Eco Gardening Archives - Perennial Pleasures Landscape Design

Strata Landscape Sustainability Assessment

Recent rainfall has given us some temporary relief from fears of another drought this summer, but our climate and weather are changing, and it may be time to consider a more resilient and sustainable landscape. Has your strata ever considered having a sustainability assessment carried out? We can look at your property and help you to decide what changes would make maintaining your landscape easier and less costly. Often we find properties are paying for needless tasks that are either being carried out at inappropriate times of the year, or would be better off not done at all! ...

It is Nettle Season!

Nettles are my favorite smoothie greens and are wonderful in tea and cooked in soup, quiche, stir fries and vegetable dishes. They can be dried or frozen for use later in the year.

Chafer Beetles on the North Shore

Some neighborhoods on the north shore have had many of their lawns destroyed by crows, skunks and raccoons feasting on the larvae of the European Chafer beetle. Watch for my column in the North Shore News, Feb 17 2016 issue for some ideas about new approaches to planting. Meanwhile, have a look at some transformations from turf grass to more environmentally friendly options. The first garden was initiated by a couple preparing for less gardening during retirement Example # 2 Couple with young family wanted a space to enjoy with their children. They were not interested in having a lawn in...