Designing Your Naturescape
When you are ready to transform all of this information into a living NatureScape, keep in mind the roots of natural Florida. This state’s original landscape was a sub-tropical zone full of diverse plant communities – a picture that bears little resemblance to today’s standardized, manicured lawns.
NatureScapes don’t necessarily mean “wild” looking yards, rather they are created to contribute to nature, instead of depleting it.
At this point, it is wise to resist the urge to go to the nursery and buy all the pretty plants. Work your way through these guidelines first! It will pay off in the end. Good landscape design is not hard. It is logical and based upon your needs, desires and the basic ground you have to build on.
Before you get started:
1. Remember the basic principles of NatureScape: to employ landscaping practices that conserve water; reduce contaminated runoff; and provide wildlife habitat. These principles are reflected in eye-pleasing, money saving and value enhancing landscapes.
2. What do you want your property to do? Will it serve as a playground or an outdoor entertainment venue? A vegetable garden? How much time do you want to spend on maintenance? Your practical needs determine how to allocate space.
3. What does your site analysis tell you that you have to build on? The amount of shade and sun that covers areas, soil types, drainage patterns and exterior structures are facts to consider. Would you rather work with what you have or spend money and time working against it?
4. Draw what you see. Taking a bird’s eye view, locate the building (facing the appropriate direction) and other structural elements such as driveways; existing vegetation including trees, turf and plants; water ways; irrigation systems; and open space.
*A helpful tool for this step is a copy of the survey completed for your mortgage.
No, this is not the time to go to the nursery to buy the pretty plants. Plan a little more.
5. Now draw what you want to see. Outline the areas you would like to use for specific purposes, such as play areas or sites for butterfly gardening. Draw in where you would like to see plants, trees, and water features. Don’t worry about specific plant selection just yet. Group vegetation according to water needs to make irrigation efficient.
6. Consider irrigation. Do you want to change or install a system to make it more efficient? Here are some helpful tips for getting a handle on planning.
- Different areas of the yard have different water needs, depending on what is planted, how well water drains and the amount of sunlight. Each of these areas is called a hydro-zone. Create separate hydro-zones for lawn and shrubs, and shady and sunny areas.
- Remember to evaluate existing hydro-zones before adding more plants. Now is also a good time to relocate plants that aren’t thriving due to incorrect hydro-zone placement before adding new ones.
- Never combine spray heads, rotors, or drip irrigation in the same hydro-zone because the water application rates are different for each of these.
Here are some helpful links for more irrigation design information:
7. Select plants and other landscape materials. Click Here for an extensive native plant database that allows you to search by: plant common and scientific name; plant type (large tree, small tree, shrub, vine);
sunlight needs (full sun, light shade, etc.); soil conditions; and whether the plant attracts wildlife.
8. Outline new raised beds and other changes in your landscape with a garden hose. Stand back and take a look. Does what you have planned make sense? If not, erase and redesign.
9. Enlist the help of friends and family when it comes time for installing everything. You may want to enjoy a nice NatureScape cookout as a reward for their assistance!
Now, go to the native plant nursery! Don’t forget to purchase the yard utensils you will need when you get back.
*Enjoy and schedule some maintenance into your week. It will take time to establish new plants and fine-tune your plan.
**IMPORTANT: Get Certified! You’ve done the work. Now, see the information on becoming a certified NatureScape. We want you to join us!
Want to learn more about design? Try these links:
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
South Florida Water Management District
For xeriscape information:
Florida Garden and Landscape Books
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