Most landscape manuals describe a linear sequence of processes: design, plant selection, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Integrated Landscaping is different. It uses natural ecosystems as models, taking a nonlinear, holistic approach that addresses these processes simultaneously. Integrated Landscaping treats each site as a system of plant and animal communities, considering their interrelationships with each other and their environment. Integrated Landscaping: Following Nature's Lead is a valuable resource for anyone concerned with helping to shape the landscape we all share. When we see ourselves as part of the whole, we can see that what we do in places where we live, work, and play has a ripple effect far beyond the space each of us calls "home."

Acknowledgments
Introduction
How this landscape manual differs from others
Ways you can use this manual
Natural Landscape in Transition: The Consequences of Rapid Growth
The consequences of rapid growth: loss of open lands, proliferation of invasive species, and threats to wildlife
An overview of invasive species and their impacts
Fragmenting landscapes: the wildlife connection
Facing the challenges to Northeast's disappearing natural landscape
The Integrated Landscape: Philosophy, Benefits, and Principles that Guide Practice
Integrated landscaping: A holistic approach
Integrated landscapes imitate natural ecosystems
Benefits of integrated landscaping
Ten natural principles to guide your landscaping practices
Outside and Onsite: Taking Stock of What You Have
Scope of the inventory
Learn about your soil
Assessing wildlife habitat through the seasons
Taking stock: the inventory process
Designing Landscapes with Establishment and Care in Mind
Creating the base plan: putting it on paper
Adding layers to your base plan
Develop a wish list of needs and desires
Create a functional bubble diagram
Your conceptual plan
Designing for wildlife
Designing for shorelines
The Plant Systems Approach
Locating and creating plant systems for the integrated landscape
Choosing plants for your system
Dealing with invasive species
Plant systems for wildlife
The Plant-System models
Matrix of Plant System Models
Plant-System Model Descriptions
Plant-System Model Illustrations
Models 1-12
Plant Chart
The planting plan: designing the plant system and selecting plants
Establishing Plant Systems
Protect existing plants
Lay out your planting bed
Select healthy plants
Planting
Thoughts on lawns and mowing
Caring for Sustainable Plant Systems
A lower-maintenance landscape
Through the seasons
Care and maintenance tips for future years
Healthy plant systems grow and change over time
Now, get up and get out!
Appendixes
Best Bets: Woody and Herbaceous Plants
Plant Lists
Inventory Worksheets
Additional Resources
Selecting woody plants for shoreland landscapes
Landscape Practices Aligned with the Ecological Principles
New USDA Hardiness Zone Map
About the Authors
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Integrated Landscaping: Following Nature's Lead

9781611682786

1611682789

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