Integrated Landscaping: Following Nature's Lead

by Chase-rowell, Lauren; Davis, Mary Tebo; Hartnett, Katherine; Wyzga, Marilyn

• ISBN13: 9781611682786
• ISBN10: 1611682789
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-02-20
• Publisher: Univ of New Hampshire

Summary

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."

Table of Contents

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

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