Our relationship to the landscape is guided by the principle of stewardship, and as such, we believe we are responsible for finding ways to preserve what we have been given as a trust for future generations. The following are some basic, easy-to-execute methods of landscaping for clients interested in implementing "green living" into their landscape:
Composting
Composting is simply the 'helping along' of mother nature's process of decay, decomposition & recycling of organic matter. On an individual level, composting involves mixing yard waste (branches, brush, grass clippings) and organic household waste (kitchen scraps, coffee) in a bin and providing conditions that encourage decomposition. For the homeowner, reducing trash volume while gaining a rich soil supplement are some of the powerful advantages of a compost pile.
Though composting can offer a virtually endless amount of fertilizer for almost no financial cost, some disadvantages to composting do exist. Foul odor, pests such as rats & mice, time commitment and the issue of aesthetics are some disadvantages to consider. For these reasons, DB Landscape & Design recently began offering an off-site composting service for those clients interested in the benefits of composting but dissuaded by the associated inconveniences to themselves & their neighbors. Please call us for pricing and details of this service.
Soil Quality
"Feed the soil, not the plant."" Healthy soil equals healthy plants. By boosting soil fertility through amending with organic matter (compost), soil conditioners & other natural amendments, we are better able to mimic the processes of nature without adding short-term, chemical fixes such as fertilizers to plants. As a result, plants are healthier & have longer life-spans, which saves the client money, time & resources, such as plant replacement costs and unnecessarily high watering requirements.
Irrigation Techniques
"Water where you want it." Consider your irrigation options. Drip irrigation releases a slow & small amount of water directly onto the soil's surface and around the plant's roots- delivering precise amounts of water directly to the plants that need it. The advantages are that it decreases water loss due to evaporation & eliminates the chance for wind to knock the spray off course, which helps to conserve water.
Whether you choose drip irrigation alone or in conjunction with spray irrigation, proper planning is crucial in saving water. There is a common misconception in irrigation that "if it's getting wet, it's getting watered." Unfortunately this isn't so. The water needs of a lawn are different from those of a flower bed. A skilled landscape designer can place plants with similar watering needs together, and can even use drought-tolerant color, ornamentals, & trees in the landscape as a water conservation measure. Proper planning also means mapping out the number and type of zones necessary to adequately cover the intended landscape with a minimum of overspray.
Mulch
Mulch is simply a blanket of organic matter placed on the soil to insulate it and hold in moisture. Mulch is inexpensive and may be the best investment you make in your new landscaping project- a layer of mulch will help prevent the germination of many weed seeds, reducing the need for herbicides. Mulches also help moderate the soil temperature and retain moisture during dry weather, reducing the need for watering. A layer of organic mulch may encourage the growth of worms and other beneficial soil organisms that can help improve soil structure and the availability of nutrients for plants.
Recycled Materials
Choosing to implement recycled materials into your landscape- everything from mulch to soil amendments to recycled hardscape material- can dramatically reduce costs while providing environmentally-friendly alternatives. Ideal mulch is a mixture of 50% compost & 50% woody material. The organic matter- providing a rich source of nutrients- can be recycled from your green waste bin, yard clippings or the local coffee house (organic coffee grounds provide a rich compost).
Likewise, construction materials can be recycled into new hardscape (a term which refers to the stonework portion of a landscape). Old bricks can make a beautiful new patio or path. Similarly, broken-up concrete which is widely available from construction sites and always free, can substitute for flagstone.