|
Principles of Naturescaping
Naturescaping is a landscaping method that uses native plants and smart design to reduce your environmental impact. The following are some of the principles to consider when naturescaping your yard.
1. Planning and Design – When planning your landscape, consider conditions such as slopes, sun and wind exposure. Group plants with similar watering requirements together so that only limited portions of the landscape need extra water.
2. Soil Improvement - Use compost, peat moss or manure to improve soils and help them retain moisture and nutrients.
3. Appropriate Plant Selection - Choose flowers and shrubs that are adapted to Alberta’s dry climate. They can withstand periods of dryness and high temperatures with minimal irrigation.
4. Practical Turf Areas – Grass requires more maintenance and water than landscaped areas. Consider replacing turf with planting beds, especially in areas that are difficult to mow.
5. Efficient Irrigation –Use a drip hose rather than a sprinkler to reduce evaporation. If you have an automatic irrigation system, check and adjust it at least once a month.
6. Mulches – Mulch your planting beds to reduce evaporation, control weed growth, prevent erosion, and moderate soil temperature.
7. Appropriate Maintenance – Over-watering plants contributes to rapid, weak plant growth, fertilizer leaching, insect and disease problems and weed growth. Reduce your workload by implementing Naturescaping principles and applying only as much water as your plants need.
8. Biodiversity – Use plants that attract birds, butterflies, bats and bees. Avoid synthetic chemicals as they kill worms and beneficial insects and can contribute to water pollution.
 Naturescaping Brochure
 Naturescaping and Sustainable Gardening Tips
For more information on this or other environmental initiatives, contact Environmental Services either by phone at 403-342-8750, Monday through Friday between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM or by email at environmentalservices@reddeer.ca.
| 
