Mulches shade the soil, keeping plant roots cool in the hot sun, and warmer at night when the air temperature drops. Mulch also helps soil retain water, so that the moisture levels are more even between waterings, and can reduce erosion from water runoff.

Almost everyone is cheered up by the sight or sound of water in a garden. Many homeowners have fantasies that involve relaxing next to a beautiful koi pond listening to the calming flow of water and gurgling fountains or waterfalls.

Birds and beneficial insects are important wildlife that are part of the natural ecology of a place, and it is easy to create habitat gardens by incorporating native plants that are attractive to them.