R E P L E N I S H I N G T H E L A N D I N L A N D S C A P I N G
Our sense of place is defined by our surroundings. The living parts of it, the land and the landscapes, are the most powerful. Communicating a dynamic complex of form, fragrance, movement and sound that evokes a unique quality of experience.
These places, our surroundings are now challenged. The plants and design styles that populated the yards of the suburban West for the last century are failing to survive this one. Lawns, traditional hedging and other summer-thirsty landscaping are no longer supported - or desirable - by the climate conditions and resource availability of modern day. Many are sick of lawns and roses but ultimately desire something clean and calming and alive outside to look at and enjoy. And haven't quite found a better alternative.
Rethinking the planning, strategy and taste around what should be replacing the millions of acres of lawn and outdated ornamentals that residential areas will be ripping out in the coming decades is complex. There's tens of thousands of plant species and hundreds of architectural styles suitable for the future's evolving landscaping needs. And important societal values to maintain in the balance. Reimagining how a yard needs to look and be cared for is critical to the next era of built environments. Reflecting nature, increasing diversity and supporting habitats is essential to this new age of landscaping which must serve nature and replenish natural resources as much as it serves the desired looks and needs of humanity.
This is a new kind of art. One that holds the health of earth and humanity in equal measure. And one that dares to grow back what we - the offspring of industrialization - have devastated. Replenishing the ecological vibrance of over-heated, over-paved and polluted residential areas is essential to reversing carbon emissions, cooling regional temperatures and protecting what natural habitats and resources we have left. It starts at home and it starts outside. Not as a costly burden but as a golden opportunity. One that can offer unparalleled savings in the next 2-5 years. Through landscapes that reduce water needs by 50-85% (over conventional lawn), through trees that cool surface temperatures as much as 70°F / 20°C and with plant arrangements that inspire and attract people enough to care lovingly for and continue investing in them.
Growing a sanctuary pays back. "After a day of unbelievable madness, I get to come home, go outside - even if it's just for a few minutes - and just breathe. And slowly feel my sanity return," states Marissa C., hospital frontline worker and owner of landscape pictured at top (designed and developed by Briana Lyon, Pasadena, CA 2018-2019).
These places, our surroundings are now challenged. The plants and design styles that populated the yards of the suburban West for the last century are failing to survive this one. Lawns, traditional hedging and other summer-thirsty landscaping are no longer supported - or desirable - by the climate conditions and resource availability of modern day. Many are sick of lawns and roses but ultimately desire something clean and calming and alive outside to look at and enjoy. And haven't quite found a better alternative.
Rethinking the planning, strategy and taste around what should be replacing the millions of acres of lawn and outdated ornamentals that residential areas will be ripping out in the coming decades is complex. There's tens of thousands of plant species and hundreds of architectural styles suitable for the future's evolving landscaping needs. And important societal values to maintain in the balance. Reimagining how a yard needs to look and be cared for is critical to the next era of built environments. Reflecting nature, increasing diversity and supporting habitats is essential to this new age of landscaping which must serve nature and replenish natural resources as much as it serves the desired looks and needs of humanity.
This is a new kind of art. One that holds the health of earth and humanity in equal measure. And one that dares to grow back what we - the offspring of industrialization - have devastated. Replenishing the ecological vibrance of over-heated, over-paved and polluted residential areas is essential to reversing carbon emissions, cooling regional temperatures and protecting what natural habitats and resources we have left. It starts at home and it starts outside. Not as a costly burden but as a golden opportunity. One that can offer unparalleled savings in the next 2-5 years. Through landscapes that reduce water needs by 50-85% (over conventional lawn), through trees that cool surface temperatures as much as 70°F / 20°C and with plant arrangements that inspire and attract people enough to care lovingly for and continue investing in them.
Growing a sanctuary pays back. "After a day of unbelievable madness, I get to come home, go outside - even if it's just for a few minutes - and just breathe. And slowly feel my sanity return," states Marissa C., hospital frontline worker and owner of landscape pictured at top (designed and developed by Briana Lyon, Pasadena, CA 2018-2019).
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Briana LyonAward-Winning Landscape DesignerEcology planner & Certified Permaculture Designer with an international practice. Lyon specializes in drought-tolerant horticulture, California native & Canadian plant community design, agroforestry, firesmarting and wild gardening methodologies. She works with home-owners and residential planning departments to envision timeless, useful & resilient landscapes for the climates of tomorrow.
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It's time to put environmentally appropriate and earth-repairing plants into the ground. With a unique approach to plant functionality to further build demand for sustainable, environmentally-conscious design. Creating landscapes inspired by the complexity and efficiency of nature. Featuring edible species, permeable surfaces and food sources for local wildlife, soil microbiology and pollinators wherever possible.
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