Yes! It’s true! Gardening is not only relaxing and great for the environment, if done methodically can also save you money on your energy bills and keep your home more comfortable. Here are some great energy efficiency gardening tips:

• -Plant tall vegetation on the south and west windows in the warmer months to shade your windows to prevent a greenhouse effect from the direct summer sun. This will still allow low-angle sunlight to warm your home in the colder months (if they are a year-round plant).
• -Landscaping and planting around the perimeter of your home can actually help cool it through a process called evapotranspiration – this is the release of water vapor from the soil and plant surfaces.
• -Planting tall trees and shrubs to provide shade to your roof which can help to keep your home cooler in the sweltering summer heat.
• -Putting taller plants on each side of a walkway can help “funnel” summer breezes toward your home helping to cool it off.
• -Using sprinklers on a timer can help save water usage and with the added bonus of not having to remember to water the garden!
• -Collecting rain water (if it is legal in your state) and using that to water your garden will help keep your water bills lower.
• -Strategic placement of shrubs and/or trellises can help create wind breaks that can help keep your home warmer in the winter months.

Gardening can not only put your mind at ease when it comes to energy bills, but there is also scientific evidence that it can help boost your mood and help reduce stress! Keep all of these tips in mind this spring when you plan your landscaping!