The Different Faces of Landscaping.

Landscaping is good for your health and one of the most cost effective tools for improving and sustaining the quality of life, whether in the city, the suburbs, or the country, of your home.  Landscaping is often associated with garden apartments that boast acres of land and rolling hills decorated with towering trees, bountiful flower gardens and lush courtyards, and is a broad field, encompassing everything from landscaping design to architectural landscaping to landscape engineering.  Landscaping is more than just a tree or a shrub plopped in the ground.  The goal of energy-conserving landscaping is to regulate energy flows from the sun and the wind.  The other important climatic element to be controlled by landscaping is the wind. A popular trend in landscaping is low, indirect lighting. 

There are many types of landscaping. Drought resistant landscaping is also termed as xeriscaping, and is a landscaping approach that uses minimal amounts of water and yet maintains the look of a traditional garden. Permeable Landscaping is that which allows water and air to penetrate the soil. Natural landscaping is an opportunity to reestablish diverse native plants, thereby inviting the birds and butterflies back home. Edible landscaping is the use of food-producing plants in the constructed landscape, principally the residential landscape. Interior landscaping is the practice of designing, arranging, and caring for living plants in enclosed environments.   

Foundation plantings are often the first feature homeowners think of when landscaping is mentioned, and a common element in xeriscape landscaping is the reduction of lawn grass areas, since lawn grass is often one of the worst offenders against water conservation.  Another widespread tactic in xeriscape landscaping is the deployment of indigenous plants, since they are adapted to the local climate and consequently require less water. Permeable landscaping is part of the sewer system for storm water.

Natural Landscaping is another way for corporations and institutions to demonstrate their support of the environment. The major savings of natural landscaping is the lost cost of landscape maintenance. Although natural landscaping is gaining more and more acceptance each year, for many people, native grasses and flowers are just weeds.  In theory, natural landscaping is adapted to the climate, geography and hydrology and should require no pesticides, fertilizers and watering to maintain, given that native plants have adapted and evolved to local conditions over thousands of years.  In some planned developments, natural landscaping is the requirement.  Edible landscaping is as old as gardening itself and has undergone a recent revival.

In the trade, interior landscaping is also known as water smart and green landscaping; while interior landscaping is an accurate description of this specialty, water smart and green are words that were invented at the birth of the interior landscape industry, to define the trade.  Conventional irrigation systems basically flood the area where the landscaping is located. Water smart landscaping is also were you select "the right plant for the right place", which means choosing plants that are well adapted to the specific conditions where they are to be planted  One of the principles of water smart landscaping is maintaining functional lawn areas, which is about  much more than rocks and cactus.  Another part of interior landscaping is green landscaping, where you consider your irrigation options. Drought resistant landscaping is actually becoming popular in places that are naturally dry and prone to drought.    

          In closing, there are many different aspects of landscaping. Having many areas of interest, landscaping is not just about planting and flower picking. Keeping up the appearance of a home not only makes the owner feel good but it also increases the value. Although it is considered an easy to do it yourself project, serious problems have been known to arise. Have your landscaping done by a professional to ensure a quality job is done.

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