Even something as simple as digging a swale to channel your rainwater or connecting a rain barrel to your downspout can help save water.
Irrigate efficiently. Drip irrigation a type of watering system that applies water directly and slowly to the soil or judicious hand watering are the best ways to irrigate. Use mulch. It conserves water by reducing evaporative loss from the soil surface, keeping the roots of the plants cool, and reducing weeds that compete with desirable plants for water.
Manage your landscape with conservation in mind. Run your garden the smart way. Keep weeds down. Top off mulch as needed to maintain a 3- to 4-inch thick layer. Check your irrigation system monthly for proper operation, and then make any necessary repairs as soon as you can. Reprogram your irrigation controller as needed to adjust for seasonal differences in water use.
Selecting and combining the right plants, trees, and shrubs will contribute to a beautiful, sustainable landscape that you can enjoy for years.
Ask these key sustainability-oriented questions when mapping out plants for your yard:. Is it adapted to your climate? Make sure your plants will tolerate the temperatures, winds, humidity, and seasonal rhythms that occur where you live. Is it the right size? Give your plants and yourself!
Is it resistant to pests and diseases? Why create trouble by choosing wimpy plants? Opt for sturdy varieties that never need to see the doctor. Is it long-lived? This question is especially important with trees and shrubs. Is it safe? Avoid poisonous or highly flammable plants, thorny plants, and trees that tip over or break apart in windstorms. What does it do? Try to use plants that provide food for you or the neighborhood critters, make habitats for wildlife, improve the microclimate around your house, or create privacy.
Skipping over conventional landscaping practices and moving to sustainable techniques will help the environment, save you money, and still deliver beautiful landscaping results. Try these alternatives for sustainable landscaping methods:. Cheat Sheet. Identifying Ways to Make Your Landscape Sustainable Getting to know your yard is the first step toward improving the sustainability of your landscape.
You have to gather some information about your property, so grab a lawn chair, get comfortable, and consider these questions: How big is your lawn? Simple Strategies for a Water-Thrifty Landscape A key component of a sustainable landscape is water conservation. Use the following water-saving practices when planning your landscape: Pay attention to design. Enlarge cover. Error rating book. Refresh and try again.
Open Preview See a Problem? Details if other :. Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page. Sustainable Landscaping for Dummies by Owen E. Create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that's easy on your pocketbook. Want to go green outside your home? This practical, hands-on guide shows you how to design, create, and live with sustainable lawn and garden spaces. You'll see how to eliminate the use of chemicals, reduce energy use, and conserve natural resources, all while you craft an attractive and functional o Create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that's easy on your pocketbook.
You'll see how to eliminate the use of chemicals, reduce energy use, and conserve natural resources, all while you craft an attractive and functional outdoor environment that increases the value and improves the appearance of your home.
Is it adapted to your climate? Sustainable Landscaping for Dummies by Owen E. The lawn is the big water-sucker in your landscape. I hope it will not involve heavy equipment but I can see where using stakes to lay out a plan would be useful. Although many of the texts on this list deal with organic gardening, this one has a particularly robust selection of new and updated organic methods and trends. Kris Brennan rated it it was ok Dec 28,
Understand sustainability: what it means, why it matters, and what materials and resources to use. Work with water: evaluate and maintain irrigation systems, explore water harvesting, and manage watering for maximum conservation.
Make the most of hardscaping: from patios and walls to fences, steps, and lighting systems, construct and maintain sustainable elements. Select, establish, and care for gorgeous climate-appropriate plants that need few resources. Open the book and find: The essentials of sustainable garden care; Ways to minimize your lawn's impact and keep it healthy; A step-by-step tutorial on designing a great landscape plan; How to grade, plant, and irrigate the sustainable way; Tips for fitting food into your landscape; Cheap or free planet-friendly projects; Nonsustainable gardening mistakes to avoid; When and why to call in the pros.
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To ask other readers questions about Sustainable Landscaping for Dummies , please sign up. Be the first to ask a question about Sustainable Landscaping for Dummies. Lists with This Book. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Community Reviews. Showing Rating details. More filters. Sort order. Sep 11, David Roberts rated it it was amazing. Sustainable landscaping is using native plants and materials in your garden and recycling where possible. It's often cheaper than convential landscaping and requires less maintenance.
Native plants are more disease resistant and native vegetables and fruits that are grown in season are very healthy. Scientists are likely to discover different nutrien The book I read to research this post was Sustainable Landscaping For Dummies by Owen E Dell which is an excellent book which I bought from kindle.
Scientists are likely to discover different nutrients that make up our diet that aren't known at present but following this rule will definitely ensure you have a healthy diet. Recycled materials can often be obtained for nothing and you should befriend local businesses so they can give you things like old building materials for recycling especially if you intend doing this as a business. Bear in mind if you have to dispose of a lot of waste you will probably have to pay a fee which can be quite substantial for commercial waste.
If you build a wall in a garden up to 2 feet tall it's quite straightforward but beyond that you might need to reinforce it especially if it will support a load. Also some things like adobe bricks while cheap aren't intended to bear weight. Also the most important step in having a landscaped garden is the design and planning and deciding how you are going to achieve it and you can't skimp on these steps.
I enjoyed reading this book and it's very interesting but aimed at the American market which might be a slight problem if like me you live in Britain.