Sustainable Landscaping

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Sustainable Landscaping

• Patricia Hanbidge PAg
• Horticulturist
• University of Saskatchewan
• Extension Division

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What is Sustainable Landscaping?

• Sustainable landscaping conserves resources,
  reduces chemical applications and reduces labour
  inputs which ensures that the landscape is more
  economical to both implement and maintain

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Sustainable Landscaping is Xeriscaping and a
little bit more

• Xeriscape is a landscape technique with the
  intent to limit or conserve water
• Goal of Xeriscaping is a landscape that is able
  to survive on rainfall and groundwater once
  established.

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Principles of Xeriscape

• Planning and Design
• Soil Analysis
• Efficient Irrigation
• Practical Turf Areas
• Appropriate Plant Selection
• Use of Mulches
• Appropriate Maintenance

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Planning Design

• Grading
• Slopes may need to be changed or terraced to
  enable usage of water by plants
• Allows water to soak into the soil instead of run
  off
• Group plants by water needs
• Choose locations of plants by their ability to
  withstand climatic conditions

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Soil Analysis

• Soil texture
• Organic matter content
• Retains moisture
• Decreases maintenance
• The single most important practical solution to a
  soil problem

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Efficient Irrigation

• Provide adequate amount of water to the root zone
• Time of irrigation
• Establishment time is important
• Deep, thorough infrequent watering is best
• Maintenance of Irrigation Systems

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Practical Turf Areas

• Lawns are the highest consumers of water
• Turf reduction
• Choice of cultivars
• Higher mowing height

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Appropriate Plant Selection

• Xeric plants
• Root systems
• Reduction of water through transpiration
• Cuticle layer
• Trichomes
• Cushion plants
• Storage organs
• Native Plants closest thing to a guarantee for
  gardeners
• Bulbs seasonal drought evaders

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Use of Mulches

• Organic mulch is preferred
• Keeps soil cooler
• Enriches the soil
• Reduces maintenance

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Appropriate Maintenance

• Reduces water consumption
• Reduces the need to fertilize
• Reduces and changes the maintenance chores

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Enjoy ALL the Benefits of a Sustainable Landscape!

• Demonstrate Landscape Functionality
• Shade
• Wind reduction
• Alternate Irrigation Methods
• Minimizes Environmental Impact
• Maximizes Cost Effectiveness

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Sustainable Landscapes

• Result in the creation of outdoor spaces that are
  functional, environmentally sound, cost
  effective, easy to maintain and aesthetically
  pleasing.