The Working Lawn

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6. Irrigate efficiently with properly designed systems (including hose-end equipment) and by applying the right amount of water at the right time.

7. Maintain the landscape by mowing, weeding, pruning and fertilizing properly.

We will add that in drought-plagued southern Florida, crushed native coral rock is laid out over black plastic landscaping fabric that excludes light and prevents plant growth but lets water through to retain normal soil moisture and reduce runoff. Trees and ornamentals are planted in beds planted with varieties that have similar soil and water requirements.

The books (listed in Sources below) further break down these measures into specifics applicable to different climate zones within their geographic area. They also contain lists of lawngrass species and ornamental plants to fit each zone, as well as names of nurseries that specialize in growing plants for xeriscaping.

WETLAND AND SHADE

Towns long-established in areas of natural wetland or woodland have managed to deny nature's intent by draining land, channeling water and cutting down all the native trees. Then, over time - and at great municipal and individual landowner cost - they install backyard ponds or swimming pools and plant exotic replacement shade-tree specimens or roadside treelines.

Anyone so fortunate as to build or buy where the high, dry, cleared area of the home place is surrounded by an existing or former natural woods or wetland can skip the "log-it/drain-it/bulldoze-it-flat" stage and restore or convert the surrounding area into a water- or woodland garden.

...instead of mowing a patch of fake prairie each weekend for the rest of your life, ...invest time at the outset to.... establish broad vistas, pleasant walking paths sunny meadows, deep ponds and vibrant marshes.

The objective is a wetland or woods that is open, airy and attractive, similar to a climax forest where mature trees have shaded the ground for the 20 years or so needed to shade out and discourage the snarl of mixed undergrowth. This means that instead of mowing a patch of fake prairie each weekend for the rest of your life, you invest time at the outset to go out and cut brush and pile it to shelter rabbits as it molders down. Then plant, thin, dig and fill as needed to establish broad vistas, pleasant walking paths, sunny meadows, deep ponds and vibrant marshes as land elevation dictates. Despite the pictures in landscaping books, you don't need a multiacre estate to do this.

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