Creating Sustainable Landscapes Part One

Achieving sustainable landscapes is based on careful planning and attained through various strategies and techniques that are eco-friendly.Some landscape architectural practices have been proven beyond doubt that to embrace a certain level of sustainability while maintaining the visual appeal as well as functionality.

Recycling/reusing
One of the best ways to create sustainable landscapes is embracing recycling as well as reusing in the landscape.Previous posts have illustrated how well we can reuse materials such as plastic bottles and tyres as planters saving on the cost of either buying or purchasing.
How to use recycled materials for your landscape
As it is with many residential homes,there is the aspect of the greywater which is water from sinks,bathrooms and bathtubs that does not contain human waste.In that regard,it is important to point out that this water can be recycled and used for irrigation on the landscape hence conserving clean water further enhancing sustainability.

Permeable paving
The use of hardscape materials on the landscape is inevitable in the provision of elements such as pavements,parking lots and outdoor entertainment spaces.However,the idea of integrating softscapes and hardscapes is a great stride towards sustainability.

Permeable pavements allow water infiltration to the ground

Permeable paving for instance entails using material that will help in infiltrating water to the ground maintaining the aquifer balance as well as reduce stormwater runoff and flooding.On your lawn,you can encourage alternating pavers with grass and encourage natural processes of the ground.Porous paving blocks can also play this role effectively.

Solar energy
For as long as we can remember,the world is pushing for the embracing of green energy sources that do not harm the environment.Designing with this in mind is a sure way of creating sustainable landscapes.Embracing this source of energy not only saves the earth,but also saves your pocket in a long term perspective.Adopting ways of solar harvesting such as using solar panels ensure that we harness the solar energy and convert it to energy that can be used to run different activities in the home.For achieving long term goals of sustainability,this is a sure way to go.

Rainwater harvesting
One of the principles of sustainability advocates for the treatment of water as a resource.It insists on placing value on this commodity that is so crucial for life.Nature has a way of rewarding mankind through rains.The best way to receive this gift is by creating mechanisms to harvest rainwater and use it effectively on the landscape.

Using tanks to harvest rainwater.

Various ways of harvesting water include the use of tanks and basins.This water can then be used to irrigate plants on the landscape hence saving on the costs of billed water.As a rule of the thumb ensuring that you are well prepared for the rains in terms of having the right water harvesting equipment.

Native plants
A native plant is one which occurs naturally at a given ecological place and time without direct or indirect human actions.In other terms,the plant is well adapted to the said environment.In most constructions,the first step is to clear the site which by default involves getting rid of the existing plants.However,as a good practise,the best approach involves getting rid of invasive plant species while avoiding interfering with the native species.
Why is this important?The fact that the plants are native,implies that less maintenance will be required,less pests and diseases among others.Therefore,such plants will live longer and healthy without 'asking' for a lot of maintenance.
A good planting plan will always incorporate varieties of native species for any landscape,