Dig In

Designing a sustainable landscape often starts with small efforts. Gaining confidence to implement eco-smart practices begins slowly but ultimately leads to success and satisfaction. Here are several step-by-step ideas for a greener garden.

“When you decide to grow, go organic. We're excited about using biodegradable products from insecticides and soils to mulches that are earth-friendly. For example, we are big advocates of peat pots that disintegrate as you pot them into containers or the ground. Two other products that are eco-friendly are Back to Nature's nutrient-fortified mulching system for trees and shrubs, and Flower Farm's fungicide and insecticide spray that is pure cinnamon oil.” 
-Ann Miller, Rosehill Gardens

“What we have found over many years of growing plants and vegetables is our determination to not use toxic chemicals. By keeping the perimeter of any garden clean by routine weeding, you will avoid most insect damage. Insects tend to live in the weeds and migrate to the plant. Ongoing maintenance of flower and vegetable beds promotes a healthy garden without the use of insecticides. To boost the effort in keeping out unwanted pests, invite in praying mantis and ladybugs. These two insects are natural predators that will eat destructive insects.” 
-Kristen and Mike Murray, Riverview Garden Center

“An investment in trees is a proactive, cost-effective and enduring way toward sustainable landscaping. Plant arbors filled with locust, sugar maple and red oak, for example, on the south and west side of your home. These trees will provide maximum shade during hot summer months, thereby cutting high seasonal utility costs. Optimize shade and increase the visual aesthetic further with the addition of trellised vines like porcelain berry or a climbing rose. We also advocate drip irrigation with a soaker throughout the landscape. By using a timer under double-ground mulch, overwatering can be avoided.”
-Christopher Dabner, The Greensman

“Starting with bed prep, one of the first things we like to promote is use of cotton-burr mulch. It's a wonderful compost and soil conditioner. Then we suggest finely tuning the landscape irrigation system (using micro sprays, for example) to avoid wasting water. Last, we are encouraging the use of gravel as a natural application for design areas. Gravel, with a foundation of limestone underneath, promotes re-seeding of various plants.”
-Reed Dillon, Reed Dillon & Associates

“We are all about promoting earth's own material — stone. You can maximize the inherent qualities of stone for specific garden/landscape purposes, like using limestone if you don't want to burn your feet on a swimming pool surround or patio. If pets are soiling your hardscape, there's no residual staining when you use bluestone. Bluestone also looks aged, fitting right into an older home. If you want stone that doesn't look ‘new,' try any of the many variations of this particular type of stone.”
-Marc Lonesk, Sturgis Materials

“One facet of our business is re-using any material that can be reclaimed such as brick or stone. If we tear something out and can't reuse it, we're likely to donate it to Habitat for Humanity.”
-Maverick Pickering, Maverick Landscaping Inc.

“Make a connection between your project location and the surrounding environment  by including plants that provide fruit and seeds for birds, and nectar and pollen sources for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Plant trees and shrubs to provide shelter and nesting locations for wildlife and birds.

Reduce herbicide use by physically pulling weeds or spot-treating as needed. In tandem, limit or eliminate the use of lawn fertilizers. Better lawn health is maintained by retaining and recycling yard waste through composting grass clippings and mulching.

Consider establishing an edible landscape. Gardens will reduce the amount of high-maintenance lawn care and provide an affordable food source for your family.”
-Heidi Pollmann, Confluence

“People are wild about the easy-to-grow Knock-Out roses. The vigorous growth and abundance of blooms makes this an easy rose to grow. However, come mid-summer, the blooms aren't as prolific. To encourage growth, treat the rose as a shrub instead of a plant. You'll see a heavy re-growth of blooms when you sheer off about 5 inches of the bush as blooms are fading. Cutting the rose back will regenerate the shrubbery so you can expect a colorful show in late summer to fall.”
-Matt Alberts, Land Art

“When we construct an outdoor ‘living room' for clients, our task is to create beautifully designed structures that will last for years. That being said, there's a number of building materials currently on the market from composite to wood. While we build with both, if the client is thinking about using a sustainable product, choose wood. We like to go green and use natural cedar since it's prized for durability, strength and beauty.” 
-Dick DeVuyst, Outdoor Environments

“Energy conservation is critical to support efficient lighting systems. We seek to support this critical task by using low voltage systems instead of line voltage transformers, and place bulbs   with an average lifespan of 4,000 hours strategically to highlight architecture and landscaping. We also use heavy 12-guage wire in all systems to reduce energy loss and incorporate reflectors to brighten and focus light without using unneeded watts.”
-Jerry Cicero and Scott Romacker, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives