DO IT YOURSELF
“To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves.” Gandhi
Strategically placed trees and smart use of materials can increase energy conservation:
- Deciduous trees protect seasonally on exposed areas of a home. South and west exposures benefit the most from deciduous tree protection
- Plants can shade Air Conditioners compressor units or air to air heat pumps.
- Well placed evergreens can act as cold winter wind breaks.
Protecting water resources:
- ‘Green’ drain swales or bioswails – they have herbaceous material (Choose plants that can handle both very dry and wet situations.) so the runoff water can be processed; this leads to cleaner runoff water. The highest quantities of pollutants from burning coal are Nitrogen Oxides. These pollutants are plant food, if they are not used by plants before they go into river they can cause eutrification.
- Make use of plants that do not require a lot of nutrients or water to minimize polluted runoff.
- Install efficient irrigation systems to help reduce runoff (drip systems zoned to plants water needs, rotary nozzles on popup sprinklers.) • Most irrigation systems will save lots of water by installing a master valve. All irrigation controllers should be ET timers.
- http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/docs/irrigation508.pdf
- Use of organic material for fertilizers when they are needed. Organic fertilizer is less likely to runoff causing algae blooms in our riparian areas.
- If you have standard Colorado clay soil you probably have plenty minerals in your soil and you don’t need extra Phosphate and Potassium. Use organic fertilizers with Nitrogen, the first number in a fertilizer ratio. Phosphate and Potassium are the last two numbers in a fertilizer ratio by weight. (An example would be Fish Emulsion 5-1-1)
- Local composts are always the most sustainable. Most organic composts are high in Nitrogen.
- No-mow lawns (buffalo gramma grass) and use of new water efficient hybrids
There are many drought tolerant shrubs, trees and perennials to choose from when you begin to think about your garden design. Taking into account sunlight, soil and water requirements, we can create unique designs suitable to your needs.
Annuals can add fullness and added color to a new perennial garden. Throw some vegetables into the mix and create a truly diverse garden with the ability to pick fresh herbs and tomatoes for your morning omelet!
Ecological restoration:
- Utilize native plants specific to your area and micro climates in your yard. Click here for more info
- Identify and control nonnative noxious weeds
http://weeds.hotmeal.net/
http://www.jeffco.us/weed/weed_T71_R0.htm
This is why we don't use swathes of rock mulch...this man has the futile task of trying to clean these rocks and tidy up the fabric. Our choice is to have the plants fill in... (see below).
Residential and Commercial Landscape Experts Serving The Denver and Boulder Areas
- Koi ponds & Zen Gardens
- Grassy Knolls & Xeriscapes
- Fire Pits & Trickling Streams
- Stone Pathways & Secret
Hiding Spots- Dry Creek Bed Sandboxes
