Modern Landscape

Modern Landscape

The New Trend in Responsible Landscaping Modern homeowners are continually improving their homes while also trying to make responsible choices that are healthy for family and environment. Unfortunately, what has become a glowing symbol of homeownership in America is also a huge drain on the environment - the robust and homogenous lawn. As the idea of the lawn gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century, homeowners spent countless hours and dollars to grow and maintain the perfect lawn. To keep a lawn full, green, and weed-free requires regular seeding, watering, tending, and mowing. But today, with increasing awareness about the environmental impact of everyday activities, many homeowners have begun to cut down on using up water and energy resources and spreading chemical fertilizers and weed-killers. A new trend is gaining popularity as a solution to the environmental issues and economic costs associated with lawn care: xeriscaping.

The term xeriscaping, with the "x" pronounced as a "z," stems from the Greek "xeros" meaning dry. Xeriscaping is simply a landscaping design that is tailored to thrive with little maintenance. It generally requires less water, pest control, and fertilizer than traditional landscaping, therefore saving money, time, and natural resources. The principal goal of xeriscaping is to utilize the land's natural properties and not to force something foreign into the plan. That means a good xeriscaping design will take account of the shape and slope of the land, the soil content, and plants and flowers that are native to the region and climate.

There are many choices a homeowner can make when switching to a xeriscaping plan.

If you just love having an expanse of lawn, let the native grasses grow in, including mosses and weeds. In other words, keep anything that is green! Those varieties will need less water, as they are naturally suited to the climate.
If you're willing to reduce your lawn size, keep smaller swatches of lawn between groupings of plants or as edges to walkways.
Incorporate native plants and flowers throughout the space. Research plants that are native to other areas but that are hardy and will work in your region with little maintenance. When deciding on plant placement, group plants that have similar watering needs together to maximize watering efficiency.
Use walls and edging on sloping terrain so that water will pool and soak into the soil and roots well. Supplement soil with compost and mulch to help retain moisture and regulate temperature.
A rock garden is a good way to utilize naturally occurring stones and an area that does not easily support green growth.
Patios, walkways, decks, and other hardscaping features add another element to reduce landscaping care.

Because xeriscaping is essentially about practicing regionally appropriate landscaping, it can be quite easy to make the changes. Look at your current landscaping plan and see what can be adapted to lower maintenance costs and save resources. There are a wide range of beautiful and interesting plants and elements that can be incorporated into a responsible xeriscaping design.

James Budrow at Sacramento Inspection recommends homeowners schedule yearly maintenance inspections to help protect their investment.

Schedule your Sacramento home inspection today.

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Any modern photographers here and who shot artistic pictures not just landscapes and animals?

Something that intrigue you and fascinate you. Odd and contemporary and avant-garde pieces of your work.

Is it possible that you can show it here?
bbshady

I do consider landscape and animals artistic. I'm just looking for some other specific artistic representation of art.

I'm a little offended that you don't regard landscapes and animal shots artistic. I think that's a terribly subjective view of these things. But hey, you're totally entitled to your opinion, and I respect that, I just don't necessarily agree with it. Oddly, I do kind of agree with the animal one. Landscapes however, its a bit tricky sometimes to get something just how you want it as far as angles and such.

Here's my non-landscape non-animal shot. Not sure if it complies with the avant-garde or contemporary, but maybe it is a bit odd

http://www.pbase.com/inspzil/image/17561086

http://www.pbase.com/inspzil/image/23025077

http://www.pbase.com/inspzil/image/24934441

Anyway, that's my weak contribution.