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/
