Who would have thought I would work as an information specialist in sustainable landscaping. After all, I am just as likely to use invasives as natives, and many of my plants have died. . . . But here I am, nearly 18 months later and a little more knowledgeable about plants and the connection between landscaping practices and water quality.
Too many nutrients from lawn fertilizers lead to the growth of algae and eventual death of marine life in waterways.
This combined with our excessive use of water--as much as one-third of our water use goes to residential lawn watering, particularly of plants that are not suited to the Florida environment.
The goal of sustainable landscaping (where I work) is to reduce pollution by advocating right plant, right place (principle #1). By designing a landscape addressing the other eight principles, we use less water, fertilizer and pesticides and provide a better habitat for wildlife and pollinators. By incorporating aspects of low impact development, such as with swales, berms or pervious pavers, we reduce stormwater runoff.
Right plant, right place. . . by checking our soil type and zone, even those of us who do not remember botanical names can select plants appropriate for our Florida environment.
For more information, check out Florida-Friendly Landscapes (affiliated with cooperative extension and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection). Major regional programs exist for the Great Lakes and the Chesapeake Bay.
All of us can find ways to use more sustainable practices in residential lawns. Let me know what you are doing!
Check out these links:
Florida-Friendly Landscapes - http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/
Chesapeake Bay - http://www.chesapeakebay.net/
Great Lakes - http://www.greatlakesforever.org/
I think this thought process is important in all areas. I think people get too caught up in non-native, commercially-available plants that have been bred to live "better" in the area. Some native grasses could be quite beautiful with colorful little blossoms. Just because it's free/cheap doesn't make it bad! It's amazing that we pay tons for dandelion teas and root when we kill it in our yards! Good topic and resources.
ReplyDeleteGood comments. In Florida, we have quite a few options that have a great aesthetic. Some pressure from fertilizer, turf growers and pesticide companies. . . to maintain the (less healthy) status quo. A lot of it is education (your dandelion example is a good one).
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