Step by Step Approach to regenerative landscapes

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Step by Step approach to regenerative landscapes that provide sustainability and climate resiliency that supports our changing times

Choose to tackle this list one at a time or have all 5 done at once for a complete Master plan.

Meadows

Step 1

Convert existing lawn into a meadow ~ fashion a plant palette that includes an array of annuals, flowering perennials, dancing grasses, and shrubs. Attract native bees, butterflies and moths ~ all while providing nesting material and sites for local fauna. Water usage is minimized, while extra expenses such as mowing and toxic fertilizers become completely unnecessary.

backyard transformation includes smothering unsustainable lawn and creating movement by adding walking paths that are surrounded by native and permaculture and meadow-like gardens; Concord, MA

july year 2 plants thrive with drop irrigation

pennsylvania sedge and native violets companioning nicely together

year 2 winter sunset finds plants filling in nicely

may year 3 ~ orange butterfly weed fully in bloom and ready to attract monarch butterflies

naturalized blue eyed grass discovers a patch of fertile soil to call home

grassy canvas for backyard meadow transformation project

grass becomes the pathways around new meadow plantings

early spring flowers feed small bees

a tired foundation planting needs a fresh look; Acton, MA

year 2 foundation bed has been expanded and includes a small meadow to attract pollinators and butterflies

step 1 ~ create paths in a meadow project; Harvard, Mass

step 2 ~ smother lawn with local organic matter, plant using ‘right place right plant’ guidelines

backyard re-do intention ~ create better usability and beauty; Lake Boone, Hudson, MA

native plants surround repurposed new england fieldstone

Step 2

Merge with surrounding forest ~ expand outdoor living spaces with indigenous shrubs and perennials where invasive species thrive. Design paths into the forest, blending with and borrowing the environment and stillness it provides.

Margins
and
borders

larger plants are already established

sustainable native fill in; Weston, MA

our favorite late season blooming aster for shady borders attracts native bumblebees

a client and designer collaborative project ~ ground zero

year 1 front yard and foundation transformation; Carlisle, MA

species winterberries are thriving!

next stage ~ expanding the bed and adding perennials and ground covers

preparation for year 3 plantings include smothering existing lawn grass

entrance slope before design

entrance slope filling in nicely in year 2; Acton, MA

back of house before nativizing

new foundation and property border beds are filled with native trees, shrubs, perennials and ground covers

practice biomimicry by repurposing ferns to compliment fragrant flowering shrubs

existing slope is difficult and unsafe for travel

now, this walkable outdoor living space sanctions the enjoyment of the forest views

native violets and allegheny pachysandra grace this bluestone path

ground covers naturalize along pathway margins in year 3

Step 3

Become part of the permaculture movement ~ forage for food in your backyard by adding an edible forest of fruit and nut trees. Create guilds of companion plants. Scent the air with herbs, and add perennial vegetables for the kitchen’s palette of meal choices.

Permaculture

comfrey makes a great orchard companion plant and compost pile accumulator

backyard orchard in zone 1, companion herbs surround an heirloom lady apple tree; Concord, MA

goats help with invasive removal

snakes prey on rodents; their presence reflects ecological balance and health

bluestone hugging thyme perfumes the air with each footstep

aphids are low on the food chain and important since they feed larger insects

wood repurposed for raspberry trellises adds an earthy element

native and hybrid raspberries surrounded by wild strawberries

amelanchier berries for fresh eating

Elements

Step 4

The 5 elements utilized in ecoDesign gardens are earth, fire, sky, water, and air. A balance of all five connects us more closely to nature’s true essence, bringing a more easeful flow into our lives.

water on site attracts amphibians which help control pest overpopulations

gardens are designed around the fire pit, this reduces previous lawn space; Bedford, MA

fire inspires creativity while creating warmth and a community setting

earth element rocks dominate a winter landscape; Hudson, MA

indiangrass catches the breeze creating natural movement that touches our soul; Harvard, Mass

BE

Step 5

BE with nature ~ provide places to sit, reflect, socialize and interact with all that exists in a beautifully balanced and healthy landscape.

enjoy how Mother nature plays!

marvel at monarch and tussock moth caterpillars being nourished by butterfly weed

BE here now

how many layers of life expression are in this photo?

feel satisfied with this intentionally sustainable landscape; Concord, MA

Monarch caterpillars munching in preparation for transformation. Two weeks later, just birthed ~ a fresh new monarch butterfly joins our growing population in Harvard, Mass!

Backyard Native Restoration Projects

Situations for Transformation include:

Remove all existing invasive plants, replace with native trees, shrubs, perennials and ground cover. Turn ugly into beautiful while attracting native pollinators and critters. This is the only sustainable way to keep these invasives in the country where they belong! 😉

Get rid of the existing mulch garden where there are few plants and way too much mulch! Too much mulch is costly on a yearly basis, and turns the garden soil into an uninhabitable ecosystem. Instead, create a carpet of green diversity using native ground covers; consider planting the area to become a lush meadow instead of a sparse planting. The pollinators and local fauna will love you…

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