Most residential landscapes include a combination of hardscapes
(patios, decks, walkways, and driveways) and ornamental plants. As you
think about the design, construction, and maintenance of your landscape,
consider how sustainable each component is and how it could be modified to be more sustainable.
Young trees (those with a trunk diameter of less than 6 inches) can benefit greatly from regular applications of fertilizer. Research has shown that when these trees receive nitrogen fertilizer, they grow faster, develop a denser canopy, and stay green longer into the fall.
A sustainable landscape is more than exterior decoration. By using less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than a traditional
landscape, it has minimal impact on the environment. Thus, it is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sound.
Creating a sustainable landscape means working toward a thoughtful balance between resources used and results...
Landscapes are a valuable part of residential properties. Maintaining your landscape is important for
property values as well as aesthetic reasons. When water supplies are restricted, you can keep your
landscape healthy by developing watering priorities, applying water efficiently, and modifying your
maintenance practices.
The typical home lawn is an evolving ecosystem that gets more complex each year. At first, it consists of one or two grass species found in a typical seed mix (e.g., Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass). Over time, it evolves to three or four species that were not part of...
Many garden and landscape plants
are susceptible to one or more plant
diseases. Diseases can reduce the yield
of fruit and vegetable crops and disfigure
ornamental trees, shrubs, and
flowers.
A water-efficient landscape begins with a plan. If you are familiar with the principles of landscape design, you might want
to draw your own plan. Another option is to hire a professional to help with this critical step. In any
event, think about who will use your landscape (adults, children,...
A sustainable landscape is more than the conscious arrangement of outdoor space for human enjoyment and satisfaction. It is a landscape that uses minimal water, fertilizers, pesticides, labor, and building
materials. Creating a sustainable landscape means working toward a
thoughtful balance between resources used—both in construction and maintenance—and results gained.
The Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener Program is a voluntary educational
program designed to meet the community’s gardening needs. This publication provides an introduction to the program and the Master Gardener position.
This 25-page guide outlines the training and volunteer responsibilities of people who go through the Master Gardener program with OSU Extension. It explores the history of the program and details how volunteers can use their training to help the general public.