In order to understand how to create a sustainable, ecological landscaping in your own yard there must first be an understanding of what it is and why it’s important. I could go into detail spouting all kinds of facts and studies but that would be overwhelming and surely make you tune out. With that in mind I’ll keep it basic here.
What is Ecological Landscaping? It’s a way of designing, installing and managing landscapes with the idea that we will enhance the natural environment for the benefit of us (humans) and wildlife. As a designer, I’m not only improving your landscape by making it beautiful and enjoyable for you but for our pollinators and wildlife as well. As ecological landscapers, we take into careful consideration the existing site conditions. We use detailed site analysis to design and install landscapes in a way that follows healthy patterns to recommend appropriate plants for your site, create wildlife habitat, reduce water consumption, preserve water quality, prevent soil erosion, protect biodiversity, reduce the use of toxic pesticides or chemicals and minimize the use of non-renewable resources. Another component that we are focused on now more than ever is adaptability of the landscape to climate change.
So why is this important? We are disturbing, destroying and developing our lands at a very rapid rate these days. We have very little open and undisturbed land left. Each of us really do have an opportunity to make a difference by how we choose to garden and landscape our own yards. Climate change is another topic of concern that we all hear constantly. I understand this is a hot topic and whatever you believe, being responsible stewards of our lands is not detrimental to us. If anything it benefits us just as much as the wildlife and ecosystems around us. Why not be considerate of the place where we live?
A lot of times people want to do the right thing but aren’t sure where to start. If you would like to know how to create an ecological landscape it helps to start with informing yourself. You can contact a professional with expertise in this area. When you reach out to a landscaper for help be aware that conventional landscapers do differ from ecological landscapers in approach and application. Ecological landscapers have a deeper understanding of natural systems and how to apply them to your specific site conditions.
If you would like to incorporate the benefits of ecological landscape principles in your own yard. There are steps you can take! Every little bit helps so don’t feel overwhelmed that you have to do everything all at once. The best place to start is with a plan. Starting in a small section of your yard or tackling one area of concern, such as efficient irrigation, are smaller steps you can take in order to reach the bigger goal of having a landscape or garden that works with nature and benefits all of us.
If you want to make some beneficial changes to your landscape here are 7 ways to integrate ecological landscaping in your own yard:
Use Native plants as much as possible
Reduce water use/Efficient irrigation
Reduce Lawn
Use organic methods instead of chemicals
Create and protect biodiversity
Recycle materials
Promote air quality by reducing the need for gas-powered machines.
These are just a few basic ideas of how to create a beneficial landscape for us and our ecosystems. If you are you ready to incorporate some of these ideas in your own yard or have questions on how, reach out and I'm more than happy to help you get started.
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