The following tip was provided by the Go Green Galloway Task Force for Sustainability:

Have you noticed that your lawn and certain plants in your gardens do not do so well in hot, dry weather? Many of the plants and grasses that cover our yards are non-native species and therefore need more water and fertilizer to survive the conditions of this area.

If you are taking on a new landscaping project, think about expanding gardens with native plantings and cutting back on large expanses of lawn.

Planting native species of trees, shrubs and grasses will not only keep you from having to work so hard to maintain your yard, but you will also save money by not having to purchase chemical fertilizers. An added bonus: this effort will greatly benefit our indigenous wildlife and help to replace habitat that has been lost through development.

For more information, call the Galloway Township Department of Community Education at 609-652-3700 x209 or email bfiedler@gallowaytwp-nj.gov