Earth Day Preview: 4 Top Plants to Celebrate!

Blair Brown — May 30, 2019

Earth Day is right around the corner, which means it's time to celebrate! And there's no better way to show your love for the environment than planting your favorite trees, shrubs and edibles.

When you plant, you make Earth Day every day in your landscape. Plus, you get the month-to-month and year-after-year benefits of color, vibrant greenery and delectable fruit to harvest for seasons to come. Check out our top picks for Earth Day below...and get a few of your own favorites!

1. Cold Hardy Avocado

Though the weather's warming up, the Cold Hardy Avocado is still a must-have. no matter the weather, you’ll get an abundant yield of fruit, much faster than you would with seed-grown varieties. And because the Cold Hardy Avocado grows quickly, you're going to enjoy your avocados in at least three years instead of the 10 years or more it takes to grow fruit from seedlings.

Avocados

But what really sets it apart is that it's hand-picked to be the best, outperforming all others. The eco-friendly benefits are clear, too: No more trips to the supermarket for fruit, harvests from your own backyard and fresh greens for your landscape.

2. Thuja Green Giant

It's a favorite for a reason (or two). For starters, you can block out noise, pollution and unsightly views with very little yard space since Thuja Green Giants grow in a uniform shape and height. And you get that classic French Renaissance look without having to prune or shear. In fact, you don't have to do anything to maintain your Thujas because they're drought tolerant and have no significant insect or disease problems.

So, it's tough tree that's environmentally-friendly too since you won't have to use harsh chemicals or sprays to keep bugs away. Plus, the Thuja resists ice and snow damage and grows in almost any soil, even sandy loam or heavy clays, so you'll have a landscape star that's long-lived and adaptable.

3. Dwarf Radicans Gardenias

Another fresh favorite...this time with amazing color and fragrance. Because the Dwarf Radicans works as a low border or container plant, it's versatile too. And since it's adaptable to clay, sand and loamy soils, you can get all the beauteous benefits of the Gardenia in nearly environment.

Dwarf Radicans


Once established, the hardy Dwarf Radicans becomes easy to maintain and is even drought tolerant. Basically, the Dwarf Radicans ticks all the boxes of a garden essential: Stunning, hassle-free and good for the Earth.

4. Ice Cream Banana

Last but not least: The Ice Cream Banana Tree. There's really nothing like this edible plant because you get delicious fruit with a side of tropical beauty.

With the Ice Cream, you get a backyard banana tree that offers hardy benefits, unique, super sweet flavor and faster results. And the taste is amazing - you get notes of vanilla custard and cream in a healthy package, right from home. The tree is aptly named because it's like picking dessert off your own backyard growth.

But whether you go for the Thuja or the ever-popular Avocado and unique Ice Cream Banana, you'll get a plant that boasts tons of Earth-friendly benefits...and endless benefits for your landscape. Check out more of our top picks!

Blair Brown

Blair is the Content Marketing Manager at FastGrowingTrees.com, and though she's not your traditional gardener, the planting world is definitely growing on her (pun intended!). She's enjoyed digging into plant care and maintenance and growing her plant collection, especially with exotic indoor varieties.

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