Earth Kind Program

When it comes to selecting plants that are hardy, easy to maintain and consistent performers, I am a big fan of plants that have received the Earth Kind designation from Texas A&M. The Earth Kind Landscaping program recently revamped its website and it's a pleasure to visit. On the home page (http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind), they post this information, which helps explain the program to those who aren't yet familiar with it:

What is Earth-Kind Landscaping?
Earth-Kind Landscaping uses research-proven techniques to provide maximum garden and landscape enjoyment while preserving and protecting the environment. The objective of Earth-Kind Landscaping is to combine the best of organic and traditional gardening and landscaping principles to create a horticultural system based on real world effectiveness and environmental responsibility. Earth-Kind Landscaping Encourages:

•Landscape Water conservation
•Reduction of fertilizer and pesticide use
•Landscaping for energy conservation
•Reduction of landscape wastes entering landfills
Individuals using Earth-Kind landscaping principles and practices can create beautiful, easy-care landscapes, while conserving and protecting natural resources and the environment.

The site has a list of plants that have earned the Earth-Kind designation, a great resource list, publications and even an archive of podcasts focused on sustainable landscaping principles. I highly recommend it to those who are interested in sustainable landscaping or just want hardy, proven performers.