"Efficient Landscaping: University of Florida Researchers Find Water and Cost Savings"

University of Florida researchers are testing landscaping techniques in a newly-built Central Florida community that rely mostly on rainwater and native plants, aiming to save water, money, and reduce carbon dioxide pollution. The landscaping, which attracts birds, bees, and other native insects, eliminates the need for weed whackers, lawnmowers, and chemical fertilizers. The researchers estimate that the landscaping in the community's 300 homes will save about 94,000 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution per year. They encourage homeowners to consider transforming their landscaping to native plants and provide tips on choosing the right plants on the UF/IFAS website.