Eco-Friendly Landscaping: Tips for Sustainable Outdoor Spaces!

Welcome to our guide on eco-friendly landscaping practices tailored for creating sustainable outdoor spaces in British Columbia. As stewards of our environment, it's essential to adopt practices that minimize our ecological footprint while enhancing the beauty of our landscapes. In this blog post, we'll dive into key strategies for sustainable landscaping, including water conservation, native plant selection, and natural pest control methods. Let's embark on a journey toward greener, more environmentally conscious outdoor living!

Water is a precious resource, especially in regions like British Columbia where droughts and water restrictions are common. Implementing water conservation techniques in your landscaping not only reduces water usage but also fosters healthier plants and ecosystems. Consider installing drip irrigation systems, which deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Incorporating rain barrels to collect rainwater for irrigation purposes is another effective way to conserve water while reducing your water bill.

Choosing native plants for your landscape offers numerous benefits, both for the environment and your garden's sustainability. Native plants are adapted to British Columbia's climate, soil conditions, and wildlife, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to non-native species. They also provide habitat and food sources for local pollinators and wildlife, contributing to biodiversity conservation. Incorporate a variety of native plants such as Pacific dogwood, Douglas fir, and ocean spray to create a resilient and vibrant ecosystem in your yard. Another popular native plant you’ve likely seen growing in the fields throughout the Okanagan is Arrowleaf Balsamroom (Balsamorhiza sagittata). First Nations used this plant for a variety of purposes, including food and medicine. Almost every part of the arrowleaf balsamroot is edible, and local native peoples ate various parts of it throughout the year. The plant is also a staple food for pollinators and local wildlife. Its flower head is favoured in particular.

Here are 10 native plant species that thrive in British Columbia's diverse ecosystems:

1. Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum)

2. Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

3. Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)

4. Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

5. Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)

6. Red Alder (Alnus rubra)

7. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

8. Salal (Gaultheria shallon)

9. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

10. Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana)

These native plants are well-adapted to British Columbia's climate, soil conditions, and ecosystems, making them excellent choices for sustainable landscaping projects in the region.

Maintaining a healthy balance of pests and beneficial insects is crucial for sustainable landscaping practices. Instead of resorting to chemical pesticides that can harm beneficial insects and disrupt the ecosystem, opt for natural pest control methods. Introduce predator insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids and other garden pests. Additionally, companion planting techniques, such as interplanting aromatic herbs like basil and marigolds, can help repel pests while attracting pollinators to your garden.

Incorporating eco-friendly landscaping practices into your outdoor spaces not only reduces environmental impact but also creates beautiful, sustainable landscapes that thrive in harmony with nature. By prioritizing water conservation, native plant selection, and natural pest control methods, you can contribute to the health of British Columbia's ecosystems while enjoying a greener and more sustainable outdoor environment. Let's continue to cultivate landscapes that nourish both the soul and the planet. Together, we can make a difference—one garden at a time.

Ready to transform your outdoor space into a sustainable oasis? Contact us today to learn more about eco-friendly landscaping services tailored to British Columbia's unique environment. Let's work together to create a greener, more sustainable future for our communities and our planet.

The Benefits of Dethatching your Lawn for Spring

First of all, what in the world is thatch? Well, thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that accumulates on the surface of the soil in your lawn. It forms naturally as grass grows and dies, with some organic material decomposing more slowly than others. A thick layer of thatch can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching the soil and the roots of your grass, leading to a variety of issues such as poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Regular dethatching is necessary in the spring and fall to remove excess thatch and maintain a healthy lawn. Dethatching can be done using specialized dethatching tools or machinery that rakes the surface of the soil, loosening and removing the thatch layer.

How to Dethatch your Lawn:

1. Prepare the Lawn: Ensure your lawn is completely dry, all pet and children’s toys are stored away, and all debris is cleaned up.

2. Select the Right Equipment: Choose a dethatching tool or machine appropriate for the size of your lawn. Options include manual dethatching rakes, a lawn mower with a dethatching attachment, or power dethatchers (also known as vertical mowers).

3. Dethatch the Lawn: Work systematically across the lawn, moving in overlapping passes to ensure thorough coverage. Adjust the dethatching depth according to the severity of the thatch buildup, but be careful not to damage the grass roots.

4. Collect the Debris: Use a rake or a lawn sweeper to collect and remove the debris from the lawn surface. You could either compost it or put it in a clear bag for city pickup.

5. Mow the Lawn: Now would be the time to mow your lawn at a slightly lower height than usual.

6. Water and Fertilize: Water the lawn lightly to help settle the soil and promote recovery. If needed, apply a balanced fertilizer to provide nutrients to the grass and encourage healthy growth.

7. Monitor and Maintain: Keep an eye on your lawn in the following weeks to monitor its recovery. Continue with regular lawn care practices such as watering, mowing, and fertilizing to maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn.

Benefits of Dethatching:

1. Improves Air Circulation: Removing thatch allows air to circulate more freely through the soil, which promotes better root growth and overall lawn health.

2. Enhances Nutrient Absorption: Thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil and roots. Dethatching opens up the soil, allowing for better absorption of water, fertilizers, and other essential nutrients.

3. Reduces Risk of Disease and Pests: Thatch can create a favourable environment for disease-causing organisms and pests. Removing excess thatch can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases and pest infestations.

4. Promotes Growth of Desirable Grasses: Dethatching can help control the spread of unwanted grasses and weeds by allowing desirable grass species to thrive.

5. Improves Appearance: A dethatched lawn typically looks healthier and more attractive, with lush green grass and a well-maintained appearance.

6. Enhances Water Efficiency: By reducing thatch buildup, water can penetrate the soil more easily, leading to better water retention and reduced water runoff.

7. Prevents Soil Compaction: Thatch buildup can contribute to soil compaction, which can inhibit root growth and water absorption. Dethatching helps loosen the soil, promoting healthier root development.

Types of Dethatching Tools:

There are a variety of dethatching tools out there. When choosing a dethatching tool, consider factors such as the size of your lawn, the severity of thatch buildup, your budget, and personal preferences regarding manual effort versus machine power. Here are some common types of dethatching tools:

1. Manual Dethatching Rake: This traditional tool resembles a garden rake but has sharper, curved teeth designed to penetrate and lift thatch from the soil. It requires physical effort to use but is suitable for smaller lawns or targeted dethatching in specific areas.

2. Power Dethatcher (Vertical Mower): This machine features rotating blades that penetrate the soil vertically, lifting and removing thatch. Power dethatchers are available in gas-powered, electric, and cordless models, making them suitable for medium to large lawns.

3. Lawn Sweeper: While not specifically designed for dethatching, lawn sweepers can help remove debris such as thatch, dead grass, and leaves from the lawn surface. They typically feature rotating brushes that collect debris into a hopper for disposal.

4. Lawn Mower with Dethatching Attachment: Some lawn mowers come with dethatching attachments or accessories that can be used to remove thatch while mowing the lawn. These attachments typically consist of dethatching blades or reels that cut through the thatch layer.

In conclusion, dethatching your lawn in the spring is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove excess thatch, promote better air circulation, nutrient absorption, and overall lawn health. With a variety of dethatching tools available, you can choose the one that best suits your lawn's needs and your preferences.

Don't let thatch buildup choke the life out of your lawn. Take action this spring to rejuvenate your lawn and enjoy a lush, green oasis all season long. Start dethatching today and reap the rewards of a thriving, beautiful lawn tomorrow!

Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Spring Planting

The 2024 spring season has sprung and it’s time to prep those garden beds and prune those shrubs! If you’re anything like us here at Nokomis Landscaping, you’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment all winter long! It’s important to note, though, if you are located in an area that is still experiencing nightly frost, you must hold off a while longer (at least until the nights are consistently above 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit).

STEP 1: CLEAN UP WINTER DEBRIS

Start by cleaning up and removing any winter debris such as leaves, branches, and dead plant material from your garden beds and lawn. Clearing away debris ensures optimal air circulation, reduces pest and disease problems, and prepares the garden for fresh spring planting.  Invest in a leaf rake and blower to manage your spring maintenance.

If your household composts, leaf litter and dead grass will work great with composting. Pine needles however are very acidic and may not be suitable for gardens if you are using your compost to feed your garden.

For those that do not compost, here in Vernon, the City has a spring clean up program. Bag your debris in clear bags and leave curb side.

STEP 2: PRUNING AND TRIMMING

Once you’ve finished clearing away winter debris, we move on to pruning and trimming shrubs, trees, and perennial plants to remove any dead, damaged, or overgrown branches. You’ll want to trim back any frost-damaged growth from shrubs and perennials, taking care not to prune spring-flowing plants until after they start to bloom. Start with clean and sanitary pruners or loppers and ensure they aren’t dull. Make clean cuts, cutting the branches back to a healthy outward facing bud or lateral branch. This helps promote healing and encourages new growth. Avoid over-pruning, as this can stress the plant and inhibit its growth. A crucial step for spring maintenance is to protect against late frosts. Keep an eye on your weather forecast and be prepared to protect tender plants with frost cloth or row covers if necessary.

STEP 3: DIVIDE AND TRANSPLANT

Spring is an ideal time to divide and transplant overcrowded perennials such as Hostas, Daylillies, and ornamental grasses. Start by digging up the plant, ensuring to dig up the entire root ball. Divide the root ball into smaller sections, and replant in well-amended soil with plenty of water.

STEP 4: LAWN CARE

Start by raking or dethatching your lawn to remove any debris, leaves, and dead grass that accumulated over the winter. This allows air, sunlight, and water to penetrate the soil and reach the grass roots. If your lawn has thin or bare patches, overseeding can help fill them in and promote a thicker, healthier lawn. Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer specifically for spring use to provide essential nutrients to the grass as it begins actively growing. Spring is an ideal time to address weeds before they become established. Manually pull clover, dandelion or thistle or spot-treat them with a vinegar solution or product of your choice.

STEP 5: PLAN & PREP YOUR GARDEN BOXES

If you enjoy cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, peas, and radishes, you can prep your garden beds as soon as the soil can be worked! Start by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter such as compost or aged manure. If you have a soil test kit to test the pH and nutrient levels in the soil, I would do that now! It’s best to adjust the soil’s pH and nutrient levels as early as possible to ensure optimal growing conditions for your plants, all season long! You could sow annual flowers such as pansies, violas, and snapdragons for early spring colour in containers and keep them inside for now. Fill the containers with potting mix and sow the seeds evenly across the surface. After sowing the seeds, water the soil thoroughly and be sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period.

STEP 6: START UP YOUR IRRIGATION

As temperatures start to rise, it’s important to monitor your soil moisture levels and water newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials as needed. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance. Watch the video below to learn how to start up your irrigation system properly in the spring!

STEP 7: MONITOR FOR PESTS AND DISEASES

Last but certainly not least, keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases in your garden. Aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew are all signs of a problem, and need to be tended to right away. Practice integrated pest management techniques such as handpicking pests, using insecticidal soaps, and promoting beneficial insects to prevent the growing population of pests in your garden.

By following these seasonal maintenance tips for spring planting, you will prepare your garden for a successful blooming season! You’ll set the stage for healthy growth, and abundant blooms throughout the year. It’s important to remember — not all soil is the same and each climate zone differs, so make adjustments where needed and reach out to your local landscape specialist for questions and advice. 

HAPPY GARDENING EVERYONE!

Top Reasons YOU should add a Fire Feature!

Fire features of any type, create a central gathering spot and focal point for any get-together! Even if you have nothing special going on, a fire makes it feel special. It creates a sense of together-ness and adds warmth and light to a cold winter day or a dark summer night!

Let’s not forget that “having a fire” in itself is a form of entertainment that most enjoy. Some people like to cook dinner over the fire, while others simply enjoy chatting with their friends and family.

Fire features, if done well, can add value to your home! Extending your outdoor living space is something most people are looking to do, especially here in the Okanagan!

First, you will need to decide on that perfect location! Not too close to the buildings or any fuel source (like dry timber) protected from large amounts of wind and perhaps neighbours windows!!

Next, you will want to choose the source of fuel. Will it be traditional wood you are burning, or will it be propane or gas? All have their own benefits, personally nothing beats wood fires to me!

And you will want to look at all available materials. Would you like traditional or rustic looking, perhaps even modern? You will also need to figure out durability of chosen products.

Lastly, look at the bylaws in your area. Some extremely dry areas don’t even allow wood fires all summer, so if summer evening fires are important to you, you may want to choose something like gas or propane.

Don’t rush it. Observe the ways in which you’ll want to use your outdoor space and decide zone by zone. A fire feature that is too far from your house may not get used as much as one right near it.

Our team of Landscape Designers can help you plan and design your perfect outdoor living space, including the fire feature. Reach out to us today!

Landscape Design Tips: Non-Traditional Lawn Alternatives

North Americans love sprawling green lawns…Originally a symbol of status by the European Aristocrats in the 17th century. Nowadays, many people are thinking of them as more of a burden, and looking for more eco-friendly alternatives.

We are living in a different time….water isn’t abundant and we are experiencing some drastic weather…Droughts and floods and forest fires to name a few.

This can make it necessary to make some different choices for plantings and lawn etc!!

Some of our clients choose mostly hardscapes with plantings here and there, with minimal lawn and make use of their irrigation to maintain health of the yard.

Some even have so little lawn space that they choose to use artificial turf to “green” up a space.

How about thinking outside the box, or in a garden box!! An emerging trend is to use the front yard as a place for raised garden boxes!! Why not water and care for something that can provide you and possibly your neighbour with fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables? If it’s kept tidy, it can be beautiful to look at too!

**This option may require you to surround it with a small fence if you have deer (for example)

When selecting your plantings, however you style the yard, it’s best to make selections that will thrive in your climate.

A couple of my favourite non-traditional lawn options are creeping thyme and dwarf yarrow:

Creeping thyme is beautiful to look at, soft underfoot and can handle foot traffic. All that, and it’s not picky with the amount of sun it receives, requires no mowing and limited watering once established!

Yarrow stays green even with neglect and requires limited watering. The flowers pop up every so often and can be mowed if you don’t enjoy that look. Although, it isn’t fast growing like grass, so it doesn’t require that much for maintenance.

Dutch white clover is a commonly used lawn alternative. It is often used to fix the nitrogen needs in a lawn but it spreads quickly and requires little to no maintenance once established. It is very soft underfoot and helps suppress weeds and aerate the soil with its deep roots.

Enjoy your planning and enjoy your outdoor spaces!