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A : In my experience the main way it differs from traditional landscaping is working WITH nature instead of fighting against it…………….

• Actively trying to reduce mulch over-time by thoughtfully filling garden beds. Eventually you can get to the point where you only need to spot mulch after planting or in the front of a bed after edging to create an orderly frame. Plant litter chopped up with electric hedge shears, mulching mower or small chipper/shredder makes amazing mulch.

• Tighter plant spacing to limit weeds and create a lush look that is evocative and highly functional.

• Utilizing existing soil conditions instead of needlessly and mostly unsuccessfully trying to amend soil.

• Using mostly native plants because of their adaptability, beauty and ways in which they provide eco-system services. e.g supporting wildlife, filtering stormwater,etc.

• Systems thinking or thinking in the ‘plant community way’. Instead of putting plants together that require all different types of maintenance and water regimes we put plants together that have similar cultural needs. This allows us to think of a garden or area of our property as ONE plant community that we manage instead of a rag-tag collection of plants with a bunch of different requirements. The former is a much more manageable and fun way to garden. Over time we get to know the characters in this community and develop a relationship with the plants. This increases our connection to our gardens and nature as a whole.

• Allowing nature to express itself by not over-mulching in the beginning and sometimes allowing particular plants to spread in a thoughtful way if that is what we want. In certain areas of our landscape we want hard-working plants that cover ground and inhibit invasive plants and weeds. Close to the house we may prefer less mobile plants that stay put.

• All of the above does not equal “wild”. Traditional landscape design and horticulture knowledge is not thrown out but instead combined with this new ecological approach. We always strive for our gardens to be legible and have an obvious order. Seasonal bloom events that support wildlife and move us emotionally are designed into every garden as well.