native species that are most appropriate for your area.

That's all well and good except that the major issues with climate change revolve around the climate ... well, changing. Maybe your region is experiencing unexpected rises in temperatures or flooding after decades of drought, or your neighborhood has fallen victim to high levels of pollution from chemical runoff. For those reasons, you might find yourself looking for plants that can actually help solve a specific problem. That's what we'll focus on here, just keep in mind that this is far from an exhaustive list. We're highlighting a few types of plants to get your creative juices flowing, but your local garden shop, county extension service, and even your neighbors who have seen it all are the people to talk to so you can be sure you're making the best choices for both your needs and those of the environment.

Vinca minor, often called periwinkle, is another low-maintenance ground cover. This one produces delicate flowers and a thick mat of foliage that small ground-dwelling animals like chipmunks and rabbits can call home. Vinca minor is equally adept at fighting against soil erosion and that dense foliage prohibits weed growth; so it's a plant that allows you to reduce your reliance on herbicides and other chemicals.

Bloom Season: Spring and summer

USDA Growing Zone: 4 to 9

Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Clay, loam, or sand; well-draining

Size: 3 to 6 inches tall

An ecosystem would fail to thrive without pollinators, so growing plants that attract them is a wonderful way to up the eco-friendliness of your yard. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are one of the first flowers to pop up through the thawing landscape. Other early spring options are sand cherries (Prunus × cistena), bleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis), peonies (Paeonia lactiflora), and lungworts (Mertensia virginica), which are often called Virginia bluebells.

Bloom Season: Spring

USDA Growing Zone: 3 to 8

Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Moist but well-draining

Size: 8 to 10 inches tall

You can still have a yard full of pollinator-, Earth-friendly flowers as summer rolls into fall. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) have been known to bloom well into October, and when they finally finish showing off their oversized blossoms you can collect their seeds to dry for snacks or future flowers. Because they're so tall, sunflowers create shade, which is environmentally beneficial to vegetables that need shelter from harsh sunlight.

Bloom Season: Summer and fall

USDA Growing Zone: 6 to 9

Growing Conditions: Full sun

Soil Type: Sand, loam, or clay; well-draining

Size: Up to 9 feet tall and 1 foot wide

Plants with pungent odors also naturally repel pests and, therefore, allow you to further cut back on your use of chemicals in the garden. This reduces dangerous runoff from residue and keeps the ecology in balance. In the allium family, you'll find onions (Allium cepa), garlic (Allium sativum), leeks (Allium ampeloprasum), shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum), and chives (Allium schoenoprasum).

Bloom Season: Spring and summer

USDA Growing Zone: 4 to 10

Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Moist but well-draining

Size: Varies

We all know trees are vital to creating a healthy oxygen-rich environment, but there are some that are even better at this than others. Trees that fall into the broadleaf category — species like maple (Acer spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.), beech (Fagus spp.), and oak (Quercus spp.) — generate photosynthesis at a faster rate than those with needles or scales like conifers. Of course, cultural conditions for broadleaf trees will vary depending on variety, but they don't all require excessive amounts of space. Look for dwarf cultivars if you have a small yard.