Rick Huffman is a native plant expert from Greenville, SC who became passionate about using native plants in landscaping after graduating from college. He started his own business called Earth Design to promote using native plants and sustainable gardening practices. Earth Design has received numerous awards for their landscaping work. Huffman believes that using native plants adapted to the local environment requires less maintenance and is better for the environment. He teaches others about the benefits of native plant landscaping through his work with schools and community projects across South Carolina.
This document provides resources and information for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening in climates similar to southern Alberta. It lists books available at the Medicine Hat College Brooks Campus library on topics like creating prairie xeriscapes and trees and shrubs for the prairies. Online resources on native plant selection and xeriscape design are also included. The document provides tips for soil preparation, plant selection, irrigation, and maintaining mulch to conserve water in landscaping. It highlights the Brooks Environmental Advisory Committee's demonstration of xeriscaping with native and drought-resistant plants.
Tips for Water Efficiency - Master Gardeners of Nevada County, CaliforniaDanousis85z
This document provides tips for creating a water-efficient landscape. It estimates that up to 50% of household water is used for landscaping. The tips include using drought-tolerant native plants that match the climate, reducing lawn areas, defining separate irrigation zones, and using efficient irrigation practices like drip systems. Proper planning of plant placement according to water needs and exposure, along with use of mulches and hardscaping elements, can help create an attractive water-wise garden.
CA: A Bay-Friendly Landscaper's Guide to MulchSotirakou964
Mulch is any material spread over soil to enhance plant growth and landscape appearance. Using mulch can save money by reducing weeds, labor costs, and water use. The document discusses how mulch creates healthy landscapes, controls weeds, conserves water, and reduces labor costs. Applying mulch made from recycled plant trimmings and leaves is beneficial as it builds healthy soil, protects plants, and reduces waste going to landfills.
Water-Wise Gardening - Washington Native Plant SocietyFiorella58v
The document provides information about the Washington Native Plant Society and resources for learning about native plants in the Puget Sound region. It then discusses different plant communities that are well-adapted to the low summer rainfall including bluffs and forest edges, Olympic rainshadow meadows and south Puget Sound prairies, dry forests, and coastal beach communities. Specific plant recommendations are provided for each community type.
La Plaza Garden CA: Water Efficient GardeningSotirakou964
This document provides information about La Plaza Garden, a water-efficient demonstration garden in Cotati, California. The garden uses various techniques like drought-tolerant plants, water harvesting, and habitat creation to conserve water and other resources. It includes seven distinct garden areas showcasing different techniques, plants, and habitats. The document also provides additional resources for water-efficient and native plant gardening.
Xeriscaping: water conservation through creative landscaping - Colorado State...Eric851q
Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that focuses on reducing water usage through careful planning and plant selection. Key aspects of xeriscaping include considering a property's slope and exposure to the sun, reducing irrigated turfgrass areas, improving soil quality, using efficient irrigation practices, and applying mulches. Proper planning, soil preparation, efficient irrigation, and choosing drought-tolerant plants adapted to local conditions are essential for an attractive, low-water landscape through xeriscaping.
Drought-Tolerant Landscapes for Alabama - Alabama A&M UniversityFabienne22Q
This document provides guidelines for designing drought-tolerant landscapes in Alabama. It discusses hydrozoning plants according to their water needs, improving soil quality, and selecting plants adapted to the local climate to reduce outdoor water usage. The key recommendations are to zone at least 60% of the landscape for low water use plants, amend soil with organic matter, and space plants appropriately to limit the need for supplemental irrigation.
This document is a magazine from the Metroparks of the Toledo Area about their parks and programs. It discusses the restoration of the historical Shipman Garden at the Wildwood Manor House led by Margie Black. It also describes the large-scale collection of native plant seeds at the Metroparks' Seed Nursery to support restoration projects across the park system.
This document provides resources and information for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening in climates similar to southern Alberta. It lists books available at the Medicine Hat College Brooks Campus library on topics like creating prairie xeriscapes and trees and shrubs for the prairies. Online resources on native plant selection and xeriscape design are also included. The document provides tips for soil preparation, plant selection, irrigation, and maintaining mulch to conserve water in landscaping. It highlights the Brooks Environmental Advisory Committee's demonstration of xeriscaping with native and drought-resistant plants.
Tips for Water Efficiency - Master Gardeners of Nevada County, CaliforniaDanousis85z
This document provides tips for creating a water-efficient landscape. It estimates that up to 50% of household water is used for landscaping. The tips include using drought-tolerant native plants that match the climate, reducing lawn areas, defining separate irrigation zones, and using efficient irrigation practices like drip systems. Proper planning of plant placement according to water needs and exposure, along with use of mulches and hardscaping elements, can help create an attractive water-wise garden.
CA: A Bay-Friendly Landscaper's Guide to MulchSotirakou964
Mulch is any material spread over soil to enhance plant growth and landscape appearance. Using mulch can save money by reducing weeds, labor costs, and water use. The document discusses how mulch creates healthy landscapes, controls weeds, conserves water, and reduces labor costs. Applying mulch made from recycled plant trimmings and leaves is beneficial as it builds healthy soil, protects plants, and reduces waste going to landfills.
Water-Wise Gardening - Washington Native Plant SocietyFiorella58v
The document provides information about the Washington Native Plant Society and resources for learning about native plants in the Puget Sound region. It then discusses different plant communities that are well-adapted to the low summer rainfall including bluffs and forest edges, Olympic rainshadow meadows and south Puget Sound prairies, dry forests, and coastal beach communities. Specific plant recommendations are provided for each community type.
La Plaza Garden CA: Water Efficient GardeningSotirakou964
This document provides information about La Plaza Garden, a water-efficient demonstration garden in Cotati, California. The garden uses various techniques like drought-tolerant plants, water harvesting, and habitat creation to conserve water and other resources. It includes seven distinct garden areas showcasing different techniques, plants, and habitats. The document also provides additional resources for water-efficient and native plant gardening.
Xeriscaping: water conservation through creative landscaping - Colorado State...Eric851q
Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that focuses on reducing water usage through careful planning and plant selection. Key aspects of xeriscaping include considering a property's slope and exposure to the sun, reducing irrigated turfgrass areas, improving soil quality, using efficient irrigation practices, and applying mulches. Proper planning, soil preparation, efficient irrigation, and choosing drought-tolerant plants adapted to local conditions are essential for an attractive, low-water landscape through xeriscaping.
Drought-Tolerant Landscapes for Alabama - Alabama A&M UniversityFabienne22Q
This document provides guidelines for designing drought-tolerant landscapes in Alabama. It discusses hydrozoning plants according to their water needs, improving soil quality, and selecting plants adapted to the local climate to reduce outdoor water usage. The key recommendations are to zone at least 60% of the landscape for low water use plants, amend soil with organic matter, and space plants appropriately to limit the need for supplemental irrigation.
This document is a magazine from the Metroparks of the Toledo Area about their parks and programs. It discusses the restoration of the historical Shipman Garden at the Wildwood Manor House led by Margie Black. It also describes the large-scale collection of native plant seeds at the Metroparks' Seed Nursery to support restoration projects across the park system.
Xeriscape Principles - Castle Pines North, Douglas County, Colorado Simm846q
The document discusses the principles of xeriscape gardening, which focuses on landscaping that conserves water. It outlines 7 principles: 1) developing a landscape plan, 2) reducing high water use areas like turf, 3) using a sensible approach to soil amendments, 4) selecting appropriate drought-tolerant plants, 5) mulching soil, 6) irrigating efficiently, and 7) maintaining the landscape to conserve resources. The document provides details and examples for each principle to help gardeners in Colorado address the challenges of low humidity, drying winds, and fluctuating temperatures through water-wise landscaping techniques.
FL: Landscaping Backyards for WildlifeSotirakou964
This document provides 10 tips for homeowners to landscape their backyards to support local wildlife. The tips include reducing lawn area, increasing plant diversity through vertical layering of vegetation at different heights, providing cover like brush piles and snags, offering water sources, using native plants, and supplying bird feeders and houses. Implementing these low-effort steps can meaningfully increase biodiversity and help nearby wildlife populations while also providing opportunities for wildlife viewing. Collective action across neighborhoods can further benefit wildlife by connecting habitat areas.
Mulching provides several benefits for gardens in Cyprus' dry climate, including reducing watering needs, inhibiting weeds, and protecting soil. Organic mulches like wood chips and grass clippings gradually improve soil as they decompose, while inorganic options like stones retain moisture without breaking down. The document provides guidelines for applying a 5-8 cm deep mulch layer around plants while avoiding issues like piling mulch against trunks.
Plant a Row for the Hungry - Master Gardeners, Memphis, TennesseeFarica954z
The May 12, 2011 meeting of the Memphis Area Master Gardeners (MAMG) had 118 attendees. The guest speaker, Tom Cox, discussed conifers that are adaptable to the Southeast. There was no new budget news reported. Donations were accepted for the Shelby County Extension secretary whose home was damaged in flooding. The Spring Fling in March was very successful. Updates to the MAMG bylaws will be voted on in July. Upcoming events include Gardens in Progress tours, MG landscaping projects for Habitat for Humanity, and opportunities to volunteer with the Plant-A-Row project.
The courtyard garden at the Traditional Olive Mill of Büyükkonuk demonstrates water-wise landscaping (xeriscaping) and highlights how beautiful gardens can coexist with water conservation. Xeriscaping focuses on native, drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, soil improvement, and mulching to minimize water usage. The garden applies seven principles of xeriscaping and features plants important to Cypriot culture and cuisine such as olive trees, grape vines, rosemary, and lemon trees. It provides an attractive, sustainable alternative to traditional gardens while conserving scarce water resources.
Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with moisture-loving plants that capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and allow it to gradually soak into the ground. They provide environmental benefits like reducing flooding and filtering pollutants. When properly sited and sized based on the runoff area and garden depth, rain gardens can manage stormwater onsite. The document provides guidelines for installing rain gardens, including preparing the site through digging or tilling based on soil type.
The document discusses xeriscaping and its history and benefits. It provides examples of xeriscaped landscapes in Colorado that conserve water and examples of how homeowners can convert existing landscapes to be more waterwise. The key aspects are using drought tolerant plants, proper plant spacing and grouping by water needs, and designing functional and low-maintenance landscapes. Xeriscaping can significantly reduce water use and bills while providing attractive, wildlife-friendly gardens.
Xeriscaping provides several benefits:
1) It enhances the value of homes with attractive, water-conserving landscapes that require little maintenance.
2) It saves water by 30-100% compared to traditional landscaping through appropriate plant selection and irrigation methods.
3) Xeriscaping creates drought-resistant landscapes that can withstand watering restrictions.
Waterwise Gardening: Creating Your Own Xeriscape - Oregon State UniversityEric832w
The document discusses xeriscaping, which is a water-wise gardening approach. It describes the seven main components of xeriscaping: planning and design, plant selection, soil improvement, efficient irrigation, mulching, maintenance, and proper turfgrass placement. The key aspects are planning the garden based on the site conditions, choosing plants suited to the environment and water needs, improving soils, and installing an efficient irrigation system to reduce water use. Xeriscaping creates a water-smart landscape that requires less water and maintenance.
powerpoint proposition describing landscaping possibilities for the phoenix arizona deer valley water treatment plant south wall as envisioned by artist john runnels
WI: Madison: Planting a School Rain GardenSotirakou964
This document provides instructions for sizing a rain garden based on drainage area, soil type, slope, and other factors. Students will measure the drainage area flowing into the rain garden, determine the garden depth based on site slope, identify the soil type, select the appropriate soil factor table, and use these variables to calculate the necessary rain garden size using formulas in order to control 100% of runoff from the drainage area. Extensions include calculating sizes for larger community buildings and comparing sizes using different site characteristics.
Water-Wise Gardening - University of California, StanislausFiorella58v
This document provides a guide to creating a water-wise landscape in Stanislaus County, California. It discusses replacing traditional lawns with drought tolerant plants suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Specific recommendations include zoning plants by water needs, using drip irrigation and mulch, and following proper pruning and fertilizing practices to reduce water use and create an environmentally friendly garden. Lists of suitable plant types, including perennials, shrubs, trees, and ground covers are provided to help homeowners select water-wise options for their landscape.
Xeriscape at Bickham-Rudkin Park - Edmond, OklahomaEric851q
The document summarizes the principles of Xeriscape gardening, which uses creative landscaping techniques to reduce water usage. It discusses designing gardens with different water use zones, improving soil, selecting drought-tolerant plants, using mulch, and irrigating efficiently. The overall goal is to create an attractive landscape that requires less water and maintenance than conventional gardens.
ND: Living Landscapes - A Guide to Native PlantScapingSotirakou964
This document provides an overview of native landscaping principles and practices for North Dakota. It discusses why native landscaping is important as it provides an attractive landscape using less water and maintenance. It also covers planning, design, site preparation, choosing grasses and wildflowers, trees and shrubs, water conservation, maintenance, plant protection, planning for wildlife, rain gardens, and energy conservation. The benefits of native landscaping include lower costs, enhanced wildlife habitat, reduced water and chemical usage, and increased drought tolerance of plantings.
Water Efficient Landscaping: Preventing Pollution and Using Resources WiselyEric832w
This document discusses water-efficient landscaping. It defines water-efficient landscaping as landscaping that produces attractive landscapes using designs and plants suited to the local climate and conditions, in order to conserve water resources. The document notes that approximately 30% of water usage in the US goes towards outdoor uses like landscaping. It provides an overview of the principles of water-efficient landscaping, including proper planning, soil improvement, appropriate plant and turf selection, efficient irrigation, mulching, and maintenance. The document also discusses the concept of "Xeriscape" landscaping, which was developed to formalize water-efficient landscaping principles.
Using Drought Tolerant Plants in Our Gardens - Acton Garden Club, MassachusettsFrida85y
The Acton Garden Club has supported waterwise gardening education with annual programs since 1999. The document discusses how to utilize drought tolerant plants by reducing lawn area by 50% and choosing plants suited to the site's sun, shade, and water conditions. It provides tips for amending soil with compost and mulch and maintaining plants with organic amendments. The goal is to minimize water use by establishing deep-rooted plants and watering only when needed based on rainfall. Examples of drought tolerant plants mentioned include yucca, liatris, eryngium, ornamental grasses, and amsonia.
Santa Barbarba Sustainable Landscaping ManualSotirakou964
The document provides guidance on sustainable landscaping for homeowners in Santa Barbara County. It discusses planning a landscape that is resource efficient and reduces waste, which can save homeowners time and money while benefiting the environment. The key aspects of sustainable landscaping covered are reducing lawn areas, using water-efficient native plants, installing efficient irrigation, and designing functional outdoor spaces. Analyzing the site conditions and planning phases are emphasized as important first steps to having a sustainable landscape.
Native plants provide a low-maintenance, drought-resistant landscape while benefiting the environment. They require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than traditional lawns. A rain garden is a shallow depression planted with native plants that filters pollutants from stormwater runoff and returns moisture to the water cycle. Xeriscaping uses native and drought-tolerant plants to reduce water usage through proper plant placement. The seven principles of xeriscaping are planning, soil improvement, efficient irrigation, plant zoning, mulching, turf alternatives, and appropriate maintenance.
This document provides guidance on creating a water efficient landscape in California. It emphasizes the importance of planning ahead when designing the landscape, including measuring the space, drawing plans, and selecting appropriate plants. Large lawns are discouraged due to their high water usage. The document recommends minimizing lawn size and choosing drought-tolerant plants, trees, and groundcovers. It also provides tips for installing an efficient drip or sprinkler irrigation system and adjusting it appropriately for different seasons. The overall message is that with careful planning and choosing of water-wise plants, homeowners can have an attractive landscape that uses water efficiently.
Prairier Rivers Network: Rain Gardens for IllinoisSotirakou964
Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants that are designed to capture, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, and other impervious surfaces. They provide multiple benefits by reducing flooding, improving water quality by filtering out pollutants, and providing habitat for wildlife like birds and butterflies. Proper site selection and planting of native species suited to the soil and moisture conditions are essential to establishing an effective and attractive rain garden.
KY: Attracting Butterflies with Native PlantsSotirakou964
Butterflies are beautiful insects that people enjoy attracting to their gardens. To successfully attract butterflies, gardeners must understand butterfly biology and ecology. Specifically, they must plant native species that caterpillars use as food sources so the butterflies will come to lay eggs. Common caterpillar food plants include members of the carrot family for black swallowtails and milkweeds for monarchs. By providing larval host plants that match the local butterfly species, gardeners can support the butterfly life cycle and attract more of these colorful insects to enjoy.
MT: Harvesting and Saving Garden SeedsSotirakou964
This document provides instructions for harvesting and saving seeds from home gardens. It defines key terms like cultivar, hybrid, open-pollinated, cross-pollinated and self-pollinated. It explains that hybrid seeds should not be saved, as the resulting plants will not be true to type. It provides guidance on isolating different plant varieties to avoid cross-pollination when saving open-pollinated seeds. Instructions are given for harvesting and storing seeds from various plant structures like pods, flowers and fruit.
Xeriscape Principles - Castle Pines North, Douglas County, Colorado Simm846q
The document discusses the principles of xeriscape gardening, which focuses on landscaping that conserves water. It outlines 7 principles: 1) developing a landscape plan, 2) reducing high water use areas like turf, 3) using a sensible approach to soil amendments, 4) selecting appropriate drought-tolerant plants, 5) mulching soil, 6) irrigating efficiently, and 7) maintaining the landscape to conserve resources. The document provides details and examples for each principle to help gardeners in Colorado address the challenges of low humidity, drying winds, and fluctuating temperatures through water-wise landscaping techniques.
FL: Landscaping Backyards for WildlifeSotirakou964
This document provides 10 tips for homeowners to landscape their backyards to support local wildlife. The tips include reducing lawn area, increasing plant diversity through vertical layering of vegetation at different heights, providing cover like brush piles and snags, offering water sources, using native plants, and supplying bird feeders and houses. Implementing these low-effort steps can meaningfully increase biodiversity and help nearby wildlife populations while also providing opportunities for wildlife viewing. Collective action across neighborhoods can further benefit wildlife by connecting habitat areas.
Mulching provides several benefits for gardens in Cyprus' dry climate, including reducing watering needs, inhibiting weeds, and protecting soil. Organic mulches like wood chips and grass clippings gradually improve soil as they decompose, while inorganic options like stones retain moisture without breaking down. The document provides guidelines for applying a 5-8 cm deep mulch layer around plants while avoiding issues like piling mulch against trunks.
Plant a Row for the Hungry - Master Gardeners, Memphis, TennesseeFarica954z
The May 12, 2011 meeting of the Memphis Area Master Gardeners (MAMG) had 118 attendees. The guest speaker, Tom Cox, discussed conifers that are adaptable to the Southeast. There was no new budget news reported. Donations were accepted for the Shelby County Extension secretary whose home was damaged in flooding. The Spring Fling in March was very successful. Updates to the MAMG bylaws will be voted on in July. Upcoming events include Gardens in Progress tours, MG landscaping projects for Habitat for Humanity, and opportunities to volunteer with the Plant-A-Row project.
The courtyard garden at the Traditional Olive Mill of Büyükkonuk demonstrates water-wise landscaping (xeriscaping) and highlights how beautiful gardens can coexist with water conservation. Xeriscaping focuses on native, drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, soil improvement, and mulching to minimize water usage. The garden applies seven principles of xeriscaping and features plants important to Cypriot culture and cuisine such as olive trees, grape vines, rosemary, and lemon trees. It provides an attractive, sustainable alternative to traditional gardens while conserving scarce water resources.
Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with moisture-loving plants that capture stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and allow it to gradually soak into the ground. They provide environmental benefits like reducing flooding and filtering pollutants. When properly sited and sized based on the runoff area and garden depth, rain gardens can manage stormwater onsite. The document provides guidelines for installing rain gardens, including preparing the site through digging or tilling based on soil type.
The document discusses xeriscaping and its history and benefits. It provides examples of xeriscaped landscapes in Colorado that conserve water and examples of how homeowners can convert existing landscapes to be more waterwise. The key aspects are using drought tolerant plants, proper plant spacing and grouping by water needs, and designing functional and low-maintenance landscapes. Xeriscaping can significantly reduce water use and bills while providing attractive, wildlife-friendly gardens.
Xeriscaping provides several benefits:
1) It enhances the value of homes with attractive, water-conserving landscapes that require little maintenance.
2) It saves water by 30-100% compared to traditional landscaping through appropriate plant selection and irrigation methods.
3) Xeriscaping creates drought-resistant landscapes that can withstand watering restrictions.
Waterwise Gardening: Creating Your Own Xeriscape - Oregon State UniversityEric832w
The document discusses xeriscaping, which is a water-wise gardening approach. It describes the seven main components of xeriscaping: planning and design, plant selection, soil improvement, efficient irrigation, mulching, maintenance, and proper turfgrass placement. The key aspects are planning the garden based on the site conditions, choosing plants suited to the environment and water needs, improving soils, and installing an efficient irrigation system to reduce water use. Xeriscaping creates a water-smart landscape that requires less water and maintenance.
powerpoint proposition describing landscaping possibilities for the phoenix arizona deer valley water treatment plant south wall as envisioned by artist john runnels
WI: Madison: Planting a School Rain GardenSotirakou964
This document provides instructions for sizing a rain garden based on drainage area, soil type, slope, and other factors. Students will measure the drainage area flowing into the rain garden, determine the garden depth based on site slope, identify the soil type, select the appropriate soil factor table, and use these variables to calculate the necessary rain garden size using formulas in order to control 100% of runoff from the drainage area. Extensions include calculating sizes for larger community buildings and comparing sizes using different site characteristics.
Water-Wise Gardening - University of California, StanislausFiorella58v
This document provides a guide to creating a water-wise landscape in Stanislaus County, California. It discusses replacing traditional lawns with drought tolerant plants suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Specific recommendations include zoning plants by water needs, using drip irrigation and mulch, and following proper pruning and fertilizing practices to reduce water use and create an environmentally friendly garden. Lists of suitable plant types, including perennials, shrubs, trees, and ground covers are provided to help homeowners select water-wise options for their landscape.
Xeriscape at Bickham-Rudkin Park - Edmond, OklahomaEric851q
The document summarizes the principles of Xeriscape gardening, which uses creative landscaping techniques to reduce water usage. It discusses designing gardens with different water use zones, improving soil, selecting drought-tolerant plants, using mulch, and irrigating efficiently. The overall goal is to create an attractive landscape that requires less water and maintenance than conventional gardens.
ND: Living Landscapes - A Guide to Native PlantScapingSotirakou964
This document provides an overview of native landscaping principles and practices for North Dakota. It discusses why native landscaping is important as it provides an attractive landscape using less water and maintenance. It also covers planning, design, site preparation, choosing grasses and wildflowers, trees and shrubs, water conservation, maintenance, plant protection, planning for wildlife, rain gardens, and energy conservation. The benefits of native landscaping include lower costs, enhanced wildlife habitat, reduced water and chemical usage, and increased drought tolerance of plantings.
Water Efficient Landscaping: Preventing Pollution and Using Resources WiselyEric832w
This document discusses water-efficient landscaping. It defines water-efficient landscaping as landscaping that produces attractive landscapes using designs and plants suited to the local climate and conditions, in order to conserve water resources. The document notes that approximately 30% of water usage in the US goes towards outdoor uses like landscaping. It provides an overview of the principles of water-efficient landscaping, including proper planning, soil improvement, appropriate plant and turf selection, efficient irrigation, mulching, and maintenance. The document also discusses the concept of "Xeriscape" landscaping, which was developed to formalize water-efficient landscaping principles.
Using Drought Tolerant Plants in Our Gardens - Acton Garden Club, MassachusettsFrida85y
The Acton Garden Club has supported waterwise gardening education with annual programs since 1999. The document discusses how to utilize drought tolerant plants by reducing lawn area by 50% and choosing plants suited to the site's sun, shade, and water conditions. It provides tips for amending soil with compost and mulch and maintaining plants with organic amendments. The goal is to minimize water use by establishing deep-rooted plants and watering only when needed based on rainfall. Examples of drought tolerant plants mentioned include yucca, liatris, eryngium, ornamental grasses, and amsonia.
Santa Barbarba Sustainable Landscaping ManualSotirakou964
The document provides guidance on sustainable landscaping for homeowners in Santa Barbara County. It discusses planning a landscape that is resource efficient and reduces waste, which can save homeowners time and money while benefiting the environment. The key aspects of sustainable landscaping covered are reducing lawn areas, using water-efficient native plants, installing efficient irrigation, and designing functional outdoor spaces. Analyzing the site conditions and planning phases are emphasized as important first steps to having a sustainable landscape.
Native plants provide a low-maintenance, drought-resistant landscape while benefiting the environment. They require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than traditional lawns. A rain garden is a shallow depression planted with native plants that filters pollutants from stormwater runoff and returns moisture to the water cycle. Xeriscaping uses native and drought-tolerant plants to reduce water usage through proper plant placement. The seven principles of xeriscaping are planning, soil improvement, efficient irrigation, plant zoning, mulching, turf alternatives, and appropriate maintenance.
This document provides guidance on creating a water efficient landscape in California. It emphasizes the importance of planning ahead when designing the landscape, including measuring the space, drawing plans, and selecting appropriate plants. Large lawns are discouraged due to their high water usage. The document recommends minimizing lawn size and choosing drought-tolerant plants, trees, and groundcovers. It also provides tips for installing an efficient drip or sprinkler irrigation system and adjusting it appropriately for different seasons. The overall message is that with careful planning and choosing of water-wise plants, homeowners can have an attractive landscape that uses water efficiently.
Prairier Rivers Network: Rain Gardens for IllinoisSotirakou964
Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native plants that are designed to capture, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff from rooftops, driveways, and other impervious surfaces. They provide multiple benefits by reducing flooding, improving water quality by filtering out pollutants, and providing habitat for wildlife like birds and butterflies. Proper site selection and planting of native species suited to the soil and moisture conditions are essential to establishing an effective and attractive rain garden.
KY: Attracting Butterflies with Native PlantsSotirakou964
Butterflies are beautiful insects that people enjoy attracting to their gardens. To successfully attract butterflies, gardeners must understand butterfly biology and ecology. Specifically, they must plant native species that caterpillars use as food sources so the butterflies will come to lay eggs. Common caterpillar food plants include members of the carrot family for black swallowtails and milkweeds for monarchs. By providing larval host plants that match the local butterfly species, gardeners can support the butterfly life cycle and attract more of these colorful insects to enjoy.
MT: Harvesting and Saving Garden SeedsSotirakou964
This document provides instructions for harvesting and saving seeds from home gardens. It defines key terms like cultivar, hybrid, open-pollinated, cross-pollinated and self-pollinated. It explains that hybrid seeds should not be saved, as the resulting plants will not be true to type. It provides guidance on isolating different plant varieties to avoid cross-pollination when saving open-pollinated seeds. Instructions are given for harvesting and storing seeds from various plant structures like pods, flowers and fruit.
Maintaining Stormwater Systems (Rain Gardens) - Northern VirginiaSotirakou964
The document provides a guide for private owners and operators on maintaining stormwater systems in Northern Virginia. It discusses the history of stormwater management, beginning with drainage ditches and evolving to include water quality treatment and a watershed approach. The guide describes various stormwater management components, such as dry ponds, wet ponds, rain gardens, and permeable pavement. It offers tips on inspecting, maintaining, and troubleshooting these systems to improve stormwater quality and reduce flooding issues.
This document provides information about rain gardens, including:
1) A rain garden is a garden designed to capture some of the runoff from rooftops, driveways, and lawns to slow down and soak up excess rainwater rather than letting it run into storm drains.
2) Stormwater runoff carries many pollutants that are filtered out as the water is slowed and soaked up in a rain garden, which benefits both the local environment and helps prevent issues like subsidence.
3) Creating an effective rain garden involves selecting a low-lying site near where water naturally drains, evaluating the soil drainage, and designing shallow planting zones suited to plants that can tolerate intermittent wet conditions.
This document provides information about rain gardens, including:
- Rain gardens are landscaped depressions that allow stormwater to soak into the ground instead of running off, reducing pollution and flooding.
- They should be planted with native species and designed to drain within 4-6 hours.
- Benefits include improved water quality, groundwater recharge, and wildlife habitat.
- Design considerations include ponding depth, plant selection, soil composition, and drainage area size.
- A local example of a successful rain garden is described in Athens, GA.
Conservation Gardening: Sustainable Practices for a Healthy Landscape - Unive...Kardatou54a
Sustainable gardening practices promote environmental health and human well-being. Gardening reduces stress, improves mental health, and aids recovery from illness. It also fosters respect for the interconnected web of life shared in backyards. The North Carolina Botanical Garden employs conservation techniques like composting, mulching, limiting lawn size, planting natives, and water-wise practices to create low-maintenance, multi-seasonal gardens beneficial to people and ecology.
Sustainable Gardening Helps to Ensure HealthBenBeckers
Sustainable gardening practices promote environmental health, mental well-being, and respect for all life. Such gardens use native plants, foster biodiversity, and nurture the soil. Conservation gardening considers the broader ecological community and shifts from a human-centric to holistic view.
Greenbelt Food Forest Phase II Photo JournalCHEARS
A photographic journal celebrating the progress made in Fall 2012 at the joint Springhill Lake Garden Outdoor Classroom and Greenbelt Food Forest sites.
The document summarizes upcoming events for the Minnesota Native Plant Society, including their monthly meetings and programs. It also discusses prairie and wetland restoration projects underway in Minnesota, including in Olmsted County where a seed production nursery has been established, and in Dakota County where a 50-acre wet meadow and wet prairie restoration project is taking place. The document also briefly describes the plant Culver's-root and its uses.
1. The document discusses creating sustainable landscapes through using native plants, conserving resources, preserving habitat, and managing stormwater.
2. Key steps to creating a sustainable landscape include building healthy soil, selecting plants suited to the site's conditions, using efficient irrigation methods, and practicing natural lawn care techniques.
3. When designing a sustainable landscape, it is important to investigate the site conditions such as sunlight, drainage, soil type, and location of structures to select appropriate plantings.
Smart Gardening Information Sheet, Water Wise Gardening - Los Angeles, Califo...Finola87v
This document discusses water-wise gardening techniques to conserve water in Los Angeles County. It provides 10 principles of water-wise gardening such as following the natural contours of your land to catch rainwater, watering plants efficiently using drip systems or soaker hoses, adding compost to soil to help it retain water, and planting drought-tolerant native or Mediterranean species. It also discusses two methods used to evaluate climate - USDA plant hardiness zones which classify regions by average winter temperatures, and a 24-zone climate system developed by UC Berkeley based on additional factors like rainfall. Microclimates within individual yards can also affect what plants will thrive due to differences in temperature, sun exposure, and other conditions.
Graham Calder spoke about permaculture design principles and techniques for sustainable water and food systems. Permaculture is based on observing natural systems and integrating successful practices. It has three ethics: care for the earth, fair share, and care for people. Graham discussed using swales, mulch, and catchment ponds to make water more accessible on farms. He also recommended no-dig gardens, fruit tree guilds, and hugelkultur mounds to create productive, self-sustaining food systems.
This document discusses the growing popularity of rain gardens in Wisconsin. It provides details on:
1) How Roger Bannerman, a DNR researcher, has advocated for rain gardens and helped spread their use through workshops. His own gardens capture over 8,000 gallons of runoff each year.
2) Guidelines for designing and installing rain gardens to effectively capture roof runoff, including sizing them based on roof area and soil type. Native plants are recommended as they are adapted to the local conditions.
3) Additional examples of rain gardens that have been installed at homes, schools, businesses and other locations in Wisconsin communities to help reduce stormwater runoff.
Living Landscapes in North Dakota: A Guide to Native PlantscapingFaizah68w
The document provides guidance on native landscaping in North Dakota, including why it is important, planning considerations, design principles, and plant selection. Native landscaping reduces water and maintenance needs while providing wildlife habitat and aesthetic benefits. Proper planning includes assessing site conditions, developing conceptual designs, and addressing issues like soil quality and climate. Design incorporates grouping plants by water needs and arranging spaces for different functions.
Alice Springs Vegie Garden Companion: A Handbook for Growing Food in Arid Aus...Aliki85w
This document provides tips and instructions for gardening in Alice Springs, Australia. It discusses choosing a garden location with sun exposure, preparing the soil, controlling weeds like couch grass, creating no-dig garden beds, using pots and containers, hardening off seedlings, transplanting, pruning fruit trees, and planting times. Watering recommendations are provided for different seasons, including summer when established gardens need 3 waterings per week with adequate mulch and organic soil. The document aims to inspire and assist people to grow their own food in the arid climate of Alice Springs.
Living Landscapes in South Dakota: A Guide to Native PlantscapingFaizah68w
This document provides an overview of the principles and benefits of native landscaping in South Dakota. Native landscaping, also known as xeriscaping, uses plants that are naturally adapted to the local environment and requires less water and maintenance than traditional landscapes. It can provide attractive, environmentally friendly gardens and yards while saving money on water and maintenance costs. The document discusses planning, design, site preparation, choosing appropriate grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs, and maintenance considerations for creating sustainable native landscapes in South Dakota.
This document provides information on creating a water-thrifty landscape through selecting plants adapted to local precipitation patterns, using alternatives to drinking water for irrigation such as rainwater collection, graywater, and air conditioning condensate, and employing efficient irrigation techniques. It discusses selecting drought-tolerant native plants, limiting lawn areas, using mulches to retain soil moisture, and harvesting rainwater through rain barrels or cisterns. The document recommends irrigating only when needed, using a rain gauge or soil moisture probe to determine when to water, and employing drip irrigation or soaker hoses to apply water slowly and directly to plant roots.
Xeriscape Gardening - Goulburn Valley Water, AustraliaEric851q
This document provides information about xeriscape gardening principles and practices for water-efficient landscaping. It discusses the seven principles of xeriscape gardening including proper planning, soil preparation, use of mulch, grouping plants by water needs, and efficient watering techniques. It also provides a list of locally indigenous plants suitable for low water use gardens in the Goulburn Valley region of Australia, including trees, shrubs, ground covers, and grasses. It notes that a water conservation garden has been established at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne to teach visitors about water-efficient landscaping.
Xeriscape Gardening in Goulburn Valley, AustraliaEric851q
This document provides information about xeriscape gardening principles and practices for water-efficient landscaping. It discusses the seven principles of xeriscape gardening including proper planning, soil preparation, use of mulch, grouping plants by water needs, and efficient watering techniques. It also provides a list of locally indigenous plants suitable for low water use gardens in the Goulburn Valley region of Australia, including trees, shrubs, ground covers, and grasses. It notes that a water conservation garden has been established at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne to teach visitors about water-efficient landscaping.
The document describes a prairie restoration project at the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab property located on the campus of Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The project aims to restore 4.36 acres of recreational turf grass to native prairie plants to increase biodiversity and provide educational opportunities. The restoration will involve removing the existing turf, seeding the site with a diverse mix of 40% grasses and 60% flowering forbs, and ongoing management including invasive species removal and controlled burns. The restored prairie will benefit pollinators and other wildlife while enhancing the EcoLab's natural areas.
Sourcebook on Natural Landscaping for Local Officials - IllinoisFinola87v
This chapter introduces natural landscaping and discusses its key aspects. Natural landscaping uses primarily native plant species that are well-adapted to the local climate and soils. It provides an alternative to conventional turf grass lawns that is more environmentally friendly and requires less maintenance. Natural landscaping can help restore landscapes to how they appeared before widespread European settlement, while still meeting human needs. Local governments and officials can promote the use of natural landscaping.
Creating A Water-Wise Landscape - Virginia Cooperative ExtensionKardatou54a
The document provides tips for creating a water-wise landscape that reduces water usage. It recommends planning the landscape, selecting plants suited to the climate, preparing soil with organic matter, using mulch, and employing proper cultural practices like appropriate mowing and fertilizing. Specific tips include limiting turfgrass areas, grouping plants by water needs, replacing lawn with drought-tolerant groundcovers, and leaving leaf litter under trees to reduce maintenance.
The Legacy Garden in Faulkner County, Arkansas is an eco-friendly demonstration garden that was established over three years to educate the public on water-conserving landscaping practices. The garden features seven sections demonstrating different techniques like native plantings, butterfly habitats, and efficient irrigation. It serves as an outdoor classroom for teaching community members how to implement similar practices in their own home landscapes in an environmentally friendly way.
This document discusses the importance of clean water and managing stormwater runoff through regional and personal efforts like installing rain gardens. It provides information on how to create a rain garden, including calculating the size needed to capture a portion of runoff from one's property, amending the soil, and selecting native plants suited for the moisture conditions. Regional projects involving hundreds of rain gardens, rain barrels, and bioswales have helped reduce flooding and pollution in local rivers and streams. Working together through personal rain gardens and larger green infrastructure projects can significantly improve water quality.
The document provides information about creating sustainable landscapes that work with nature. It discusses how conventional gardening practices often damage the environment, while sustainable practices can help clean air and water, reduce flooding, and combat climate change. The Landscape for Life website provides guidance on sustainable practices for soil, water, plants, and materials to create healthy, beautiful gardens. It explains how to do a site assessment and harness natural processes like rainwater and nutrient recycling to care for the landscape.
This document discusses the history and forms of water harvesting. It begins by providing context on water harvesting's past role in agriculture and recent renewed interest. It then describes six main forms of water harvesting: 1) roof top, 2) for animal consumption, 3) inter-row, 4) microcatchment, 5) medium-sized catchment, and 6) large catchment. Each form is characterized by parameters like catchment area, cropping area, precipitation levels, and slope. The goal of water harvesting is to increase plant production in dry areas by concentrating rainfall runoff.
Water harvesting and development for improving productivity - Part 2Sotirakou964
This document provides information on rainwater harvesting techniques. It discusses roof harvesting where rainwater is collected from house roofs through gutters and pipes into storage tanks. The first water during rains should be diverted to flush dust and debris, while later water can be collected. Runoff harvesting and floodwater harvesting are also briefly mentioned as other rainwater collection methods. Guidelines are provided on roof cleaning, gutter sloping, and basic system designs to collect and store rainwater for domestic and agricultural use.
Santa Monica CA Rainwater Harvesting ManualSotirakou964
This document provides an introduction and overview of the City of Culver City's Rainwater Harvesting Program. The program aims to help homeowners capture rainwater from their roofs and redirect it to on-site pervious areas or rain barrels to reduce stormwater runoff. Harvesting rainwater provides benefits such as protecting water resources, reducing energy demands, practicing water conservation, and recharging groundwater supplies. The document outlines options for redirecting rainwater and provides guidance on assessing sites, measuring slopes, and installing rain barrels or building rain gardens to harvest rainwater on one's own property.
Stormwater planters are structures designed to capture, filter, and infiltrate or convey stormwater runoff. There are two main types: infiltration planters which allow water to seep into surrounding soils, and filtration planters which are lined to prevent infiltration and only cleanse stormwater before routing it to an approved disposal point. Planters provide stormwater management benefits and can be customized for different settings. They are sized based on the amount of runoff directed to them and factors like ponding depth and infiltration rate. Soils are typically amended to support plant life while allowing proper infiltration.
Sacaramento CA: Lawnless and Loving It ManualSotirakou964
This document discusses the benefits of removing lawns and replacing them with more sustainable landscaping options. It notes that lawns require large amounts of water and pesticides. Some alternatives to lawns mentioned include habitat gardens, edible gardens, meadows, rain gardens, rock gardens, and children's gardens planted with native species. Native plants are advocated because they are adapted to the local environment and provide benefits like requiring less water and maintenance than non-natives. Examples of lawn removal projects and their before and after appearances are also shown and described.
This document provides an introduction to conservation landscaping techniques like rain gardens and xeriscapes. It summarizes the philosophy and rationale for using native plants in landscaping to restore and protect local habitats. Examples are given from demonstration gardens at the Chesapeake Ecology Center, with plant lists and descriptions. The guide covers topics such as landscape design principles, how to plan and install conservation gardens, and lists of commonly used native trees and shrubs for the Chesapeake Bay watershed region. Its goal is to educate and inspire readers to adopt these practices in their own yards and communities.
Rainwater Tanks and Jars Construction Manual - Rainwater HarvestingSotirakou964
This document provides instructions for constructing cement rainwater jars and tanks. It discusses the materials needed, construction techniques, and installation of rainwater gutters. Rainwater collection is presented as a practical solution to water scarcity issues in rural and remote areas. The manual aims to promote rainwater harvesting at the household and community levels to improve access to safe water.
Green roofs, also known as living roofs, allow plants to grow on building roofs. They provide environmental benefits like reducing stormwater runoff and the urban heat island effect. While initially costly, green roofs last longer than traditional roofs and provide savings over time. When planning a green roof, homeowners should consider their roof's slope, climate conditions, and structural ability to support additional weight. Green roofs have multiple layers, including a waterproof membrane, drainage layer, lightweight growing media, and drought-tolerant plants. Proper planning and installation are needed to ensure a successful green roof.
This document provides an overview of natural insecticides that can be used in organic gardening. It describes several botanical insecticides including pyrethrum, sabadilla, rotenone, nicotine, and neem oil. The insecticides are derived from plants and have low toxicity to humans. The document provides instructions on safely applying natural insecticides, including only using them when needed, wearing protective equipment, thoroughly covering plants, and following label directions. It emphasizes using multiple pest control methods to keep insect populations low and reduce reliance on insecticides.
OR: Portland: Multnomah Building Green RoofSotirakou964
The document summarizes a green roof project on the Multnomah Building in Portland, Oregon. The 12,000 square foot green roof was intended to demonstrate the benefits of green roofs, including increased roof longevity, stormwater management through reduced runoff and pollution, and improved aesthetics. The total project cost was $343,000, with the green roof construction costing $179,801. Various organizations provided grants and materials to support the project as a demonstration of green roof technologies.
New York City: Rainwater Harvesting ManualSotirakou964
This document provides an introduction to rainwater harvesting systems. It discusses the history of rainwater harvesting around the world dating back thousands of years. It then describes the basic components of a rainwater harvesting system, including the roof, gutters, downspout, first flush system, storage tank, overflow pipe, and optional connections to a rain garden. Diagrams and photographs help illustrate the different parts of a typical system.
Los Angeles Rainwater Harvesting ManualSotirakou964
This document provides a homeowner's guide to harvesting rainwater in Los Angeles. It discusses the benefits of rainwater harvesting such as reducing pollution to local waterways, conserving water, and recharging groundwater. The guide describes various rainwater harvesting methods homeowners can implement, including redirecting downspouts to rain barrels or rain gardens. It provides step-by-step instructions for how to assess a site, measure slopes, and redirect downspouts. The guide also discusses plant selection and maintenance for rain gardens. Overall, the document aims to educate homeowners on simple rainwater harvesting techniques.
Beyond More Crop per Drop: Farming & Sustainable DevelopmentSotirakou964
This document provides a list of resources for bay friendly landscaping. It includes websites and organizations related to air quality, alternatives to pesticides, bay-friendly standards and trainings, beneficial insects, composting, erosion control, fire resistant plants, green businesses, greywater systems, and hazardous waste disposal. The list is intended to support professionals in implementing sustainable landscape practices.
This document provides a summary of key considerations for rainwater harvesting systems in small island Caribbean environments. It outlines the main components of a rainwater harvesting system including the catchment area, conveyance system, and storage. Formulas are provided to calculate the volume of water that can be captured from a roof catchment area. Guidelines aim to assist homeowners, contractors, and farmers in best practices for installing and operating rainwater harvesting systems.
An extensive green roof has less than six inches of growing medium and can support grasses and small shrubs, while an intensive green roof has 6-24 inches of medium and supports larger plants. A green roof absorbs up to half of rainfall and greatly increases roof insulation. Steps to install a green roof include adding a vapor barrier, insulation, waterproof membrane, drainage layer, growth medium, and selecting plants suited to the climate from a list provided. Cost is approximately $15-25 per square foot but reduces runoff and provides other benefits.
Waterbird Conservation for the AmericasSotirakou964
This document provides a framework for conserving waterbird populations throughout the Americas. It sets broad goals such as advocating continent-wide monitoring, regional conservation planning, and national/local action. The plan aims to weave together resources, science, and stakeholders to achieve sustainable waterbird populations and habitat management across their ranges. It emphasizes initial priorities like seabirds and colonial nesters in northern areas, with plans to expand coverage over time. Implementation will rely on partnerships across geographic and organizational boundaries to coordinate waterbird conservation efforts internationally, nationally, regionally, and locally throughout the Americas.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Educator's GuideSotirakou964
This document provides an educator's guide to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. It includes information about the refuge's habitats and wildlife, as well as guidance for planning field trips, including pre-field trip activities, hands-on activities during field trips, and post-field trip activities. The goal is to enhance students' learning experiences through field trips to the refuge and increase environmental awareness in the community. The guide takes a comprehensive, hands-on approach to environmental education.
The document is a teacher's guide for the AWARE Kids program, which aims to educate elementary school students about ocean conservation. It includes an introduction to the program, correlations to national science standards, lessons on topics like coral reefs and sea turtles, and hands-on activities. The guide is designed to integrate science, math, art and other subjects while teaching about underwater environments and conservation issues in an interactive way.
The document provides background information on a teachers guide and poster about stream ecosystems. It includes an introduction to the poster's depiction of a typical middle order stream and the species selected. It discusses the life cycles of frogs, insects, and mussels shown in the poster which involve metamorphosis. It also describes suggested classroom activities teachers can use with the poster, including having students draw life cycles, simulate ecosystem changes, or create imaginary rabbit metamorphosis. The guide concludes with discussions of food chains, energy use, nutrient recycling, and how adaptability to available food impacts species survival.
The document is a curriculum guide for teaching coldwater conservation and trout habitat education. It includes 17 activities to teach students about ecological concepts, hydrology, stream life, trout behavior and biology, human impacts on streams, and sustainable fishing practices. The guide is intended to complement fly fishing instruction by providing the scientific background on healthy trout habitats and how human activities can positively or negatively affect these habitats. It contains suggestions for how to use the guide, definitions of key terms, and references for additional teaching resources.
1. Going native
Rick Huffman’s vision of how homeowners can put
native plants to work in their yards and gardens
By Anne K. Moore, Contributing Writer
G
reenville native Rick Huffman is
passionate about the environment.
“I couldn’t get my buddies to go into
the woods any more because all I wanted to
talk about was plants,” Huffman says with a
laugh. “I had to cultivate new friends.” He
contacted like-minded individuals and built
a core of committed people. In 1996, they
became the South Carolina Native Plant
Society.
Self starter
Huffman flip-flopped through several major cities are outdoor classrooms. Rivers
landscape-related jobs after graduating from and lakes run through it, symbolized by dry
the University of Georgia. When he couldn’t stream beds and rain gardens.
interest employers in using native plants and The project is named SCALE (for South
sustainable gardening practices, he decided, Carolina Academic Learning Environment)
“If I’m going to do this, I’m going to have Rick Huffman has earned wide John Bruce and serves to provide an outdoor learning
to do it myself.” recognition for his visionary approach to classroom where learning about our state and
landscaping. He was named Environmental its environments are realized. Huffman has
Educator of the Year and recipient of landscaped with native plants in each region
Prepare for spring! the Governor’s Award for Environmental
Awareness.
of the state, from the piedmont to the coastal
plains. For information, access spart5.k12.
This 11-page March 2009 special sc.us/scale.
lawn-and-garden section is packed These experiences led to his business,
with ideas to help you make plans for Earth Design, Inc. The landscape architecture Stepping softly on the earth
improving your home landscape. When planning a landscape for an indi-
Star t here with award-winning being 13 years ago in Pickens. vidual homeowner or business, Huffman’s
gardening writer Anne K. Moore’s “Education leads to understanding,” he focus is on plant communities. “Our eco-
opening feature on South Carolina says. He travels the state speaking, teaching system design makes us different,” he says.
native plant expert Rick Huffman, and installing earth-friendly gardens. The The surest way to build a landscape of native
who offers tips for low-maintenance Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative member has plants is to look at where they came from.
and environmentally sound land- won numerous awards for his volunteer and “With our 65-mile-per-hour lifestyles, we
scaping. professional work including Environmental have forgotten how to look closely,” Huffman
Other lawn-and-garden section Educator of the Year and the Governor’s explains. Gardeners should “learn to look
features include: Award for Environmental Awareness. at nature. There are models all around us.”
• Gardening memoirs, 17 Working with schools and the children Homeowners can be more environmentally
they serve are Huffman’s most rewarding friendly by integrating rain barrels, rain gar-
• Laws of lawn care, 18
activities. On six-and-a-half acres in Duncan, dens and native plants into a new or existing
• Yard art ideas, 22 near Spartanburg, he designed an interactive landscape.
• Guide to pruning, 26 scale model representing the state of South For instance, Huffman promotes the use of
• Community gardens, 27 Carolina. There, schoolchildren can walk in a special fungi to replace expensive chemical
miniature state of South Carolina over walk- fertilizer and rainwater instead of metered or
ing trails depicting interstate systems. The well-water irrigation.
14 LIVING IN SOUTH CAROLINA MARCH 2009 livinginsc.coop
2. Earth Design landscaped this backyard
setting where native plants nestle the
home while inviting a stroll of sensory
delight and discovery.
Earth Design created this rooftop garden at a high school in the Upstate to This meadow gracing the Table Rock State
mimic a granitic outcrop plant community and provide an educational resource. Park Visitors Center on Scenic Highway 11
in Pickens County was planted by Earth
Design with native grasses and wildflowers
Rainwater harvesting is not new. It has population from using it as a nursery school as a complement to the park’s natural
been used around the world for thousands for their wiggly youngsters. It should have a beauty.
of years. By hooking up a rain barrel, you diverter so when the barrel is full, the water
can save water that would otherwise run reroutes back to the downspout and out to
into storm drains. A roof area of only 1,000 a drainage area. Using a rain garden as a
square feet might provide about 600 gallons drainage area slows or stops water runoff
of water during a one-inch rainfall. If you use in the yard.
the collected rainwater on dry days, there will A rain garden’s purpose is to hold water
always be room for more rain. in the landscape where it can percolate to the
In order to put a rain barrel to use, your
house should have gutters and downspouts. water back to the underground aquifer. If you
The rain barrel system should contain a tight- have a natural depression in your yard, you
already have a spot for a rain garden. The conceptualization of a meadow is
to keep out thirsty animals that might fall manifest in this Earth Design setting along
the shoreline of a waterfront residential
in and drown, and to keep the mosquito continued on page 16
community. With a steady visitation of
butterflies, the tapestry of native plant
textures, colors, and hues are vibrant all
Rain gardens summer.
A
rain garden publication has been written
specifically for South Carolina residents.
Released in October 2008, The South
Carolina Rain Garden Manual was created by the
Carolina Clear program, an initiative of Clemson
University to inform and educate communities
about water quality, water quantity, and the
cumulative effects of storm water.
Download at clemson.edu/carolinaclear/cc_toolbox,
e-mail for print copy, kgiacal@clemson.edu, or write Carnivorous native plants dominate an
Katie Giacalone, Carolina Clear, 1360 Truxtun Ave., Earth Design natural bog ecosystem that
uite 300-B, N Charleston, SC 29405. helps absorb runoff and pollutants while
capturing insects for supplemental food.
livinginsc.coop MARCH 2009 LIVING IN SOUTH CAROLINA 15
3. continued from page 15
On the other hand, you can dig one. It
Best bets
should be at least 10 feet from the house
M
any flowers, trees, and
foundation. You can either pipe water from shrubs are descendants
your downspouts or put the rain garden in of plants native to South
a naturally occurring run-off area. Trees, Carolina. They have been selected
from their wild counterparts for their
should be both wet- and drought-tolerant. hardiness and beauty. If you think of
“Statistics show that a well-maintained natives as hard to find, some of the The fringe tree (Chionanthus
landscape increases property values from 15 virginicus) is a small (12–15’) drought-
tamed flora listed here might surprise
tolerant native tree that brings a
to 20 percent,” Huffman says. “Native plants you. These plant choices help create breath of spring to the landscape.
located in the proper environment require colorful native habitat gardens and
much less maintenance than the average are available in many garden centers
landscape.” statewide.
You can be a gardener and still have time to
lounge in the garden furniture and hammocks PERENNIALS
of your garden “rooms.” There are plants that Green and gold (Chrysogonum
virginianum)
and that are adapted to local rainfall and Wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria)
soil types. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia Trumpet honeysuckle is an example of
“If you choose natives and place them in native vines and is recommended for
the same or similar conditions where they capillaries)
gardens.
grow in the wild, they will thrive in your Blazing star (Liatris spicata)
garden,” Huffman says. Purple coneflower (Echinacea
purpurea)
Hardy natives Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Low-maintenance habitat gardening Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium
places focus on plant communities, their purpureum)
relationship to each other and the wildlife Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum spp.)
they support, he continues. Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia spp.)
“Many of our native plant choices are Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) The star of the show in the fall
extremely hardy,” Hoffman points out. He and winter, pink muhly grass
calls these, “Stick plants — you can beat Southern shield fern (Dryopteris (Muhlenbergia capillaries) is a
them with a stick and they still grow.” marginalis) common and tough native grass that
Making a difference starts with one person Crested iris (Iris cristata) is extremely drought tolerant. Its fall
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) display lights up any landscape.
and an idea. Plant trees to clean the air.
Plant native grasses and sedges to clean the SHRUBS
Sweet shrub (Calycanthus floridus)
Huffman is doing all these things and making Flowering anise (Illicium floridanum)
a difference. Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginicus)
Anne K. Moore is a professional gardening Summer sweet (Clethra alnifolia)
writer who lives and gardens in Columbia. Sweet azalea (Rhododendron
arborescens)
Piedmont azalea (Rhododendron A native plant, flame azalea is known
To learn more candescens)
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
for its vibrant orange-red hues.
For help on landscaping with Drooping leucothoe (Leucothoe
native plants, contact Ear th axillaris)
Design, 405 Johnson Street, Lacecap hydrangea (Hydrangea
Pickens, SC 29671, (864) 898- radiata)
1221, earthdesignsc.com. Another
resource is South Carolina Native TREES
Plant Society, PO Box 491, Norris, SC Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus)
29667, scnps.org. For information Redbud tree (Cercis canadensis)
Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) With a sweet fragrance and spires
about rain barrels, please access on reddish flowers, summer sweet
rain-barrel.com. Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus Clethra (Clethra alnifolia) attracts
parviflora) butterflies and hummingbirds.
16 LIVING IN SOUTH CAROLINA MARCH 2009 livinginsc.coop