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When I say this article is about cultivating a greener yard and garden, I am not referring to the rich color of your leaves, grass, and vegetables (though that will certainly be a welcome side effect). No, a greener yard and garden is one that's built in accordance with the ground and environment sustaining it. That means, for starters, respecting the site and the surrounding soil, water, and conditions, honoring native plant and wildlife, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals in the process.

A green garden and yard is one that's sustainable, meaning its present needs do not compromise those of future generations whether that's future generations of people, plants, or animals). Here are a few ways to achieve those ends:

For the yard:

* Get inspired. Before you start haphazardly designing the landscape you plan to live in and look at for years to come, take a stroll around the neighborhood, or drive around your area. Visit local gardens and nurseries. Get those creative juices flowing.

* Plant native plants. "Yes, but the exotic ones are so beautiful andexotic." We know. But many non-native plants can take over a landscape, killing off the natural vegetation that most-likely grew where it did for a very good reason. Some non-native plants are poisonous to native wildlife. Some carry pests and diseases that can be transferred to native species biologically unprepared to repel or resist them. And some just plain will not grow in incompatible non-native climates or soil conditions.

Your best bet for a landscape that is encouraged by its surroundings to thrive and that, in turn, supports its surroundings to prosper and thrive, is to avoid non-native plants that might disrupt the local ecology. Native plants have proven they grow well in your environment. They've likely developed resistances to pests and diseases that non-native plants may not have. If you absolutely must have an exotic or two, put them in flowerpots at least, and better yet, keep them indoors.

* Give your plants some companionship. Yes it's nice to spend time in your yard, but that's not what we mean. What we're talking about is "companion planting" or the planting of certain species that attract the pests that would otherwise be destroying your beautiful yard. Pests swarm these companion plants and leave the rest of your landscape alone. Magnolias planted around tomatoes are a perfect example.

* Mulch. How simple is that? You were going to do it anyway, right? Well, good for you. Mulch made from natural

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