We hear a lot these days about sustainable gardening and the use certain techniques to promote a healthy environment. A sustainable garden works in harmony with nature. It is also called a "whole system growing method."

Terms such as native plants, drip irrigation, backyard composting, mulching and integrated pest management seem like a lot of work in the garden, but in reality, these practices are easy, fun and will save you time and money in the long run.

First, plant native. Native plants can add value and quality to your landscape.

The definition of a native plant is generally defined as plants present in North America before the European settlers came. They are species of plants that occur naturally in our region in response to climate, land formation and other natural features.

Butterflies, bees and moths, which are natural pollinators, and other beneficial insects depend on these native plants, as well as birds and other animals that disperse seeds along their journeys. Native plants have developed over time and are resistant to disease and drought. Many of them are considered deer tolerant.

Native plants generally have been overlooked in the home landscape. But they can be an important asset in a garden because they have adapted to local conditions and require less maintenance. Natives are hardy and can withstand extreme cold or heat. Natives require less pesticides and fertilizers because of their natural adaptability.

Drip irrigation is a watering method that directly steers the water to the root zone of the plant, and drip hoses effectively water plants deeply. Infrequent but deep watering, preferably in the early morning, can deliver water directly to the plants with little lost to evaporation or runoff.

It is an efficient way to properly deliver the amount of moisture to each individual plant and is one of the best techniques for watering gardens, fruit trees, vines and container plants.

Composting is the keystone to a successful sustainable garden. When dry materials are added to organic matter and these components are given time to heat up and decompose, the end result will be a rich humus-like material that adds nutrients right back into garden soils. Also, composting prevents erosion and aerates the soil.

Mulching is another important practice and is a great way to recycle materials that might otherwise be discarded. Fallen leaves, pine straw and wood chips can all be used around garden beds to hold in moisture around the base of plants. Mulching also provides an extra layer of protection against fungal diseases that can be spread from the splashing of rain.

Don’t let the words "integrated pest management" scare you. This is simply a better, and healthier, way to control pests and keep a natural balance in your garden. IPM techniques can be as simple as planting companion plants to attract beneficial insects and animals into your garden. Ladybugs, spiders, bees, lizards, bats and hummingbirds consume pests like mosquitoes, aphids, slugs and grubs.

Bees are also great pollinators and are a must in gardens to pollinate flowering plants and vegetables.

Using some or all of these practices will result in a healthier, more sustainable landscape while saving you money and time in the long run.

There are many opportunities to purchase native species from annual plants sales conducted at Elachee Nature Science Center and through the Georgia Native Plant Society in Atlanta. Go to their websites for more information at www.elachee.org and www.gnps.org.

Check out the summer gardening series titled "What’s in Your Backyard" to be held at Elachee Nature Science Center in partnership with UGA Cooperative Extension from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Aug. 4. These fun and informative classes will touch on native and invasive plants, pollinators and the many wildflowers found in our backyards. Register at www.elachee.org or call the Extension office.

Wanda Cannon is a Master Gardener and serves as Master Gardener coordinator and horticulture assistant for the Hall County Extension office. Phone: 770-535-8293. Her column appears biweekly and on gainesvilletimes.com/life.