Schworer & Company Landscapes, Inc.
Norfolk, MA 02056
Tele: 508-528-1002
Fax: 508-528-1002
Home Services Natural Landscapes Lawn Alternatives Free Consultations E-Mail
| |
|
Natural Landscapes: Not Just For the BirdsToday, there is a subtle shift going on in residential landscaping across the country. With changing attitudes about the use of chemicals (harmful fertilizers and pesticides) in our environment and the conservation of fresh water, we are moving toward landscapes that require minimal maintenance at far less cost. Coincidentally, we are also moving away from the trimmed and manicured look of landscapes to a looser, more casual appearance as found with plants in nature. Properties that once consisted of mostly turf grass that was difficult to maintain, are slowly being turned into a combination of meadows, groupings of native shrubbery and trees, or ornamental grasses.
Natural landscaping is not only an ecologically sound approach but it is also an attractive, less expensive alternative to landscaping as we've known it. The varied blooms and abundance of berries in natural landscapes offer a better habitat for the birds and a vibrant landscape for ourselves. And, after planting and some initial watering, many plants in the natural landscape can virtually take care of themselves, growing for you and the birds to enjoy for years to come. The variety of shrubbery, trees, groundcovers and ornamental grasses characteristic of natural landscapes offer many possibilites for plant composition. Shrubbery, such as Viburnums, Bayberry, Shrub Dogwood, Chokeberry, American Elder, and Inkberry can provide a reliable source of blooms and berries. Bearberry, Ajuga, Wintergreen, Cotoneaster, and Field Juniper are some of the groundcovers typically found in, or which might be introduced to a natural landscape. There are also a number of trees that compliment the natural landscape and bring birds to live and feed. Serviceberry, Hawthornes, Crabapples, Mountain Ash, Mulberry, Eastern Red Cedars, and native birches are just a few of the trees that supply food for the birds and which have colorful fruit persisting well into the winter. Another nice visual addition that is easy to establish and capbable of creating a unique dimension in natural landscapes are native and ornamental grasses. These plants are also a terrific source of seeds for birds.
So, when considering making additions or changes in your landscape, bear in mind that
there are a great number of benefits to choosing a natural landscape. It offers a variety
of plants that are virtually care free -- saving you both time and money in maintaining
them. And, since natural landscapes require less moisture once established, by promoting
them you are helping to conserve fresh water. Finally, by adopting a more natural
landscape, you can take an important step toward preserving the environment and provide
attractive and fruitful places for wildlife to live and feed. |
Natural landscaping is
all about emulating what nature does at random and creating a similar appearance around
our homes. In the strictest sense, natural landscapes should contain only native plants.
But, as landscapes are renovated and existing trees and shrubbery are reorganized, other
native plants can be added. Plants, like pieces of furniture, can be moved around and new
plants can be introduced to create a natural look.
Much consideration in
natural landscaping and gardening today is also being given to plants that are most
attractive to butterflies. Shrubbery and vines such as Butterfly Bush, Weigela,
Honeysuckle, and Trumpet Vine, are all fabulous summer bloomers and are among the best
choices for butterflies, as well as hummingbirds.