Rethinking Home Landscaping: Why We Should Plant for Purpose, Not Profit
How to plant for purpose. Have you ever wondered why so many of us invest time and money into planting grass and trees that provide no tangible value to our lives? For years, I’ve questioned the logic behind maintaining lawns that don’t serve any real purpose other than looking “neat.” In reality, traditional landscaping is a costly endeavor, from buying lawnmowers to filling them up with gas, all while feeding a massive corporate machine that keeps us spending on products we don’t need.
In my view, it’s time for a shift. Let’s focus on planting things that add real value to our homes and our lives. Instead of wasteful grass that does nothing but grow (and cost us money to maintain), why not plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs that can feed your family? What about trees that give you more than just shade? Olive trees, nut trees, and fruit trees, for instance, bring a bountiful harvest every year, rather than just leaves to rake in the fall.
The Problem with Grass and Non-Fruit Trees
Grass has long been the default for most residential yards, but why? Sure, it looks nice when it’s neatly trimmed, but think of the hours and dollars we invest in keeping it that way. Lawnmowers, weed eaters, gas, oil, fertilizers—these expenses add up, all for something that gives us nothing in return. To me, this has always seemed like part of a larger corporate scheme designed to keep our pockets light and our dependency on their products heavy.
And it’s not just the grass. Trees like oak or poplar might provide some shade or visual appeal, but they don’t produce anything we can use. On the other hand, fruit trees and nut trees give us food we can eat, sell, or share with our neighbors. Instead of cluttering our landscapes with plants that only add to our maintenance routines, we can create yards that feed us and reduce waste.
A New Approach to Landscaping: Plant for Purpose
What if we approached landscaping with a mindset of purpose? What if everything we planted in our yards added value to our lives rather than subtracting from our bank accounts? Imagine your yard filled with fruit trees, berry bushes, herb gardens, and sustainable plants like bamboo or sugarcane. These plants not only serve a purpose, but they also reduce wasteful maintenance costs. Bamboo, for example, is a sustainable resource that grows quickly and can be used in countless ways around the home. Sugarcane can be harvested to produce natural sweeteners. These are just two examples of how we can rethink landscaping to serve us rather than cost us.
The Benefits of Sustainable Landscaping
By planting only things that bring us food, natural beauty products, or sustainable materials, we’re not just helping ourselves—we’re helping the planet. Think about it: fewer lawnmowers running means less pollution. More fruit and vegetable gardens mean fresher food for our families, with fewer trips to the grocery store and less reliance on big agriculture. This simple shift could reduce our carbon footprints and save money, while also contributing to healthier lifestyles.
And let’s not forget the benefits of plants beyond food. Herbs, flowers, and other plants can be used to create homemade medicines, teas, skincare products, and essential oils. Rather than spending money on store-bought goods, we can create them at home, all while beautifying our surroundings in a meaningful way.
Small Changes, Big Impact
This change doesn’t need to happen overnight. Start small. Begin by replacing a section of your lawn with a vegetable garden or swapping out a non-fruit-bearing tree for a fruit tree. Little by little, you can transform your yard into a space that not only looks beautiful but also serves a purpose. Each small step you take can add value to your property and reduce your environmental impact.
By making these small, purposeful changes in how we landscape our homes, we can help heal the planet, reduce waste, and live more sustainably. Imagine a world where every yard is filled with food-producing plants, sustainable resources like bamboo, and herbs that can be used for natural remedies. It’s a future where our yards are not just places to look at but spaces that nourish us in every way.
Plant for Purpose: Create a Bountiful, Eco-Friendly Landscape
If you’re like me and tired of the wastefulness of traditional landscaping, now is the time to make a change. Replace a patch of grass with a vegetable bed, or swap out an ornamental tree for a fruit-bearing one. Make your yard work for you—not the other way around. And as we each take these small steps, we can collectively make a big difference for our planet and our wallets.
So, why not plant for purpose instead of profit? Your yard, your wallet, and the planet will thank you for it.
At Sincere Scribbles, we believe in sharing ideas that not only inspire but also offer practical solutions for better living. Let’s rethink how we landscape, one plant at a time.
