What Are Sustainable Landscapes?
Sustainable landscaping is a type of landscape design that is environmentally-friendly and requires minimal effort to maintain. They are built with the idea of creating a self-sustaining ecosystem requiring little to no human interference.
Examples of sustainable landscapes can include:
Native plant gardens
Self-sustaining farms or gardens
Compost
Shade trees (conserve energy)
Retaining walls (reduce water runoff)
Benefits of Sustainable Landscaping
Temperature Control
Plants can help cool the surrounding area through a process called transpiration - the act of releasing water through evaporation, creating a cooling effect.
Energy Savings
Shade trees are an excellent way to cool your home during hot summer days, reducing your need for air conditioning. Trees also act as windbreakers during colder weather, reducing heat loss as well as your heating bill.
Improves Mental Health
A UK mental health study showed that nearly 50% of people felt happier after visiting a greenhouse or park. This is because nature helps to generate positive emotions and can improve concentration. Who would have thought the solution to a problem may be in your own backyard!
What are Eco-Friendly Landscapes?
Eco-friendly landscapes or ‘Native plant gardens’ are landscapes that consist of plants and flowers native to the area rather than traditional grass. They represent an environmentally-friendly approach to landscaping by offering numerous benefits for both the environment and the community. By selecting and incorporating plants that are native to the region, these gardens help to celebrate the existing landscape and cut down on water and maintenance costs.
Types of Eco-Friendly Landscapes
Native plant gardens
Compost
Rain Gardens
Worm farms - natural lawn irrigators
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Landscapes
Eco-friendly gardens provide essential habitats and food sources for a variety of native wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects; making it a perfect place to wind down after a long day. Plants often found in eco-friendly gardens provide many benefits, including
Natural bug repellent
Pest control
Mental health benefits
Beneficial Plants Include:
Lavender
Due to its rich scent, lavender makes it hard for most bugs to smell, including fleas, mosquitos, and moths, making them a natural bug repellent.
Evergreen Juniper
Junipers can produce berries, even in winter, providing a food source for hungry wildlife.
Milkweed
Milkweed is the exclusive plant for Monarch caterpillars. Rich in nutrients, they help sustain caterpillars through their transition period before transforming into butterflies.
Black-eyed Susans
The bright yellow petals attract pollinators and provide a refuge for small birds and rodents
Honeysuckle
The rich, sweet-scented nectar attracts bees, hummingbirds, and other wildlife
Community Engagement
Eco-friendly landscapes and gardens can have a positive impact on communities and neighborhoods alike. Local greenhouses, for example, are a great way to get members of the community together and get them involved in more green initiatives, as well as boost overall mental health.
Community gardens are another way to get communities involved in green initiatives and bring them together. Many low-income communities will start a community garden to grow herbs, fruits, and vegetables to feed families in need. It is also a great way to teach kids about the benefits of growing your own food.
Stay Sustainable!
We have seen how sustainable landscaping goes beyond mere aesthetics. It encompasses practices that conserve water, reduce pollution, and support local wildlife. By choosing native plants, implementing water-wise techniques, and adopting organic methods, we can transform our outdoor spaces into thriving ecosystems that benefit not only ourselves but also the environment at large.
To start your journey to a more eco-friendly garden or sustainable landscape, call Landed LLC or view our portfolio. We are practiced and experienced in eco-friendly landscapes and green initiatives!