(Read the intro, and learn about your green building envelope and your efficient interior systems, too!)
Conserve energy and natural resources when you do your landscaping. You built your energy efficient home according to the site, disturbing as little as possible and building with the topography, so think ‘ecology’ and ‘nature’ when you design your yard. Please garden organically!
Water Use
- Catch water from the roof, and use your gray water from the house for irrigation. Use drip irrigation, and plant only native and adaptable plants and grasses. They are used to your environment and need little maintenance and pest control.
- Mulch your flowerbeds and around your trees to maintain moisture, eliminating the need for supplemental watering. Add your own compost to add nutrients and water-holding capabilities to your soil.
- Reduce your lawn area as much as possible. Grass is notoriously thirsty. Plant native grasses instead, or replace your lawn with native flowers and shrubs. Use a reel lawn mower instead of a gas-powered mower.
Drainage
- Building with the topography leaves the natural drainage in place. Don’t try to change the direction of water flow. Water is stronger than your intentions, and you will fail.
- You can make a drainage swale part of your design by lining it with local rocks and creating a pathway. You can also plant along the swale to utilize the run-off.
Parking, Driveways & Patios (Hardscaping)
- Hardscaping should be permeable so storm water can seep back into the ground instead of running off and creating a flood. Crusher fines, gravel and permeable pavers are preferable to concrete or asphalt.
- Plant shade trees to keep your hardscaping from absorbing summer heat. Place them where they will also shade southern and western windows and exterior walls to reduce cooling bills. Plant evergreens to create a windbreak.
Wildlife Habitat
- Plant for the animals as well as for yourself. They need food, water, shelter and a place to nest. Native plants will attract wildlife by providing food and shelter. You can also make a brush pile for critters to live in. A small water feature can attract birds, butterflies, dragonflies and amphibians.
