Climate-Wise Landscaping is a super book written by expert landscapers. You can use this book for a new garden or to retro-scape an existing garden. In a nutshell, it uses garden landscaping knowledge with planet-friendly expertise, so you can design a garden more akin to how it should be nature.
Use no-dig methods and fruit protection bags (over netting) to help wildlife. And learn how to make your garden safe for pets (use safe humane slug/snail deterrents). For indoor growing, never face indoor foliage to gardens (to help stop birds flying into windows).
For instance, you’ll know where to plant (or replant) trees to let the light in or give shade (to save on heating and cooling bills indoors) plus learn how to plant to avoid floods or waterlogged soil, and where to find plants that need less water etc. Create cleaner water and air, with no need for expensive tools or purchases. And naturally support habitats of birds, butterflies, pollinators and other wildlife.
contents
- Lawns – reducing climate impact & maintenance
- Trees & shrubs – cooling the air, storing carbon, providing habitat
- Water – dealing with too little or too much
- Ecosystems – carbon storage & supporting wildlife
- Soil – productivity and carbon issues
- Planning & design – for practicality and comfort
- Herbaceous plants – shrinking their carbon footprint
- Urban issues – heat island effect & promoting nature
- Food – local food and reduced CO2 emissions
- Materials – climate footprints of landscaping options
The volume of information here is impressive, each action accompanied by an explanation of why it’s important. Many suggestions (beyond stop using pesticides, reduce irrigation, replace non-native plants) aim to minimise damage from fire, flood and storm). Ann Heidemann
Sue Reed is a registered landscape architect with 30 years experience in designing sustainable landscapes. She lives in Massachusetts, USA. Ginny Stibolt manages a sustainable gardening blog in Florida, USA.
avoid toxic path/patio cleaners
It’s best to avoid gravel paving near pets, as it can get stuck in paws. For dirty paving slabs, a pressure water using just water should usually suffice.
For professional cleaning, Delphis Eco Patio & Stone Cleaner is safer, but still keep away from children and pets (you can also use it to clean headstones, to avoid toxic alternatives).
