What is Ecological Landscaping?
Ecological Landscaping takes a holistic approach to garden design, installation and maintenance. Rainwater is kept on the land to soak directly into the soil, or be captured in ponds, swales and tanks. Soil is made fertile using sheet mulching and compost tea. Plants are climate-appropriate and include edibles. Garden waste is composted or mulched. Pathways and patios are permeable. Habitat is created to attract wildlife.
Organic gardening is a great place to start. After all, any practice that reduces the input of harmful chemicals into our environment is a good thing. Equinox Landscape takes it one step further. We use Permaculture principals in all facets of our work to mimic natural ecosystems that are not only sustainable, but regenerative.
Permaculture strives to examine all aspects of how we as human beings can live in harmony with the earth and its limited resources. Though there are many different ways that practitioners define Permaculture, one sweeping definition might be "creating sustainable human habitats by following nature's patterns." As a guiding set of principals, Permaculture embraces many aspects of Ecological Landscaping.
The Permaculture landscape designer works towards optimal methods for integrating water catchment, human shelter and energy systems with tree crops, edible and useful perennials, self-seeding annuals, aquaculture and animals—sustainable landscaping. Plants are arranged in patterns that can catch water, filter toxins, absorb nutrients and sunlight and block the wind. Combinations of trees, perennial vines, shrubs and ground covers that are known to nourish and protect one another are clustered together. Excess or waste products from plants and animals are used as nutrients for the soil. Composted food from the kitchen is reworked into the soil to recycle its valuable nutrients.
At Equinox Landscape, we use Permaculture design concepts to best integrate buildings, plants, animals, soils, water and microclimates. Our focus is not on these elements themselves, but rather on a harmonious relationship created among them by the way they are placed in a garden. Equinox's owner, Patrick Picard is a Certified Permaculture Designer.
Want to dig deeper and learn more about our Ecological Landscaping and Permaculture practices?
Edible Gardens and Food Forests
If you are interested in our Ecological Landscaping Services, please call us at (707) 789‑9786 in Sonoma to arrange for an appointment.
Lee Barnes - Editor, Permaculture Connections