Tips to Help Transition Your Landscape This Spring

Work with Nature

The goal is not to dominate nature but to collaborate with it, embracing natural processes that transform spaces and become integral parts of the local ecosystem—even functional elements in our landscapes. For example, a fallen tree may be left to serve not only as a unique garden seat but provides a source of incredible habitat. As that tree slowly decays, observe how often it is visited by wildlife, including woodpeckers that forage on insects.

In a dark corner of the yard where sun does not pierce a dense canopy, rather than trying to plant conventional turf grass, simply let mosses colonize the area. They will, in turn, provide an exceptionally low maintenance lawn alternative that also soaks up excess surface water and thus reducing runoff.

Go Outside When It Rains

Water is a precious resource, and ecological landscaping places a strong emphasis on water conservation. Techniques such as rainwater harvesting, using permeable surfaces and incorporating features like bioswales help manage water sustainably. This approach reduces stormwater runoff and recharges ground water supplies. The next time it rains, head outside and observe where downspouts lead, and how water traverses and pools on the property. There may be an incredible opportunity to construct a future rain garden that can store and filter hundreds of gallons of stormwater while also creating vital habitat for wildlife.

Create Habitat

Ecological landscaping aims to create spaces that provide habitat for wildlife. This includes designing spaces in our landscapes that offer nutrient-dense food supplies from native plants. Native plants are those naturally occurring in a specific region that have adapted to the local soil and site conditions. These high-functioning, versatile species are the foundational building blocks to creating resilient and thriving ecosystem-landscapes that sequester carbon and control erosion. To enhance biodiversity in a landscape, focus on selecting native plants that thrive in different site conditions and soil types as well as range in different heights, colors and textures as this will contribute to not only the landscape’s aesthetic appeal but accomplish significant ecological functions. Home Grown National Park (HomeGrownNationalPark.org), co-founded by conservationist and renowned University of Delaware professor Doug Tallamy, is a great resource to find helpful information and inspiration.

Enjoy the Journey and Inspire Others to Take Action

The transformation from conventional landscaping to ecological landscaping is not just a visual change; it’s a mindshift. It’s a commitment to sustainability, a recognition of the interconnectedness of all living things on Earth, and a celebration of the beauty that emerges when we harmonize with nature. As we embark on this journey towards ecological landscaping, we are not just designing an outdoor space; we are sowing the seeds of a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come.

Mike Baczewski, AOLCP, is the founder of New England Pollinator Gardens, LLC, a Connecticut-based ecological design-build firm that partners with residential and commercial clients to create native landscapes designed to support and enhance ecosystems. Connect at NewEnglandPollinatorGardens.com.