An Introduction to Sustainable Planting.

Author: Richard

A Brief Introduction to Sustainable Landscapes

 

Sustainable is a word that can pack a lot of meaning- depending on what it is that you’re referencing.  So what happens when you’re using it to describe your landscaping?  Some people would think that it would be more expensive or difficult to maintain a "sustainable" landscape, others might have a mental picture of a patchy lawn full of native grasses and cacti.  However, what sustainable really means is that it’s a landscape that makes the best use of the available space with the fewest resources needed.  This means it will likely meet the following criteria:

 

• Cost Efficient
 
• Functional
 
• Eco-Friendly
 
• Resource Efficient
 
• Visually Appealing

 A good designer will always help you create a landscape that is functional and visually appealing. 

Choosing a consultant with an eye towards native plants, site needs, and low maintenance materials will help you keep it sustainable and less expensive.

     Native plants are an excellent choice for the sustainable landscape because it doesn’t take as much water, fertilizer, or pest control (if any) to maintain them.  Such plants prove cost effective in the long run and help local populations and native wildlife.  As a bonus, Middle Tennessee offers a wide and unique range of native perennials, shrubs, and trees found both in and around our state.  When natives can’t help solve a site problem or need, our climate (Cold Hardiness Zone 7) allows for a plethora of other plants that can be used in a landscape. Also, remember the importance of  verifying that plants you would like to use are non-invasive, otherwise it could spell trouble.

     Carefully choosing native and also non-native plants requires knowing your site’s light, moisture, soil, and spacing needs.  For example, witch hazel is a beautiful shrub, but it doesn’t belong backed up against the house. Hosta, a non native, does not normally survive a spot that sees bright afternoon sun.  Choosing the right plant for the right place keeps costs down by helping to ensure the long-term survival of the selections as well as reduce crowding.  It is an all too common occurrence that seven plants are installed where five or even fewer will do.  As is frequently the case, these things are all interlinked, because properly matching plants to their site conditions reduces not only the cost at install but future costs as well. This is on of the reasons why selectively picking a suitable designer and landscaper is so important for a consumer!

    A sustainable landscape doesn’t have to be expensive and it can, as mentioned above, be a good money saver.  Sustainability makes sense, and your choices can even extend beyond the yard.  Planting a shade tree to the east and west of the house can greatly reduce your electric bills, and a well-placed hedge of evergreens as windbreaks can help relieve some of the costs of heating. Even a small backyard space can be used to grow fresh food and help maintain your health and supplement grocery bills. (Not to mention gas to the store!) Your choices can have a major impact on many aspects of your life.  Choosing the right plant for the right place and looking towards the above requirements will allow you or your consultant to put together a beautiful landscape that helps you, your budget, and your environment. 

    To find out more about PERENNIAL SOLUTION'S landscaping design and installation services, click below!

 

 

For more information, check out this link from the Colorado State Extension Service!

 Site link: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07243.pdf