I like to think of native and naturalistic installations as working landscapes, plants operating as a green infrastructure, functioning on multiple levels. Not only to delight and inspire but also providing nature based solutions to soil erosion, water run-off and loss of bio diversity that are common occurrences on residential and commercial landscapes.
The diversity in structure, texture and color of native and naturalistic plantings weave together to form an ecological relationship between one another as well as their surrounding environment. Above ground they provide habitat and food source for a variety of pollinators and wildlife that skip and flutter among the drifts of flowers. At the ground level, root structures work hard to stabilize the soil, increase water uptake and filter pollutant that may flow in from adjacent roads, sidewalks and over-fertilized lawns. The tight weave (pattern) inhibits weed germination and cuts down on the need for top layer dressing and minimizes maintenance.
During the design process I carefully consider plant selection, paying close attention to choosing a palette of companion plants that will provide both form and function in the landscape. The ‘right plant for the right spot’ or an ecologically informed planting concept will ensure grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees will thrive in the existing conditions of a site, and also compliment and enhance their surrounding environment.
