Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies visible features of an area of land. In the city, this might be called urban landscaping which looks at ways of incorporating functional green spaces into cluttered metropolitan areas, or suburban landscaping that focuses more on primarily residential areas integrated with office parks and shopping areas.
These visible landscape features that we arrange in a design include flora (plant life) or fauna (animal life); or what is commonly referred to as Gardening. Other elements include those materials that help the fauna relate to the flora such as pathways, planters, lighting, and other materials often referred to as hardscaping.
This site focuses on the basic elements of landscaping, including landscape design, but also on the gardening elements, or the art and craft of growing plants with the idea of creating an attractive environment outdoor environment to enjoy in your own backyard or for creating more curb appeal for your real estate investment.
This information also addresses specific problem areas often encountered in the landscape and especially in the lawn. Weeds, insects, and disease are the primary problems associated with lawn and landscape care. However, all of these major problems are more properly associated with actual soil problems. So soil condition and improvement is also covered.
Environmental concerns are also addressed. The goal of Landscape America is to promote an interest and appreciation of landscaping and lawns across the country, not that we will be better for having a better lawn and landscape, but better people from making the effort at improving the environment.
Practical considerations should be part of the landscape design process. When selecting plant materials, always consider native species or non-invasive plant species adapted to the geographic area and thrive in that particular climate without extensive supplemental watering and feeding.
Environmental problems result when exotic plants are placed in the landscape that require extensive adaptation of the climate to allow for their survival. Using native species we greatly reduce this forced adaptation and conserve natural resources.
Everyone benefits from making the world better a better place.
With today's economic climate, pulling out some of our grandparents tricks that helped them survive the Great Depression 1 might help us survive the Great Depression 2. If this Depression is anything like the first one, it's going to be a long, dark ride that will last years. Preparing now may help you cope with what is around the corner.
Read more about Depression Gardens >>
