Lecture 21: Plants in the Landscape

Introduction to Landscape Practices

• Overview of the final unit: Landscape practices.

• Emphasis on plant material selection and sustainable landscaping.
    - Proposed terminology change from "sustainable" to "regenerative".
    - Regenerative practices enhance landscapes beyond mere sustainability and positively impact the environment.

• Aims:
    - Mitigate climate change.
    - Improve soil and surrounding environment.

Understanding Plant Material Selection

• Importance of understanding ornamental plants.
    - Knowledge of plant types aids in landscape design and installation.
    - Encouragement to visualize plant placement in a garden context.

• Focus on ornamental plants, but applicable knowledge extends to edible gardens through concepts like companion planting.

Key Considerations for Sustainable and Regenerative Landscaping

• Recommendations for selecting plants:
    - Low Water Users: Selection of plants that require minimal water, especially crucial in drought-prone areas.
    - Group plants into similar hydrozones to mimic nature's grouping in biomes based on water requirements.
    - Microclimate Consideration: Select plants appropriate for specific site conditions (sunny/shady spots, temperature, water availability).
    - Choose plants that reach appropriate mature sizes to minimize pruning and waste, which leads to better management of green waste.
    - Favor native plants and well-adapted non-native species.
      - Avoid plants requiring excessive fertilizers or maintenance.
    - Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to maintain balance in the ecosystem.

Sources of Plant Material

• Overview of reputable nurseries within California, particularly Sacramento area:
    - Emphasis on local nurseries that prioritize low-water plants.
    - Mention of specialty nurseries and popular nurseries:
      - Cornflower Farms
      - Heartland Nursery
      - Green Acres
      - Plant Foundry
      - Fair Oaks Nurseries

• Importance of understanding microclimates when selecting plants.

Descriptive Types of Plants

• Trees:
    - Defined as woody perennial plants with a primary trunk.
    - Key characteristics:
      - Height: Often 15 to 20 feet or taller.
      - Presence of few branches on the lower trunk area.
    - Differentiation from shrubs:
      - Shrubs have multiple trunks and low branches, often under 15-20 feet.

• Shrubs:
    - Multiple stems, typically smaller than trees.
    - Classified into standard shrubs, subshrubs, and ground covers based on size.

• Perennials:
    - Plants that live for three years or more, including herbaceous flowers.
    - Differentiation between deciduous and evergreen perennials based on leaf retention.

• Other Descriptive Types:
    - Ground covers: Plants that cover soil; can be annuals, perennials, or shrubs.
    - Vines: Climbing plants requiring structures for support.
    - Edible utility plants: Aesthetic plants providing usable fruits or herbs.
    - Water plants for aquatic environments.

Planting and Design Techniques

• Maintain thought on habitat creation, pest management, and sustainable care.
    - Aim for biodiversity to support beneficial organisms.
    - Promote natural plant pairings and community benefits.

• Discuss various ways to arrange plant material in the landscape:
    - Background and Accent Plants: Use background plants for support and visual framing; accent plants for additional colors.
    - Layering: Mimics interior design by creating visual interest through layers of plants.
    - Plant selection should reflect seasonal interest, maintaining color throughout the year.

Importance of Proper Plant Selection from Nurseries

• Root System Evaluation:
    - Inspect root quality upon purchase; roots should be healthy and hold soil.
    - Avoid overly tall plants in small pots; they can indicate poor structural balance.

• Understanding nursery etiquette:
    - Allowing for gentle examination of root systems while maintaining plant health.