Landscape Design Tips & Firewise Gardening Blog

When we select exotic ornamental plants solely for their appearance, we often choose species that have no deep ecological value in our local landscapes. Many of these ornamentals are “alien” to our ecosystems. They arrive from distant places and have not coevolved with the insects, birds, and soil life of this region. Insects often cannot digest their leaves or use their flowers for food, leaving wildlife with few resources in what appears to be a pretty garden. Research show

We do not design gardens for today. We design them for the people and pollinators who come after us. When I first started practicing landscape design, I focused on immediate impact. I chose plants that looked good right away and gardens that seemed finished the moment they were installed. I was focused on the present moment rather than the future. Over time I came to understand that a garden is not a static product. It is a long-lived ecosystem that evolves and changes year a