The sustainable landscape
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- Published on Thursday, February 25, 2016
By Patricia Hanbidge
Saskatoon School of Horticulture Principal
Spring is right around the corner! Every year as we leave January behind, it seems that the next couple of months simply fly by and before you know it, winter is behind us once again.
Did you know that the sustainable landscape will actually help conserve resources, reduce labour input and is more economical in nature? What makes up sustainable landscape? How do you make sustainability an integral part of all that you do in the field of horticulture?
A sustainable landscape is one that is responsive to the environment. It will actively contribute to the development of healthy communities and improve the quality of life. It may increase energy efficiency, restore habitats, clean the air and water, sequester carbon, be regenerative and create value through significant economic, social and environmental benefits. Believe it or not, a sustainable landscape will do all this and not take anything away from the beauty of your space.
Everywhere in the world, useable land is becoming more scarce and even more valuable. Because of this we need to ensure that the space we are using and enhancing is providing additional value by rewarding the senses, promoting a healthy community and an environment conducive to its many users. It is all about working with the environment to create a space with balance.
A couple of ideas you may want to consider to make your landscape more sustainable is to reduce the amount of turf you have. This will reduce water consumption, chemical and/or organic additives as well as the physical work required to maintain it.
Saving water that is provided by Mother Nature will also help reduce the footprint of your outdoor space and still provide moisture when it is needed. A surface layer of organic mulch will also reduce the amount of water your garden may need. An added bonus is you will have less weeding to do!
Growing a good variety of plants will increase the amount of beneficial insects and pollinators to your garden. Better yet, grow more edible plants and enjoy the benefit of having fresh produce available whenever you need it!
Last but not least, it is important to provide shade to your dwelling and to areas outside you frequent in the hot part of the day.
Hanbidge is a horticulturist with Saskatoon School of Horticulture (SSH) and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Enrol now for distance courses leading to a diploma or a certificate; visit saskhort.com. Study in the comfort of your own home; SSH grads are recognized by the industry as superb additions to help their horticultural business grow!Like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter @horticulturepat. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you have topics on which you would like to see an article written.
