Page 15 - Landscape-Issue138

RAND WATER EDITORIAL

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING:

NOURISHING TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

The foundation of sustainable landscaping lies in the recognition that all living

things are interconnected, and decisions made in one part of the ecosystem affect
the entire system. Sustainable landscaping aims to improve the natural ecosystem
while minimising the negative effects on the environment during the design and
maintenance of outdoor spaces. Furthermore, sustainable landscaping entails actions

that uphold local biodiversity, conserve water and resources, maintain soil health and
promote the overall health and well-being of the community and environment.

How to implement sustainable practices in your landscape design

Efficient Watering texture, aeration and drainage. For
• Water is a valuable resource, especially example, to attract earthworms into
scarce in many regions. As winter your garden, incorporate organic
approaches, water plants thoroughly matter into your soil, keep the soil
but less frequently. surface mulched and limit the use
• Water established gardens with mature of chemical pesticides and synthetic
plants every second week and newly fertilisers.
constructed gardens once a week to • To enhance the growth of lawn, leave
encourage deep root growth. grass clippings on your lawn to allow
• Use mulch! It can prevent up to 75% them to decompose naturally.
of evaporation loss, reduce runoff and
keep the soil cool.
• Water the highest parts of the garden
first so any runoff can benefit the lower and other insects which in turn attract
dry areas of your garden. garden birds and other wildlife.
• Reduce your lawn irrigation. If it is By using natural methods to promote
brown, it’s not dead. Allow your lawn plant growth, reduce waste and conserve
to go dormant in winter as this mimics resources, landscapers can work together
the natural cycle and is also a natural to create a more sustainable future for
protection mechanism for grass to present and future generations.
withstand weather and seasonal
changes.
Cultivating a greener
future through

sustainable Water Wise
Choosing the Correct Plants
• Use indigenous plants that are naturally practices.
adapted to your area.
• Endemic plants have deeper and more FOR FURTHER
active root systems, making them more INFORMATION ON
tolerant to drought conditions and WATER WISE, PLEASE
unfavourable soil conditions. CONTACT US ON:
• Indigenous plants are adapted to the 0860 10 10 60.
local climate and soil conditions, which
means they will require less water and
fertilisers.

Creating Healthy Soil using Encourage Biodiversity
Organic Material • Support a natural ecosystem to help
• Recycle your organic and garden waste prevent the extinction of plant and
to create your own compost. animal species. www.randwater.co.za
• Nutrient rich, healthy soils are ideal • Implementing sustainable practices
for plant growth as they contain lots will attract a diverse range of wildlife
of micro-organisms that can transform to your garden, enhancing the area’s
organic matter and minerals into vital ecological diversity.
plant nutrients. • Use fallen leaves from deciduous trees
• Any kind of organic matter added to in your flower beds and containers to
the soil will significantly enhance its provide nourishment for invertebrates

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 138 2024 13