Good landscape design
hinges on one basic concept -
the right plant in the right place.
Careful planning and site evaluation are the first steps in applying
this concept.Florida is a diverse state that includes multiple climatic
zones. Soil types, temperature ranges and rainfall patterns differ
dramatically from region to region. Different conditions often exist on
the same property.
Monitor landscape service provider. Review your
landscape service and maintenance agreements to place a high priority
on water conservation. Check when irrigation systems are operating to
insure they are not watering sidewalks and driveways.
Choose the right plant for the right place.
Planting the right plant for each location, decreases the amount of
water needed. When planning your landscape or garden, select and group
plants according to their needs for sunlight and water. Obviously,
plants in the full sun will require more water than those in shaded or
partially shaded areas.
Select plants that require less water. Many of
these will likely be native plants. An additional benefit to using
native plants is that they tend to attract wildlife. Many native plants
survive only on rainfall. Native and other "climate appropriate"
landscape materials can reduce irrigation water use by more than 50%.
Replace mowed landscaping with ground cover. Plan
the landscape with minimal use of grass. Only plant grass that requires
watering and mowing where it is necessary for guest satisfaction.
Replace grass with ground cover that requires less maintenance and less
water. Try to eliminate small areas of grass, such as parking islands
and areas between sidewalks and roadways. These are hard to maintain,
require a lot of watering and may be replaced with mulch without losing
any of the decorative appeal.
Fertilize appropriately. Fertilize in moderation
and only during the growing season. Use fertilizers that contain
slow-release, water insoluble forms of nitrogen. Better yet, use
organic compost.
Always mulch. Mulching flower beds, shrub beds and
trees has several benefits. It helps the soil absorb water, allows
water to better penetrate plants root systems, reduces unwanted weed
growth, and insulates plants from changes in temperature. As the mulch
decomposes, the organic content of the soil is increased. Mulch also
increases the attractiveness of areas.
Recycle yard waste. Grass
clippings, leaves and yard trimmings can be recycled rather than thrown
away. By recycling yard debris, we gain free mulch and return valuable
nutrients to the soil.
Manage yard pests. It is unrealistic and unwise to
strive for an insect-free yard. Many insects are beneficial, helping to
keep pests naturally under control. More and more communities and
individuals are successfully managing pests by protecting beneficials
and reducing the use of pesticides (known as Integrated Pest
Management).
Provide for wildlife. With more than 1,200 kinds
of animals, Florida ranks third in the nation in wildlife diversity.
Providing adequate food, water and shelter can increase the number and
variety of species that live in your yard.
Maximize mulch. Mulch keeps moisture in the soil,
moderates soil temperature and reduces erosion and weeds. Keep a
2-to-3-inch layer of organic mulch over the roots of trees and shrubs
and in plant beds. Create self-mulching areas under trees so leaves can
stay where they fall. Use by-products or alternative mulches such as bark, or use recycled mulches when
available in your community.
Techiques such as Permaculture or Xeriscape are very beneficial to help you plan for a sustainable landscape. And don't forget to make your landscape productive -- by including food plants such as trees, shrubs, vines and even ground cover that produce a harvest of delicious nuts, berries or fruit. By using organic fertilizing and integrated pest management techniques, you can produce some of our own delicious, healthful snacks and meals!
The system must allow users to direct water to an irrigation field or the sewer.