Spring is right around the corner! Every year as we leave January behind, it seems the next couple of months simply fly by and before you know it, winter is behind us once again. This year the Saskatoon School of Horticulture is shaking up what we usually do at this time of year. Generally, we attend Gardenscape but not this year! You can visit us at the Saskatchewan Living Green Expo Feb. 26 to 28 and the Saskatoon Sports and Leisure Show March 3 through 6.
The Green Expo is organized by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society and the Sports and Leisure Show is organized by the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation. We will be presenting at the theatres at both shows and look forward to seeing you all there. Be sure to check out our website at www.saskhort.com for all the inside information.
The next series of articles will revolve around the theme of putting the leisure back into gardening, gardening at the cabin, and, of course, lots about sustainability. Please also feel free to get in touch with us if you have topics that you would like to see an article on.
Did you know the sustainable landscape will actually help to conserve resources, reduce labour input and is more economical in nature? What makes up sustainable landscape? How do you make sustainability an integral part of all that you do in the field of horticulture?
A sustainable landscape is one that is responsive to the environment. It actively will contribute to the development of healthy communities and improve the quality of life. It may increase energy efficiency, restore habitats, clean the air and water, sequester carbon, be re-generative and create value through significant economic, social and environmental benefits. Believe it or not a sustainable landscape will do all this and not take anything away from the beauty of your space.
Everywhere in the world, useable land is becoming scarcer and even more valuable. Because of this we need to ensure the space we are using and enhancing is providing additional value by rewarding the senses, promoting a healthy community and an environment conducive to its many users. It is all about working with the environment to create a space with balance.
A couple of ideas you may want to consider to make your landscape more sustainable is to reduce the amount of turf you have. This will reduce water consumption, chemical and/or organic additives as well as the physical work required to maintain it.
Saving the water that is provided by Mother Nature will also help to reduce the footprint of your outdoor space and still provide that moisture when it is needed. A surface layer of organic mulch will also reduce the amount of water your garden may need. An added bonus is you will have less weeding to do.
Growing a good variety of plants will increase the amount of beneficial insects and pollinators to your garden. Better yet, grow more edible plants and enjoy the benefit of having fresh produce available whenever you need it. Last but not least, it is important to provide shade to your dwelling and to areas outside you frequent in the hot part of the day.
Watch next week for more on sustainability in the landscape!
— Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769); by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or check out our website at saskhort.com.
