The fundamental difference between regenerative and conventional landscape design is that the former works with nature, while the latter works against it. How this became “conventional” is a topic for another post. For now, let’s look at what working with nature means in terms of landscape design and what the main principles of regenerative landscape design are.
Landscape design by definition centers humans as it literally means designed by and for humans, providing beauty, respite, and recreation. Regenerative landscape design expands the definition to also include benefits for the surrounding communities. In other words, the landscape doesn’t just bring value to the humans residing on the site, but also to the non-humans (e.g. wildlife). Regenerative landscape design also considers the impact landscaping decisions have on ecosystems beyond the property lines.
So how does regenerative landscape design increase value for both humans and non-humans? There are many tactics and solutions, but they can generally be summarized within the three principles outlined below.
1. Soil Health
We already know that healthy soil is the foundation for thriving plants. Thriving plants in turn are the foundation for healthy ecosystems. In most landscaped settings, however, soil tends to be very compacted and lacking in nutrients. Conventional landscapes include large areas of turfgrass. Turfgrass has very shallow roots, so it can’t perform this nutrient exchange at a deep level. Large areas of turfgrass also mean heavy mowers driving over it, which compacts the soil, and making it even harder to access nutrients. This in turn is the reason why people add chemical fertilizers to grass, to keep it looking healthy and green. It’s a vicious cycle that ultimately kills soil life and endangers surrounding ecosystems.
We can build up soil health by adding organic matter (compost, mulch) and minimizing soil disturbance (no/minimal tilling). This encourages undeterred microbial activity and nutrient exchange between the soil, plants, and billions of organisms that live in the soil. Creating healthy soil in this way eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, which can leach into our water systems. Healthy soil does not require tilling because it’s capable of aerating itself. Its sponge-like consistency also enable it to absorb and hold rainwater, which helps mitigate risks from both droughts and floods.
2. Biodiversity
A second key element of regenerative landscape design is biodiversity. A wider range of plants can support a wider range of wildlife. More biodiversity means more resilient landscapes.
We can increase biodiversity by prioritizing regionally-appropriate native plants of all types: trees, shrubs, flowering perennials, ground covers, etc. Diverse plant communities attract and sustain many local and beneficial animal and insect species. Once established, native plants also require less water and maintenance compared to non-native species. There are so many beautiful, colorful, fragrant, and even edible, native plants for us to choose from for our landscapes.
3. Holistic Approach
A holistic approach to design is the final principle of regenerative design we’ll discuss today. Rather than viewing outdoor spaces as isolated areas, regenerative landscaping considers them extensions of our homes, bridges with the larger environmental network. This means we should consider the multiple functions plants play within our landscapes, in relation to the surrounding flora, fauna, and fungi. A specimen tree, for instance, shouldn’t just fit our aesthetic needs. It should also protect the soil from erosion, provide food and shelter to native birds and insects, and perhaps even food for us!
There are many techniques we can implement in designing landscapes regeneratively. Before we dive into more of them, it helps to know why a regenerative approach is important in the first place. As land stewards in an increasingly volatile ecology, it is our duty to ensure our outdoor spaces help heal the surrounding environment. When we protect our landscapes, we also protect our homes from future natural disasters. In embracing regenerative landscape design principles, we increase the value of our homes and that of our ecological systems. Not to mention, we built meaningful connections between us and the land we live on. Reach out today to get started on your regenerative landscape design project!