Permeable Pavers - Series Installment #3

LANDSCAPE TRENDS FOR 2010

Currently, our communities are experiencing many adverse impacts on the natural water system as a result of urban development. As vegetation is replaced with buildings, concrete and asphalt, this concrete jungle serves as a means to very rapidly shed an increased volume of water, and with it pollutants, into those natural water systems. Our infrastructure which was once designed for a particular volume of rainwater is now over-taxed, as we increase water trapped on surface and redirect it to the storm sewers, rivers and streams. Designers and planners are now integrating storm sewer detention systems and Retention ponds as a means to help control, redirect and detain this water displacement.

SO HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO OUR PERSONAL LANDSCAPE?

Our choices to create hardscapes on our property, including asphalt, concrete and interlocking stone can contribute to this burden on our infrastructure and our natural streams and rivers. By implementing a new design approach to lockstone, permeable pavers offer an environmentally friendly alternative. Permeable pavers have been designed to permit water infiltration at a much faster rate. The aggregates below the interlocking surface act as a filter to the aforementioned pollutants that can be washed into our water system. The permeable pavers help to keep the rainwater on site.


This image is an example of the gaps provided between pavers to allow for water infiltration.


This is a commercial for one particular permeable paver product. It is a great example of installation and product use.

Tree Pruning Basics

For those do-it-yourselfers with a tree in need of some TLC, attached is a guide that provides all the basic knowledge needed for general tree pruning purposes. If in doubt, call a qualified arborist. (Click on Photos to Enlarge)

The following link is the source of the above information.

http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/h-156.pdf

Lawns: What are the Alternatives?

How can we be more sustainable? As far as the landscape is concerned, if the lawn isn't being used as a play space, it is more than likely just one more element of eye candy awaiting your attention. From a design perspective, it's the glue that holds your landscape together, as well, arguably ties your property into your neighborhood (it is common ground). From a maintenance perspective, the lawn is a needy companion. It demands to be fertilized, weeded, sometimes requires pesticides, and always needs to be kept trim. As it grows, it nags to be nurtured and cut to perfection.

Is it a status symbol? Perhaps. Ultimately, it has just become part of the norm. It's expected. It's filler. Maintenance costs aside (all landscapes have initial costs), but the lawn in relation to the creative possibilities of the garden, is status-quo. Not to mention predictable. So who dares venture beyond Kentucky blue grass and try something different?

The following is an incomplete collection of lawn alternatives:

1) Ornamental Grass

2) Clover

3) Moss

4) Garden (English Garden)

5) Xeriscaping (Requires Low Water & Maintenance)

6) Synthetic Turf

7) Any Groundcovers & Low Growing Perennials (Pic: Sedum)

Click Link to PDF, to find out more about the alternatives:
http://www.toronto.ca/health/pesticides/pdf/gardening_lawnalternatives.pdf