Appendix C: Landscaping

Landscaping means working with LAND, PLANTS, WATER, and SPACE to improve your outdoor surroundings.

The improvement will show in the quality of the soil and the air, as well as in the pleasure the landscaped area gives.

Landscaping even the smallest plot of ground will give you the chance to demonstrate conservation practices because you will be protecting and restoring the land and preventing its neglect and destruction.

In addition, since you will be working only with materials available in the area, you will provide an example for local residents to follow.

The results of landscaping are often not seen for several years. Remember that trees and shrubs take time to grow.

Landscaping requires advance planning:

1. Draw an outline plan of the land to be landscaped. Include natural features such as trees, shrubs, rocks, paths, walls, water, etc.

2. Examine the soil to determine fertility, water content, texture and type (clay, sand, silt).

3. If the soil needs organic matter to make it more fertile, or to loosen its texture, start a compost pile so you can add compost to the soil.

4. Consult with the local agricultural agent for help in making a list of plants (grasses, flowers, shrubs, trees) which are native and grow well in the area.

5. Using the outline plan (#1), work out a detailed landscape plan to locate where and what kind of trees, shrubs and flowers will be planted, and where benches, walks, or play equipment will be placed.

6. Find out if there are plants or seeds available from a local nursery or agriculture station. Collect-seeds of identified plants, and locate small shrubs and trees which might be transplanted.

Only when you have done this planning should you begin the actual work.