In the Garden
There are many ways to be green outside in your yard, from growing a vegetable garden, to putting in backyard wildlife habitat, to planting native flowers and plants that need less water.
Grow Your Food
Gresham has a great climate for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. It’s fun and easy to do. For those with a yard who would like to learn more about growing your own, visit the Urban Growth Bounty for a list of affordable classes in the area.
If you don’t have suitable space for a garden, consider signing up for space in one of the City's community gardens.
Compost Food Scraps
More than 25% of our waste each day is scraps from fruits and vegetables. Scraps can easily be composted in your backyard, providing nutrients for your gardens and saving you money.
Build a Rain Garden
A rain garden is landscaping that absorbs water from your roof or driveway. Planning to landscape? Install a rain garden into your landscape to manage stormwater runoff from your home.
Plant a Tree
Trees provide many benefits: shade and habitat for wildlife, improved air quality, beauty, and they even absorb stormwater runoff before it reaches local waterways. Trees improve property value.
Native Plant Gardening
Native plant gardening provides a number of wonderful benefits: natives use less water, are typically easier to maintain, provide great habitat for butterflies and birds, and contribute to the broader ecological health of our community.
Sustainable Lawn Care
Learn about the best practices to maintain your lawn while benefiting the environment.
Backyard Habitat Certification Program
The City offers a free consultation to help you transform your yard into wildlife habitat. You could have beautiful flowers where butterflies and hummingbirds feed, native edible berries for you and the birds, or a pond with singing frogs.
If you are interested in keeping backyard chickens in Gresham, we have information on how to get started.