Visualize a lush, green expanse of lawn surrounded by vibrant beds of flower blossoms anchored by ornamental shrubs. Tall, majestic trees loom overhead. Silent butterflies float and bees buzz happily, gathering nectar and pollinating. Joy filled birds dart from branch to branch, piercing the summer sky.

You dont have to imagine this scenario. It can be yours through sustainable landscaping. It is a whole system approach which benefits all inhabitants. Communal balance amongst all members is achieved through cooperation. Instead of focusing on manipulating nature, we as humans make a greater effort to work with it. Taking on the role of land steward is not as complex as it may seem.

Sustainable landscaping integrates long term solutions which address and eliminate problems, replacing short term, unnatural treatments that merely mask symptoms. The goal is to develop a healthy, self sustaining landscape that is capable of naturally warding off disease and pest infestation.

Perfection is not the standard here. Weather patterns, wildlife, homeowner lifestyles all affect the landscape; the majority of these conditions are not controllable. However, steps can be taken to prepare and prevent future problems.

An important step to self preservation is through proper nutrition and vitamin and mineral supplementation. The same approach can be utilized in the landscape. An often overlooked part of gardening is the soil test. Prior to planting, you should always establish not only the ph, but the availability of nutrients and degree of organic matter present in the soil. Organic and natural amendments can then be incorporated to improve and condition the soil environment.

Biological diversity is crucial to plant health. Building up your soil with compost will encourage beneficial microbe, fungus and bacterial growth. The resulting soil promotes strong root development in plants and turf. Soil teeming with organic matter and advantageous insect life also requires less watering. As root systems strengthen, plants grow stronger and are able to withstand drought more effectively. Healthier plants naturally resist disease and injurious pests, lessening the need for harmful chemical applications.

In addition to compost application, other approaches to consider include:

mulching all planting beds to suppress weeds, retain moisture, protect root systems and build soil composition

forming tree rings around all existing trees in your turf areas and topdressing with compost, then mulching; feeds, and protects by eliminating mechanical damage to the bark and trunk

watering deeply and infrequently; replacing overhead irrigation heads with soaker hoses for your planting beds

using correct pruning methods to revitalize and regenerate your plants

installing healthy plant stock appropriate for your area and/or zone; choosing low maintenance, drought tolerant plants

incorporating correct spacing for your plants; overcrowded plants tend to become misshapen and prone to disease and problem insects; trees planted too close to homes cause structural damage and require intensive maintenance

Cooperation with nature and neighborly encouragement can manifest into profound positive impacts for the global environment. Choose to be the paradigm in your area.

By accepting our symbiotic relationship with the natural world, great achievements can be accomplished in North American backyards.Over the past century, humans have drastically modified the environment through land grading, construction and building. By reversing the negative impacts we have had on our own properties, we pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable approach to landscaping and gardening.