8 Landscape Design Ideas for Sustainable Landscaping in Hollis NH

A sustainable landscape, while beautiful, shows a conscious choice to blend with the environment. For some, it’s a holy tribute to the landscape that minimizes a home’s impact on the landscape and promotes healthy wildlife and plantlife. Here are 8 design ideas for sustainable landscaping in Hollis, NH.

1. Choose Native Plants

Selecting native flora ensures harmony with the landscape. This is a way to ensure that the plant is healthy with its water usage and exposure to the elements. Importantly, a native plant won’t damage other plants the way that invasive weeds will. For millions of years, the plants in your area have adapted perfectly and, apart from being pretty, offer food and shelter to local wildlife, and work in synergy with other native plants.

2. Water Only When Necessary

In many areas of the world, water is a precious resource that can be unavailable at times. Even in relatively wet New Hampshire, being water-wise is a good idea. Choosing drought-tolerant native plants is the key. You can also collect rainwater in a rain barrel to minimize impact. Mulch is also a fantastic way to hold moisture close to the ground, so ask your landscape contractor to add a layer around your plants.

3. Consider Drip Irrigation

Sprinklers can be wildly inefficient, spreading water too fast for the ground to absorb. They also lose plenty of water to evaporation during summer and waste water by watering patios and driveways. Drip irrigation systems offer an automatic and slow process that keeps plants moist and avoids subjecting them to shock with dry and wet cycles. Adjust the flow to their needs, and your plants will thrive even in the hottest summer.

4. Consider Permeable Pavers

Solid surfaces reflect water rather than absorb it. Permeable pavers have slightly larger joints between them, which slowly absorb and filter water, allowing the water to pass into the ground below. While snow is melting or rain is pouring down, water doesn’t stay for long on its way to replenish underground water sources. Since permeable pavers are set further apart than traditionally installed pavers or solid surfaces like asphalt, they also absorb heat much slower, helping to keep the surface barefoot-friendly on the hottest days.

5. Invite Insectivores

Invasive insects can damage plant life, which further leads to soil degradation. Install some birdhouses, birdbaths, or other natural water features, which will attract birds to your landscape. Plant trees or shrubs to give them a safe habitat to live and the birds will happily keep your insect population under control.

6. Keep Track of Your Water

Gravity dictates where the water goes and this could often be the area to place some of your thirsty plants. Plant drought-tolerant plants on higher ground upstream and thirsty plants downstream to help them thrive and control your soil quality. Furthermore, retaining walls can help control drainage during heavy rains and direct the flow of water right into the plants’ habitat.

7. Add Compost to Your Soil

Chemical fertilizers can be useful at times but to create harmony with the environment, buy some organic compost to add to your planting soil. Even better, start your own compost system of food scraps to reduce your waste and add beneficial nutrients to the soil.

8. Plant Pollinator Gardens

It’s the dream of many to grow their own food and it’s even better to feed the surrounding ecosystem. Bee populations have been declining for decades due to the increased use of toxic chemicals. To encourage the relatively harmless bees to propagate and help pollinate your garden, plant lots of fragrant native flowers to start attracting them, and avoid the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.