A majority of rainfall comes in the form of small storm events of 2 inches or less. Living landscapes capture these small storms and reintroduce the water back in to the natural hydrological cycle. Infiltrating rainwater into the soil provides nourishment for vegetation, recharges the aquifer, and reduces the demand on overburdened sewer systems.
Soils
Vegetation in a living landscape consists of a multi-layered community of plants. Trees, shrubs, and perennials use and evapotranspire water which creates the appropriate environment for a balanced ecosystem. Native plants are well adapted to local environmental conditions and provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Healthy soils are the basis of a living landscape. In our forests and meadows, soil is a living body made up of inorganic material, decaying organic matter, water, air and billions of organisms. Most of the soils we encounter in the urban and suburban setting have been impacted by humans through construction of buildings and roads or through imprudent agricultural methods. The first step toward restoring healthy systems is to assess the state of the soil and take the steps needed to repair it.
Water
Vegetation
