How to create drought tolerant, organic and sustainable landscape

What I’m noticing with my maintenance clients, now more than ever, is a request to use no chemicals in their yards what-so-ever. They have pets or children and they’re concerned about them picking up and ingesting any poisons. Interestingly enough, no one usually mentions concern for the environment, however, the Earth will most certainly benefit from this trend. What I’m noticing with my landscape clients, is a request for a design that is low maintenance and includes drought tolerant plants. Quite a few times this year, we took out the grass completely and replaced it with plants. In this article, I would like to combine these two trends and add one of my own- Let’s make the landscape sustainable. Sustainable in my mind means you’ve planted a landscape that is compatible with your environment and is able to stay healthy without chemicals.
First Let’s Talk Drought Tolerant.
In Southern California, we are most fortunate to have a terrific, milder climate year round. Living here allows us to select plants that once mature, do well with minimal water. If you choose to use weed cloth, mulch and install a drip irrigation system, even better! (Give the plants one full year of regular watering before cutting back.) The plant selection list is huge including natives such as Salvias and succulents, to Australian Flaxes, ornamental grasses and staples such as Juniper, Pittosporum and Hawthorne.
On to Organic Gardening
If you think of landscape as the human body, it’s easier to explain the concept of organic gardening. If you want a health body, you know that a nutritionally sound diet is essential. It’s the same with nature. Healthy soil grows healthy plants. When you feed the life in the soil, the microorganisms help fertilize, generate carbon-dioxide, dissolve mineral nutrient from rock, decomposing thatch and other organic matter into valuable nutrients and humus as well as control lawn pests and disease. Humus increases the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water, among other things. Organic soil enhancements will also reduce pests and disease, just like a human that enjoys a healthy diet. These essential processes are not possible using synthetic, water soluble fertilizers or amendments.
With chemical gardening, the soil organisms die out because organic matter is not replaced. Plant cell walls have weaker development, making it softer and more appealing for pests and disease. Nearly all chemical fertilizers are loaded with salt that contributes to nutrient deficient soil. Water soluble Phosphorous run off from commercial fertilizers creates algae blooms which results in fish kills, plus it pollutes our lakes, streams and oceans. There are a reported 50,000 home pesticide poisonings each year.
Pests, Disease and Weeds
Of the millions of kinds of insects in the world, less than 2% are harmful. Chemicals harm beneficial insects more than unwanted pests. Just think for a second about how you’re changing the balance of your eco-system by using chemicals. Home remedies are less expensive, not toxic and just as effective as chemicals. If you have to use a pesticide, use a product like a horticultural soap or oil. You can Google any remedy for anything now-a-days. First, see if your problem is a symptom of a poor growing condition and then take steps to rectify the situation. FYI: Typically, our soil is high in alkaline. A soil test will determine your soil’s ph and nutrient levels. You will then know if you need to adjust these levels to grow a healthy landscape. Pests and disease will not attack a healthy plant if there’s an unhealthy one readily available. An imbalance in the soil’s Ph and nutrient levels as well as bare spots in the lawn will help weeds to grow,
Finally, Planting a Sustainable Garden
If you’re growing an organic garden, it’s easy to attract beneficial insects such as ground beetles, ladybugs, green lacewings, praying mantis, spiders and wasps that help keep unwanted pests away. Beneficial Nematodes feed on a wide variety of insect pests including grubs, fungi and bacteria in the soil.
Plant flowering plants (for the nectar and pollen), including herbs, such as Marigold, Daisies, Peonies, Buddleia, Alyssum, and Lavender. Different kinds of plants with varying textures, heights and colors work well together by creating a “smorgasbord” for the good guys to feed on.
Check into companion planting. These are just a few examples: Lavender repels white fly, fleas and moths. Plant Feverfew to get rid of aphids. Chives help prevent scab off apple trees and keeps aphids and block spot off roses. Yarrow is said to increase the production of essential oils in other herbs. Sage produces chemicals in their leaves that repel flying insects. www.learntogrow.com is a great website for valuable information.