Yard
Turn a Lawn Into a Naturalistic Meadow If you’re considering eliminating a traditional lawn or reducing its size, look to this naturalistic meadow designed by Ari Tenenbaum of Revolution Landscape for inspiration. The design incorporates many of the ideas we’ve already discussed — using native plants, including pollinator-friendly plants, keeping rainwater on site and reducing the need for supplemental water and maintenance — for a beautiful backyard design. Tenenbaum regraded the yard, which had been a neglected traditional lawn, and installed boulders and rocky basins to catch rainwater from the client’s roof. Next he planted sanddune sedge (Carex pansa) with a mix of flowering lavender, verbena and sweet alyssum, which benefit birds, bees and butterflies. “I would estimate this meadow will use about 30 to 50 percent less water annually, as compared to a traditional lawn,” he says — not to mention it will cut down on maintenance.
Use Permeable Hardscape Surfaces Choosing hardscape materials that allow for water to run through them is another way to keep rainwater on site. In this Melbourne garden, the designers at Bayon Gardens used permeable paving for pathways and patios. Here, gravel covers a walkway leading to a fire feature, acting as a filter for rainwater to percolate back into the soil. Wood pieces guide the path and provide a place to put your feet.
Plant a Rain Garden Rain gardens channel stormwater into a sunken, planted garden area, where it can slowly soak into the ground, as opposed to stormwater drains that send the water off-site. Adding a rain garden leads to a cascade of environmental benefits. “Rain gardens help purify surface water and recharge groundwater, which is important for salmon-safe gardening in the Pacific Northwest,” says landscape designer Amy Whitworth. The gravel and soil of a rain garden act as a filter, helping to purify runoff of harmful pollutants, such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, fertilizer, pesticides and more. “Cleaner water leads to healthier rivers and watersheds, which is better for all wildlife and people,” the designer adds. Whitworth, of Plan-it Earth Design, created this rain garden in Portland, Oregon, between two houses, directing roof runoff from both into a dry streambed. She used plants such as heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), a mix of grass-like carex varieties and gooseneck loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides) — all plants that don’t mind moist soil — to soften the edges.
Harvest Rainwater Capturing rainwater can help save water on a small scale. A rain barrel connected to a home’s downspouts allows one to capture the runoff from the roof for use in drier months. In this garden in San Luis Obispo, California, designed by Gabriel Frank, an attractive terra-cotta-colored rain barrel with a handy hose attachment allows for easy water dispensing to use on garden beds in the dry season. Tip: Before you purchase or install a rain barrel, be sure to check local laws. Certain states have issued rainwater-harvesting restrictions.
Seven Son Flower Heptacodium Miconioides Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 5 to 9) Water requirement: Moderate Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 15 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, but it can be kept smaller with annual pruning
Doublefile Viburnum Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 8) Water requirement: Moderate to low Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade Mature size: 10 to 12 feet tall and 12 to 15 feet wide
Screening solution: Tiered planter beds
rebuilt ipe wood deck’s stairs angle down into the yard as a design move to save space and add staircase seating. A landing pad between the deck and lower patio features artificial turf that’s soft enough for the family’s two dogs to play on and requires zero maintenance
A metal framework works well, too, such as in this modern take on a pergola.
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