Faced with the realities of global warming and environmental degradation, there is an obvious need to rethink many aspects of our lives, including our landscaping practices. Unlimited and wasteful water consumption, the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and the use of exotic invasive plant species, for instance, are simply no longer acceptable. Clearly, we need new approaches to help reduce our 'ecological footprint'.

In recent years, there has been a substantial growth of interest in 'ecological landscaping' here in Ontario and abroad.

Ecological landscaping encompasses a wide variety of innovative practices and technologies that, in simple terms, work with - rather than in opposition to - nature to create beautiful, ecologically healthy landscapes and gardens. Native species plantings, low-maintenance lawns, xeriscaping (i.e., water-efficient landscaping), habitat gardens, and naturalization are increasingly popular types of ecological landscaping. 

Ecological landscaping is this, and much more. As a broad concept, it includes low impact development, which encompasses on-site water conservation and stormwater management features such as green roofs, bioswales, water collection systems, permeable pavements and rain gardens. On rural properties, it can entail the use of ecological restoration and management practices to create, enhance and/or restore natural habitats such as woodland, wetland, shoreline and aquatic habitats. Ecological landscaping can also include the use of trees and shrubs to promote energy conservation in our homes, solar powered landscape lighting and pond pumps, vegetated 'living walls' to shelter gardens and outdoor living areas, and green 'bioengineered' retaining walls to stabilize slopes. Engineered wetlands designed to filter storm runoff and grey water are another aspect of ecological landscapes, as are chemical-free 'Natural Swimming Pools', another innovation rapidly gaining popularity in Ontario. Ecological landscaping also extends to the use of sustainable harvest and recycled plastic lumber for landscape carpentry projects. It even promotes the use of local building materials, giving rise to new applications for old technologies, such as rammed earth walls constructed from local soils.

So, whether you live on a small urban lot or a large country estate, there is obviously much you can do to be an environmentally-responsible landowner. For more information on ecological landscaping as it applies to your property, give us a call. You may also want to check out 'Landscape Guide for Canadian Homes', published by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.