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Reflections—Water in the Garden
Tip Sheets
Printable Tip Sheets
Brooklyn Botanic Garden's series of tips for water-wise garden spaces available in PDF format.
Water-Wise Gardening
Did you know that during the summer, 40 percent of all household water is used outdoors? Water may seem like a boundless natural resource, but it isn't. Drought, population growth, and pollution are threatening our water supplies, so whatever gardeners can do to reduce water consumption is important.
Using Mulch
Mulch is a soil covering that you apply to protect and improve your soil and plants. Let us help you choose the right mulch for various planting situations.
Drought-Tolerant Plants
Whether in shade or sun, plants in the city need to be tough. Streetscapes are hard places for plants to flourish: With so much sidewalk and asphalt absorbing heat and bouncing it back to the plants, urban gardens are often terribly hot. Plus, you're a busy person—who has time to fuss over flowers?
Creating a Rain Garden
Do you want a garden that's easy to install, looks good year-round, requires little maintenance, and helps prevent water pollution?
Native Plants for New York City Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are shallow depressions designed to soak up water and support trees, shrubs, and flowers that tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Native plants are highly recommended for rain gardens because they are more pest resistant than nonnatives, require no fertilizer, and provide habitat for birds and butterflies.
