DOCSLIB.ORG

Landscaping U.S

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Landscaping U.S National Park Service Landscaping U.S. Department of the Interior Environmental Leadership Program Planting Green Ideas Native landscaping at Zion National Park Sustainable landscaping practices add beauty and maintain a sense of place while helping to protect park resources, restore native habitat, eliminate pollutants, and conserve water and energy. Such environmentally benefi cial plantings require fewer fertilizers and chemicals, minimize mowing, weeding and watering, and reduce equipment use and labor compared to conventional landscaping. The National Park Service is a proven leader in landscaping with native plants and accurately restoring landscapes to historic conditions. Such environmental commitment works to ensure successful stewardship of the nation's most important natural and cultural resources for present and future generations. Select plants that are native or adapted to the site. National Park Service Landscaping U.S. Department of the Interior Environmental Leadership Program Sandstone Visitor Center landscaping features soil contours that collect runoff. New River Gorge National River: Sandstone Visitor Center Located east of Beckley, West Virginia, the park. The quarry site was regraded, creating Educational signs feature explanations of Sandstone Visitor Center is a showcase for drainage swales to capture runoff from the water- and energy-efficient technologies that green design principles that extend beyond parking lot. Well-planned contours now are utilized throughout the site. A sound the building to the surrounding environs. retain stormwater and clean the water before investment in natural habitat restoration, it reaches the river, creating small wetland the project also included cultivation of native Construction of the new visitor center habitats for wildlife along the way. plants by a local nursery. Park staff then occurred on the site of a former rock quarry, recreated three old-field successional stages leaving other parklands undisturbed. Landscaping with native plants ensured that (stages between bare ground and forest) Restoration of the quarry was the foundation less water, fertilizer, and pesticide would where woody plants will begin to take over. of the project, linking the site to the be necessary in the future, while providing The only maintenance required is mowing a conservation and interpretation of the more suitable habitat for native species. small area once each year. Native Plants Beat Weeds Green Maintenance Native plant materials not only enhance Fertilizers or amendments are applied with the character of a site, they conserve consideration to the physical, chemical, or water, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce biological characteristics of the soil, biological maintenance. Native plant groupings occur community, and surface or groundwater. in combinations unique to an area where As staff work to maintain and restore park they are adapted to local weather and soil landscapes, they must also address drainage conditions. Careful selection of such plantings problems, stabilize eroded areas, reduce and implementation of water-conserving stormwater runoff, and conduct water audits. “Xeriscape” principles can eliminate the need Ensuring that all surfaces are permeable can for fertilizers and pest control chemicals while slow and direct surface water runoff into reducing replacement plant costs. planted areas and encourage groundwater recharge. Natural mulches including local National parks work to restore native plant rocks, leaf litter, and pine bark (rather than populations and minimize human impacts on fine hardwood mulches and plastic films) native species and the processes that sustain enhance park conservation objectives. Park them. On-site propagation of plants from landscaping that includes mulches, hoses, Volunteers remove invasive iceplant to protect local seed sources can help maintain local native species at Point Reyes National Seashore. edging, timbers, posts, and compost with genetic composition and biodiversity that is recycled content also provides practical threatened by invasive plants. Some invasives Green landscape maintenance includes examples to the public. produce significant changes to vegetation conserving water and energy while avoiding composition, structure, or ecosystem function. or reducing the use of herbicides, pesticides, National parks also use an Integrated Pest With few or no natural enemies to limit and fertilizers to minimize impacts on the Management (IPM) Program to address pest their reproduction and distribution, non- natural environment and human health. issues. This method coordinates knowledge native invasives such as purple loosestrife National parks that preserve historic or of pest biology, the environment, and and tamarisk rob water and nutrients from cultural legacies present special landscaping technology to prevent pest damage, while natural habitat, leaving vulnerable species challenges. Plantings at these sites include minimizing risk to natural systems. struggling to survive. Techniques to prevent those native to the park as well as species invasions include crowding areas with native historically appropriate for the period or Note: The word “Xeriscape,” used here with permission, was plants (shading), reducing soil disturbance, developed by the Denver Water Department in 1981 to help event commemorated. In these cases, park make water-conserving landscaping an easily recognized and using “dry” landscaping methods to managers must balance maintaining historic concept. The word is a combination of “landscape” and the inhibit germination of invasive plants. views and vegetation patterns with a wide Greek word “xeros,” which means “dry.” variety of conservation priorities. Find Out More Irrigation to maintain non-native plantings is avoided in national parks unless it is • Source Book on Natural Landscaping for necessary for park objectives and adequate Public Officials: water supplies are available. Parks practice www.epa.gov/glnpo/greenacres/toolkit/ low water use with drip irrigation and appropriate timing of water applications. • Green Seal: www.greenseal.org Where national park objectives require lawn maintenance, park staff avoid overwatering • Environmentally and Economically and work to plant grasses that require less Beneficial Practices on Federal water. “Grasscycling”—leaving lawn clippings Landscaped Grounds: in place while mowing—reduces water and http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/npr/library/ fertilizer requirements, mowing time, and direct/memos/25f2.html disposal costs. As grass clippings decompose, they return nutrients to the soil and reduce • Greening the Department of the Interior: On-site plant propagation in greenhouses or other evaporation. Leaving mowed clippings in www.doi.gov/greening/sustain/land confined park areas can support restoration efforts. place saves time, money, and landfill space. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA TM.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Green Landscaping: Greenacres
    GGGrrreeeeeennn LLLaaannndddssscccaaapppiiinnnggg Green Landscaping: Greenacres www.epa.gov/greenacres Landscaping with native wildflowers and grasses improves the environment. Natural landscaping brings a taste of wilderness to urban, suburban, and corporate settings by attracting a variety of birds, butterflies and other animals. Once established, native plants do not need fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or watering, thus benefiting the environment and reducing maintenance costs. Gardeners and admirers enjoy the variety of colors, shapes, and seasonal beauty of these plants. Landscaping with Great Lakes Native Plants Native Forest Plants Native Prairie Plants Native Wetland Plants Many of the plants found in the area ecosystems can also thrive in your yard, on corporate and university campuses, in parks, golf courses and on road sides. These native plants are attractive and benefit the environment. Many native plant seeds or seedlings are available from nurseries. How to Get Started There is a toolkit to promote the use of native plants. Be sure to read the article on municipal weed laws. Sustainable Landscaping, The Hidden Impacts of Gardens View this power point presentation developed by Danielle Green of the Great Lakes National Program Office and Dan Welker of EPA Region 3. The colorful slides present information on the environmental impacts to air, water, land and biodiversity of traditional landscaping and offer alternatives such as using native plants in the landscape. This presentation was developed as part of the Smithsonian Institution's Horticultural Services Division winter in-service training program. It has also been adapted for presentation at various conferences around the country. slideshow (8,620kb) And you can always talk to the wizard about commonly asked questions.
    [Show full text]
  • Neighborly Natural Landscaping: Creating Natural Environments in Residential Areas
    P E N N S Y L V A N I A W I L D L I F E Neighborly Natural Landscaping: Creating Natural Environments in Residential Areas rent love affair with the closely mowed Back to the Future grass lawn dates from the nineteenth cen- omeowners across tury. Using European grazed pastures and America are changing Perceptions of lawn beauty have changed eighteenth-century formal gardens as their Hthe face of the typical American with the times. In sixteenth-century model, the Garden Clubs of America, lawn. Using gardening and land- England, the lawns of wealthy landown- the U.S. Golf Association, and the U.S. scaping practices that harmonize ers were wildflower meadows starred with Department of Agriculture embarked on with nature, they are diversifying blooms. Grasses were perceived as weeds, a campaign to landscape American lawns their plantings, improving wildlife and a garden boy’s job was to creep among with a carpet of green. With the invention habitat, and reducing lawn mower the flowers picking out the grass. Our cur- and spread of the lawn mower, the “com- noise, air and water pollution, and mon man” could have the same cropped yard waste. turf as that of an aristocrat’s mansion. Various “natural” landscapes, planned for beauty and ease of Today, at least one American town has maintenance using mainly native come full circle. In Seaside, Florida, plants, are spreading through- turfgrass is banned. Only locally native out suburbia. These landscapes species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees include wildflower meadows, are allowed in the landscaping of private butterfly gardens, and woodland yards.
    [Show full text]
  • Natural Landscaping Policy & Application
    Natural Landscaping Policy & Application Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Working for You! A Fairfax County, VA, publication March 21, 2019 Natural Landscaping (NL) Defined A landscaping approach through which the aesthetic and ecological functions of landscapes installed in the built environment can be improved, and through which natural areas can be restored, by preserving and recreating land and water features and native plant communities. Sustainable landscapes are formed which protect and restore natural ecosystem components, maximize the use of native plants, remove invasive plant species, reduce turf grass, reduce or eliminate chemical inputs, protect, create, and maintain healthy soils, and retain stormwater on-site. In natural areas only locally native plant species are used to provide the greatest possible ecological benefits. In built landscapes, most of the plant cover should be composed of native plant species that support wildlife and improve environmental conditions, although non-invasive non-native plants may be selectively used where appropriate. -Fairfax County Draft NL Definition March 2019 Stormwater Planning Division 2 Fairfax County Natural Landscaping Oakton Library (Providence District) Stormwater Planning Division 3 Where Does NL Fit In? Natural Landscaping is Part of Many Related Programs • Green Infrastructure – US EPA • Environmental Site Design – VA DEQ - Stormwater Regulations • Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) • Envision – American Society of Civil Engineers • Conservation
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Landscaping Guidelines
    Conservation Landscaping Guidelines The Eight Essential Chesapeake Elements of Conservation Conservation Chesapeake Landscaping Conservation Landscaping CC CC Landscaping LC Council LC Council This document can be found online at ChesapeakeLandscape.org. Published as a working draft November 2007 Special Edition revised and updated for CCLC Turning a New Leaf Conference 2013 © 2013 Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council ABOUT CCLC The Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council (CCLC) is a coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to researching, promoting, and educating the public about conservation-based landscaping practices to benefit the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Council is committed to implementing best practices that result in a healthier and more beautiful environment benefiting residents and the region's biodiversity. ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION In late 2003, CCLC committee members began working on a set of materials to help define and guide conservation landscaping practices. The intended audience ranges from professionals in the landscaping field to novice home gardeners; from property managers at various types of facilities to local decision-makers. These written materials have been through many revisions, with input from professionals with diverse backgrounds. Because of the nature of the group (professionals volunteering their time), the subject matter (numerous choices of appropriate practices), and the varied audience, development of a definitive, user-friendly format was challenging. Ultimately, we intend to develop an interactive document for our website that shows examples of the Eight Elements, especially as new technology and research evolves in the future. This document has been reviewed and refined by our board members, and “put to the test” by entrants in our 2008 and 2010 landscape design contests.
    [Show full text]
  • A Renaissance at Château De La Chaize
    a renaissance at château de la chaize press kit - 2019 CHÂTEAU DE LA CHAIZE : FAMILY HERITAGE “If walls could talk…” Acting as liaison between a prestigious past … Château de La Chaize would tell the and a promising future, the new owner has story of countless generations. In fact, great ambition for Château de La Chaize. this stunning 17th century estate has been Committed to expanding and enhancing the home to the same family since it was first remarkable vineyards on the property - in built. The descendants of the founder, harmony with nature - Christophe Gruy has Jean-François de La Chaize d’Aix, have developed a demanding ecological approach: been its devoted caretakers for nearly three conversion of all vineyards to organic hundred and fifty years. In 2017, they passed farming, including the adoption of parcel- the estate on to the family of Christophe based farming and grape selection. His goal? Gruy, an entrepreneur and chairman of the To enable Château de La Chaize wines to Maïa Group, based in Lyon. express the character and singularity of their terroir to the fullest. 2 3 THE PEO PLE 4 THE PAST THE FOUNDER OF THE ESTATE Jean-François brother of Louis XIV’s confessor, better known as ‘Père Lachaise,’ was named the King’s de la Chaize d’Aix, Lieutenant in Beaujeu, capital of the former province of Beaujolais. He immediately fell in love with the region and in 1670, bought Château de la Douze, a medieval fortress perched on a hillside. Alas, shortly thereafter, a violent storm caused a landslide that destroyed the château.
    [Show full text]
  • Integrating Environmentally Beneficial Landscaping Into Your Environmental Management System
    INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTALLY BENEFICIAL LANDSCAPING INTO YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PURPOSE AND STRUCTURE The goal of this guidance is to help Federal facilities integrate environmentally beneficial landscaping into their Environmental Management System (EMS). The document provides practical guidance, potential language, and examples of environmentally beneficial landscaping practices for each of the EMS elements, as described in the International Organization for Standardization 14001: 2004 Technical Specification and Guidance for Use (ISO 14001). The intended audience includes Federal facility staff tasked with developing an EMS and reducing the environmental impact of facility landscaping activities. The purpose of this guidance document is to assist with the addition of sustainable landscaping practices to an existing EMS or to the incorporation of sustainable landscaping into the development of an EMS. It does not, however, provide information on how to develop an entire EMS1. Section 1 provides an introductory discussion on EMSs and environmentally beneficial landscaping. The table in Section 2 walks through the key elements of an EMS and discusses the incorporation of environmentally beneficial landscaping activities into the system. Section 3 covers specific environmentally beneficial landscaping activities that can be undertaken as a part of a comprehensive EMS. I. INTRODUCTION Environmental Management Systems The Federal government is committed to reducing its environmental footprint, improving the implementation of green purchasing, and pursuing other greening the government initiatives. Federal facilities across the country are pursuing these initiatives in the context of an EMS and in response to Executive Order (EO) 13148: Greening the Government through Leadership in Environmental Management2, which mandated that all appropriate Federal facilities implement an EMS by December 2005.
    [Show full text]
  • Natural Landscaping Publications
    April 1999 United States Region 5 Illinois, Indiana, Environmental Protection 77 West Jackson Boulevard Michigan, Minnesota, Agency Chicago, Illinois 60604 Ohio, Wisconsin Natural Landscaping Publications (800) 621-8431 www.epa.gov/greenacres/ Disclaimer: The following list does not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Federal Government. This is not a complete list of resources. It is intended only to be an aid to those seeking initial guidance on native landscaping. Below is a partial list of resources and publications on natural landscaping. Check with your book dealer for additional resources. RESOURCES: Prairie Sun Consultants, 612 Staunton Road, Naperville, Illinois 60565-2607; (630) 983-8404. Extensive list of additional publications and a source of information. Wild Ones Natural Landscapers, Ltd., P.O. Box 23576, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223; (630) 415-IDIG. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Fact Sheet: Landscaping With Native Plants. PUBLICATIONS: An Atlas of Biodiversity, Chicago Wilderness, The Chicago Region Biodiversity Council, 1997. “Be a Grower Not a Mower,” Gardener’s Supply Company, leaflet (EPA-420-F-96-018), Burlington, VT, 1996. Conservation Design for Subdivisions, Randall Arendt, Island Press, 1996. “Consumer Directory of Minnesota Native Wildflower/Grass Producers,” Minnesota Native Wildflower/Grass Producers Association, Route 1, Box 41, Blue Earth, MN 56013. Promotes high quality, regionally adapted native plants and seeds, lists several nurseries. Easy Care Native Plants: A Guide to Selecting and Using Beautiful American Flowers, Shrubs and Trees, Patricia A. Taylor, 1996. “Explore Minnesota Wildflowers,” Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office of Environmental Services, 3485 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, MN 55128. Why native plants are a "natural resource worth protecting," "native plant" defined, 3 vegetation types in Minnesota, and how to help protect native plants.
    [Show full text]
  • Wild Ones Handbook: Landscaping with Native Plants
    LANDSCAPING WITH NATIVE PLANTS Fourth Edition of the original Wild Ones Handbook A BRIEF HISTORY OF WILD ONES ® ild Ones is a direct outgrowth of a natural projects. In the spring, summer and fall we are out on yard landscaping workshop offered by the Schlitz tours, woods excursions, and digs (rescuing plants in the W Audubon Center of Milwaukee, Wis., in 1977. path of development). Annually, each chapter offers a “help A nucleus of nine people became intensely interested in me” day of consultation at various members’ properties. In this new concept of native plants as an alternative to lawns. the late summer and autumn, we go on seed-collecting out- A camaraderie developed during the lectures, tours, and ings, sustainably harvesting seeds to do our own plant digs, but it was two years later that an organization propagation. sprouted. Gini Lindow had a ‘wild’ idea that blossomed into Beyond exchanging seeds and rescuing plants, we Wild Ones—Natural Landscapers, Ltd. Our resi- patronize the reputable native plant and seed dent expert, Lorrie Otto, taught us much about companies that have taken root. We do all these National the natural landscaping philosophy—organizing Presidents joyous things in an effort to grow a diverse and yard tours to help us with planning our yards. eye-pleasing collection of native species on our Gini Lindow We are no common ‘garden variety’ garden own land. James Brien club, but a fast-growing, not-for-profit organi- In July 1979 there were just nine members. Margot Fuchs zation encouraging natural yards with a sensi- As of 2004, there are 3,000 members in more Lu Ann Thompson tivity to land use in harmony with Nature.
    [Show full text]
  • Neighbor-Friendly Wildlife Gardening
    Neighbor-Friendly Wildlife Gardening The typical American landscape of lawn and ornamental plants doesn’t offer much habitat for AVOID CONFLICTS birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. Using WITH YOUR native plants and creating a wildlife habitat garden NEIGHBORS BY EXPLAINING NATURAL might seem strange to your neighbors. A wild-looking LANDSCAPING AND landscape can stand out in suburban or urban THE BENEFITS IT BRINGS TO WILDLIFE areas or even violate municipal or Homeowners’ AND YOUR LOCAL Association landscape codes. ENVIRONMENT. The good news is that a wildlife habitat garden doesn’t have to look messy and wild. Remember, when you create a garden or landscape that helps wildlife, you are an ambassador for the idea of natural landscaping. You want your neighbors to be excited about what you’ve done, not to turn them off to the idea of restoring habitat. Learn NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION / 11100 WILDLIFE CENTER DRIVE, RESTON, VA 20190 / NWF.ORG/GARDEN more Tips & Info Neighbor-Friendly Wildlife Gardening Tips The following tips can help you to avoid misunderstandings about your natural landscape and could even encourage neighbors to try new gardening practices: 1. Design your landscape to mesh with your neighborhood aesthetic, especially your front yard. If you plant natives you’ll provide wildlife with great habitat even if it doesn’t have a “wild” look. FOCUS ON 2. Before you begin creating your wildlife habitat garden, explain to your ATTRACTING BIRDS neighbors what natural landscaping is and why it’s important for the local AND BUTTERFLIES. environment. MOST PEOPLE LOVE 3. Review your Homeowners’ Association rules, community covenants or local THESE KINDS OF weed ordinances that may apply to your property.
    [Show full text]
  • To Rain Gardens  Store for Irrigation Let the Rain Soak In
    Natural Landscaping Session 5 Planting & Maintenance Special Topics Clallam Conservation District Spring 2015 Landscape Design Steps 1. Identify Wants and Needs 2. Inventory and Analyze Site • Built Resources • Natural Resources • Climate and Microclimate 3. Develop Schematic Plan • Site Layout – How Site can meet Needs • Determine Plant Communities 4. Develop Detailed Designs • Select Appropriate Plant Species 5. Develop Implementation Strategy – Site Preparation, Planting and Maintenance Today’s Topics • Site Preparation, Planting & Maintenance • Landscaping Slopes • Landscaping Septic Drain Fields • Rain Gardens & Stormwater Management • Rain Water Harvesting • Irrigation Water Management • Fire Wise Landscaping Site Preparation Options Hand Scalping Cultivating Sheet Composting Sheet Composting (Lasagna Gardening) 1. Cut vegetation close to ground, roughen surface 2. Sprinkle area with high-nitrogen organic matter 3. Cover with smothering material (cardboard, several layers of newspaper, etc.) 4. Water well 5. Cover with ~3” of high-nitrogen organic matter 6. Cover with ~6” of mulch 7. Water until fairly well soaked Total cover over smothering layer should be at least 9” but no more than 14” Sheet Composting Sheet Composting Fall Is Best Time To Plant Plant Material Options • Bare Root • Plugs • Potted • Ball & Burlap • Cuttings • Seed Bare-Root and Plug Stock • Trees and Shrubs • Least expensive • Seasonal availability • Vulnerable to Desiccation • Plugs have ‘plug’ of soil • Used in reforestation • Limited availability Bare Root Planting Soak in water before planting (<4 hours) Don’t let roots dry out • Remove one plant at a time from bucket Dig wide, not deep! Spread roots • Prune long roots Backfill (no soil amendments) Plant to proper depth B&B and Container Stock • No seasonal restrictions • Lots of variety • Variable sizes • Most expensive • More work to plant • More susceptible to transplant shock • Require lots of water If root ball is not intact, bury with burlap on (but bury completely).
    [Show full text]
  • 6.8 LANDSCAPING & HORTICULTURE Natural
    6.8 LANDSCAPING & HORTICULTURE Natural landscaping is also referred to as sustainable landscaping. It stresses the use of native plants that are beautiful, hardy and that also benefit the local environment. Native plants are especially good at preventing soil erosion, reducing flooding, sustaining wildlife and filtering out harmful pollutants in the soil. Natural landscaping offers a way to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, while introducing natural techniques that are safer for the long-term health of the community. Total Landscaping area provided = 1106 m2 Total number of trees proposed = 122 nos. at spacing of 3 m x 3 m Total no of trees required =7334.97/80 = 92 Table 11: Details/ Distribution of Tree Plantation Botanical Name Common Name Physiognomy Bauhinia Blackena Bauhinia Decidous Phoenix Dactylifera Date Palm Evergreen Ficus Benjamina Benjamina Evergreen SHRUBS/ HERBS TO BE PLANTED Initially grassing would be done with doob grass including watering and maintenance of the lawn for 30 days or more till the grass forms a thick lawn. The project proponent has proposed for landscaping in an area of 1106 m2 with ornamental plants and trees to maintain aesthetic environment in area of the proposed project. The proposed project will have various trees/ornamental plants to be planted all over the landscape area. Plantation of avenue trees by the road side in 0.60 m dia. holes, 1 m deep dug in the ground shall be done and mixing the soil with decayed farm yard manure. Since the proposed area contains trees no new plantation is required only maintenance of landscape is needed.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Use Native Plants for Landscaping and Restoration in Minnesota
    How to Use Native Plants for Landscaping and Restoration in Minnesota This brochure provides a summary of important concepts about using native plants for landscaping and restoration in Minnesota. For more information about native plant communities, native plant species, and Minnesota ecology, access the web site for the DNR’s Ecological and Water Resources Division (www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco). Defining native Native plants are plants that occur naturally in a particular region. In Minnesota, plants are considered native if they occurred here at the time of the Public Land Survey (1847- 1907), which was conducted prior to and during the early stages of European settlement. Restored prairie in Oronoco Prairie Scientific and Natural Area. Inset: monarch butterfly on rough blazing star Why native vegetation is important Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. Native plants work well for many landscaping and wildlife habitat plantings, because once established, they seldom need watering, mulching, protection from frost or continuous mowing. Native plants provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, birds and other animals. In contrast, many common horticultural plants do not produce nectar and often require insect pest control to survive. Many native grasses and wildflowers protect soil with their deep and spreading root systems, helping to prevent erosion. Areas with diverse perennial native plantings have less water runoff than ground covers composed of one non-native species such as 1 bluegrass or purple crown vetch. In developed areas, one way to help water infiltrate into the ground rather than run off into storm sewers is to create depressions filled with native plants called rain gardens.
    [Show full text]