Earth-Kind® Landscape Design
What is Earth-Kind ®?
Earth-Kind® Landscaping combines the best of traditional and organic gardening methods and landscaping principles to create a system based on environmental responsibility and real-world effectiveness. Developed by Texas A&M University, research-based results support this approach while offering guidance on techniques to improve and maintain your home landscape for a healthy, sustainable environment for our families, pollinators and native wildlife.
The goals of Earth-Kind® encourage:
- Landscape water conservation
- Reduction of pesticide and fertilizer use
- Energy conservation through proper landscape design
- Reduction of landscape wastes entering landfills
Read the article about Earth-Kind® in the October 2025 issue of DCMGA’s e-magazine, The Root.
Resources For An Earth-Kind ® Landscape
Denton County residents using Earth-Kind® landscaping principles and practices can create beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes, while conserving and protecting natural resources and the environment.
Landscape Planning
By following Earth-Kind® principles you can design a landscape that is beautiful, easy to maintain and reduces the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides. Attend our comprehensive Landscape Design Course offered every January and July to develop your Earth-Kind® know-how!
Course participants will learn sustainable design and installation techniques for creating or renewing home landscapes. This course is open to the public and held twice a year at various locations in Denton County. It involves 16 hours of design education, active demonstrations, sample materials and design sketching for participant-selected home landscape projects. Participants also receive a personal design consultation as part of the course.
Pre-registration is required for single or companion registrations and includes a registration fee covering course materials and meals. Space is limited and course registration opens December 1st and June 1st each year. Click here to register now for the July 2026 course!
Our Earth-Kind® Design Team combines the knowledge and experience to help guide your landscape design journey and are is passionate about landscape sustainability with a desire to help others discover a shared vision about living in harmony with our ecosystem. With over 53 combined years of service with Denton County Master Gardener Association, these members offer excellence in community education, projects and leadership. Additionally, this team has collectively achieved Advanced Training Certifications in the following areas:
Earth-Kind® Landscaping
Entomology
Irrigation System Audits (U.S.EPA)
Landscape Irrigation (TxCLIA)
Native Landscapes (NPSOT)
Plant Pathology
Plant Propagation
Texas Superstars®
Turfgrass
Vegetables
Plant Selection
Planning your landscape includes identifying the right plants for your yard. Choosing native and adapted plant materials leads to sustainability while saving on your landscape budget. Plant selection includes factors including mature size, flower color, sun/shade exposure, soil type, bloom period as well as several other important criteria.
Water & Irrigation
Maintaining your Earth-Kind® landscape in Denton County involves using water in a responsible and effective manner. Understanding design considerations with seasonal watering adjustments support conservation efforts and can prove beneficial to your native/adaptive plant specimens while respecting our natural resources.
Resources & Publications
Subscribe to our monthly e-magazine, The Root, for strategies and tips to keep your landscape Earth-Kind®.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides more information about Earth-Kind® Landscapes.
Visit an Earth-Kind® Garden in Denton County
This public garden was designed using Earth-Kind® practices:
- The Grove located at Sandy Jacob’s Government Center 1029 W. Rosemeade Parkway, Carrollton, TX
Upcoming Earth-Kind ® Landscaping Course
Friday, July 17th & Saturday, July 18th, in Denton
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
PLUS
Personal Landscape Consultation (by appointment)
Saturday, July 25th
Sign Up for Our E-Magazine
Grow Your Skills
Conquer your landscape! Start getting our best how-to advice today. Sign up for our free monthly e-magazine, The Root. Receive expert tips, easy-to-follow plans from experienced gardeners, and learn new techniques you can put into practice right away.