To educate clients about sustainable gardening, I've established a demonstration garden that showcases eco-friendly practices such as native plantings, composting, and rainwater harvesting. This hands-on approach allows clients to see the direct benefits of sustainability in action, such as enhanced biodiversity and water conservation. During tours, I highlight how each practice contributes to a healthier garden ecosystem and discuss how these methods can be easily implemented in their own gardens. This visual and interactive experience has proven effective in inspiring clients to adopt sustainable practices, demonstrating the practical and environmental benefits firsthand.
Always select and site plant material wisely in gardens. Tread lightly on the earth by working with native plant materials that are habitat sustaining: attracting local birds, butterflies and bees, which also require less water, maintenance and pesticide control. Provide organic soil conditioning and composts to maximum optimum water absorption and proper nutrient uptake. Use drip systems where possible. Retain moisture with organic mulch as top dressing.
I encourage my clients to use mulch rather than landscape fabric with mulch as a weed barrier. Mulch must be replenished periodically, but it is worth the expense. Mulch is consumed by earthworms and is incorporated into the soil, improving its tilth and friability. Using leaves from the owner's yards (and other's) reduces burden in the landfill. If landscape fabric is used, eventually debris will accumulate on the surface and become weed infested. Also, the fabric will prevent colonization of plants which is desirable in some cases. I have used mulching in my garden, and over a period of 40 years have converted the soil from heavy clay to rich and friable black loam. I can dig it with my fingers.