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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, May 7, 2010 · 28 Spring Home and Garden Gardening ­ a naturally green pastime Green is the order of the day. Green government and corporate policies, green buildings, green cars...it is the buzzword we have all grown accustomed to. I think most are pleased when they read of efforts to `lighten' our footprint. And that's true whether it's at the level of national policy or just an individual (for example) choosing greener household cleaning products. Many will have heard the amusing expression, "Gardening is mans attempt to improve his lot" and the greening of our lifestyle adds a significant new dimension to this phrase. Historically, gardening has been our way of imposing a certain perception of the natural order on our small part of the environment. This perception has been highly variable through different times and cultures. The famous 17th century gardens of Versailles with their emphasis on symmetry and geometry are heavy with the hand of man. In contrast, the minimalist temple gardens of Japan are almost reverential in their respect for untouched nature. Where do we weigh in on this spectrum? Our greener view of the environment naturally figures prominently in our current approach to both garden design and gardening. A large part of our green philosophy must include gardens that are designed, built and maintained to work with nature. As we each impose our artistic flare on our `lot' we Greening your neighborhood from the ground up When you get down to it, the way your place is paved can have a greater affect than many realize on how well the environment fares. Here's Why: The right road, street and parking lot paving can lower stormwater runoff and so reduce pollution. Many people are asking the people in charge of paving to consider using permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) on upcoming projects. They look like popular concrete paving stones but are set in with small spaces between them. The space is filled with small stones to allow runoff to filter down and into the soil. They come in a variety of styles and colours to suit most places and purposes. In Addition, The Pavers: · Reduce runoff from common rainstorms by as much as 100 percent; eliminates surface puddles and flooding; · Promote street tree survival; · Reduce ice hazards because snow melts faster; · Have a 50-year life cycle for surface; · Are compatible with underground stormwater storage systems, many slower-draining clay soils and cold climates; · Preserve wooded areas that would otherwise be cleared for stormwater detention or retention ponds; · Contribute to urban heat island reduction through evaporation and reflective, light coloured pavers; · Are highly visible; · Reduce the need for continuous expansion of drainage infrastructure; · May be used on sloped site with proper design; · Simplify surface and subsurface repairs; no unsightly patches or weakened pavement from utility cuts; · Can be used for traffic calming; · Enhance property values. www.newscanada.com Another green idea: Green Roofs. This house is located in Burlington. may do so with a generous nod to nature. Design to increase green space, add habitat for urban wildlife, capture rainwater and let it percolate into the soil. As you select your plants avoid the invasive exotics that are displacing our natives. And don't forget to leave room for yourself. Add that pathway and that sitting area or even the pool of water that helps bring peace and repose and invites you to stay. For this after all is the fine art of green gardening! This article has been provided by Jacob Torenvliet of Environmental Design Group. For more ideas on how to "Green" your living space visit www.environmentaldesign.ca Renovate · Decorate · Celebrate Time is Precious, Mistakes are Costly and Decorating is complicated. Inquire about your Personal Design Consultation At Fitz by Design we are committed to creating breathtaking, functional spaces that are unique as the individuals living in them.