From chemicals to climate change, the environment is one of the most important issues we face today. At Beds & Borders, we believe in natural, eco-friendly landscaping that enriches and improves the environment. That’s why we offer the added benefit of “green” design.

Many homeowners don’t realize that smart, eco-friendly choices in landscaping not only create a beautiful landscape, but also help reduce their carbon footprint, counteract harmful transportation emissions, curb erosion, reduce the negative effects of non-indigenous plants and pests, and keep chemicals out of their children’s drinking water.

For example, consider the benefits of these green practices:

Native Sugar Maple: When planted between your house and a southern sun, this native tree helps protect your home from direct summer sunlight. In winter, the absence of leaves allows the lower winter sun to warm the house.

Native Groundcovers: Ginger, Solomon's Seal, Thalictrum, Fern, Bunchberry and Blueberry are beautiful plants, but they also provide an important habitat for Minnesota's natural fauna and insect populations while controlling harmful erosion.

Native Shrubs: Serviceberry, Dogwood, Hazelnut and Willow offer a critical habitat for birds while providing excellent ground stabilization.

Native Hardscapes: Dolomite limestone and dozens of granites and trap from northern Minnesota, Fond du Lac and Chilton, Wisconsin, provide excellent surfaces that don’t have to be transported long distances and using up precious fossil fuels.

Rain Garden: Funneling rainwater to a low spot in your yard helps prevent erosion so Mother Nature can recharge her reserves.

Rain Barrels: Harnessing and storing natural rainwater is better for your plants and leaves less environmental and economic impact.

Raised Bed Garden: A raised bed can help overcome soil drainage, compaction problems or weed issues. It also provides specialized growing conditions for specific plants and keeps rabbits out of your garden.

Mulch: We offer pine bark mulch made from Minnesota’s very own state tree, the Norway Pine.

Compost: Why import compost from hundreds of miles away when you can achieve excellent quality straight from a Minnesota farm?

Weed Control: We recommend newspaper as an environmentally-friendly weed barrier and use a non-toxic, vinegar-based weed control as a substitute for Round-up.

* As part of our commitment to the environment, Beds & Borders uses recycled paper and office supplies, including recycling batteries and ink cartridges.