BAYFRIENDLY LANDSCAPING AND GARDENING 7 Principles for Landscaping

BAY-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING AND GARDENING 7 Principles for Landscaping Sustainability & Program Resources

BAY-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING IS… A whole systems approach to the design, construction & maintenance of the landscape.

BENEFITS OF BAY-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING Helps local agencies meet their goals to : • • • Reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions Conserve Water Reduce Stormwater Runoff Reduce Air pollution Reduce Waste & increase Recycling Create Healthier Communities

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH • Puts individual messages of waste reduction, pollution prevention and water conservation in a broader context of environmental practices • Has wider appeal • Can affect more behavior change • Provides partnering possibilities

7 PRINCIPLES of BAY-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING 1. Landscape Locally 2. Landscape for Less to the Landfill 3. Nurture the Soil 4. Conserve Water 5. Conserve Energy 6. Protect Water & Air Quality 7. Create Wildlife Habitat

1. LANDSCAPE LOCALLY • Evaluate climate, exposure & topography • Assess the soil & test drainage • Consider the potential for fire • Use local plant communities as models • Analyze the natural features of the site to inform the design

2. LANDSCAPE FOR LESS TO THE LANDFILL • Select appropriate plants, avoid overcrowding and invasive plants, no sheared hedges. • Water & fertilize judiciously • Use recycled content, sustainably harvested or salvaged materials • Reuse plant debris through composting, mulching and grasscycling. • Reduce and recycle construction debris

3. NURTURE THE SOIL • Remove & store topsoil during construction • Protect soil from compaction • Defend against erosion • Aerate compacted soils • Amend soil with compost • Mulch

4. CONSERVE WATER • Create drought-resistant soils with compost & mulch • Grow CA natives or Mediterranean plants • Minimize the lawn • Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning) Install high -efficiency irrigation systems Install separate water meter for irrigation Design for recycled water, onsite rainwater collection & graywater use • • •

5. CONSERVE ENERGY • Reduce the need for mowing & Shearing • Plant trees to moderate building temperatures • Reduce the heat island effect: shade paved areas • Shade air conditioners • Design lighting carefully • Specify local products & suppliers

6. PROTECT WATER & AIR QUALITY • Minimize impervious surfaces • Keep soil covered • Design a system to capture & treat water • Use IPM • Eliminate decorative lawns • Plant Trees

7. CREATE WILDLIFE HABITAT • Diversify • Choose CA natives first • Provide water & shelter • Eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides • Conserve or restore natural areas & wildlife corridors

Benefits of a Regional Approach • Provides a regional, consistent, unified message • Can create a local standard that facilitates participation from landscape professionals and their clients as well as home gardeners. • Provides opportunities to leverage resources such as publications, trainings and workshops. • Provides opportunity to influence the regional media market.

BAY-FRIENDLY Resources Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines: Sustainable Practices for the Landscape Professional Bay-Friendly Gardening: from your backyard to the Bay for Residents

BAY-FRIENDLY Resources Workshops & Training Programs • Workshop Series for residents • Landscaper Maintenance Training & Qualification Program • Design Professional Workshops • Bay-Friendly Conference

BAY-FRIENDLY Resources For the Residents • Bay-Friendly Garden Tour • Bay-Friendly Nursery Program For Local Governments • Bay-Friendly Scorecard for Civic & Commercial Landscapes • Model landscape policies • Model specification language for construction documents and maintenance contracts

Make A Difference Sign the Declaration of Support for the 7 Bay-Friendly Landscape Principles And be recognized at the Bay-Friendly Conference as a leader in sustainable landscaping on February 29, 2008 Learn more about the Bay-Friendly Coalition, consider becoming a member. www. Bay. Friendly. org bayfriendly@thewatershedproject. org