Tag Archives: sustainable landscaping Colorado

Rain Harvesting Techniques that Enhance Landscapes

The recent rain in Colorado was certainly a relief, but we still have a long way to go before we are out of the red zone. So before we get back to our rain dances, it might behoove us to explore some strategies for making a little rain go a long way.

With water conservation being a top priority here at Lifescape, we are loving the idea of decorative rain catchers, barrels and other containers and chains for collecting rainwater. And what we especially like about these is how they add aesthetic value to landscapes, as well. But these aren’t the only rain harvesting techniques that add beauty to landscapes.

This wine barrel turned rain barrel adds nice character to this home’s exterior. We especially like the climbing vines that add a naturally charming touch.

Photo via Houzz

This decorative rain catcher was cleverly designed to resemble a granite fountain.

Photo via Houzz

Even more discreet is this rain barrel boulder.

Photo via Houzz

Rain chains can be installed to direct rainwater into small basins, becoming a sustainable water feature for gardens and landscapes.

Photo via Houzz

These Mediterranean-style rain barrels double as planters and look sharp. It’s a solution that allows you to conserve water with style.

Photo via Houzz

Rain gardens that are specifically designed to collect storm water or runoff from roofs are another way to create bountiful, water-wise landscapes.

Houzz

Do you currently have a system for collecting rainwater in your Colorado landscape? We’d love to hear about it. Share your story in a comment below.

Coloradans in the greater Denver area and beyond looking to achieve a low-maintenance, sustainable landscape design that provides year-round color and interest can contact the landscaping professionals at Lifescape by calling (303) 831-8310.

Earth Hour 2012: Uniting for a Sustainable Planet

If there is one thing many more people are becoming concerned about it is the health of our environment. Which is one of the main reasons why Earth Hour was created. Earth Hour is an epic event where hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to switch off their lights in order to send a powerful message for action on climate change.

For Earth Hour 2011, “more than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 alone”. Quite a few people who have participated in Earth Hour have gone above and beyond the Hour and committed themselves to lasting action for the planet.

Earth Hour 2012 will be taking place on March 31st at 8:30 p.m. local time. According to experts- If we as the human race don’t take action on climate change, the devastating effects could include drought and wildfires, extensive species extinction, mass human, animal and plant migrations and resource wars over shrinking amounts of potable water. (Source: www.asla.org)

For information on Earth Hour 2012, visit www.earthhour.org.

What are some ways you’ve started to live a sustainable life?

Image Credit: earthhour.org

5 Exciting Ideas for your Landscape

Do you need a few new and exciting ideas for your Denver or Boulder area landscape? Well, Lifescape Associates wanted to quickly point out a few ideas for you to get your creative juices flowing on how you’d like to see your landscape transformed in 2012.

1. Blurring the lines between inside and out

The concept that your garden is an extension of your home’s interior and vice versa. For example, use the same flooring patterns or materials inside the home as outside the home. Incorporate large glass facades in the house to see clearly outside. Nana Wall is a technology that has been used to transition an interior room to an exterior room.

2. The Outdoor Room

Rooms are created with a floor, wall and ceiling planes. For example, in an outdoor room, use a paver type material for the ground plane that has visual interest, doesn’t crack and can easily be maintained. For the side planes use seat walls, outdoor kitchens, plants, or a side of the house. For the roof or ceiling plane - horizontal branching trees, arbors, pergolas and umbrellas can be used to enclose and make a space comfortable and enticing.

3. Green and Sustainable landscapes

The concept of saving energy through more efficient technology, materials and styles of living. For example, using LED outdoor lighting with sensors and timers. LED is 80% more efficient, green and will save you money. The lamps last 40,000 hours which is around 20 years. Also, Smart Irrigation Controllers can save 30-70% water savings to traditional controllers and come with a rain gauge to release the most efficient amount of water to your plants.

4. Plant material

The various plants that can be used in the landscape. In Colorado, plants must be tolerant of heat but moreover tolerant of cold and freezing conditions as well. Low-maintenance and low-water plants are welcomed in most landscapes.

5. Hardscape and Softscape

Hardscape refers to patios, driveways or even outdoor kitchens where pavers, concrete, and masonry items are used. It is the opposite of Softscape, which is anything to do with plants, irrigation, sod, lighting, soil amendments, mulch and drainage. Both hard and softscape are equally important in a landscape composition.

Go Green in 2012 with Permeable Landscape Design

The New Year is almost here, and it is time to finalize those resolutions you have been working on. However, don’t leave making a more positive impact on your environment off your list. The best place to start working on this New Year resolution is in your own landscape. Consider a permeable landscape design that enhances your yard with attractive hardscape design. Permeable is being considered the new “green” of hardscape design because it creates elegant hardscapes that allow water and air to flow into the soil.

If you live in the Denver or Boulder area and want to go green in 2012 with a permeable landscape, simply contact a designer at Lifescape for more information. 303-831-8310

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

What is sustainable landscaping?

You may have heard the term “sustainable landscaping” tossed around, but many people still don’t fully understand what it actually is. To be honest, there are quite a few varying definitions but the staples of sustainable landscaping are: an attractive environment that is in balance with the local climate and requires minimal resource inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides and water. – colostate.edu Sustainable landscaping starts with an appropriate design that is cost efficient, functional, environmentally friendly, visually pleasing and has maintainable areas.

Goals can be different for each sustainable landscape. It can have a short-term goal such as saving water or implementing and using a compost bin. Or it can have a more long term goal like creating a more self-sustaining garden. Talk with your landscaping contractor to find out what your needs are and what sustainable landscape design is best for your yard.

Lifescape Associates can design your landscape for your needs and budget. Just give us a call at 303-831-8310.