The building envelope: you don't have to destroy the natural landscape to build on it

Article Abstract:

Growing awareness that traditional methods of house construction destroy natural landscapes and cause irrepairable damage to remaining plants, trees, and shrubs, has led many home builders and municipalities to consider the 'building envelope'. The envelope is a technique which places a building carefully inside the natural environment with minimal destruction of surrounding areas. Though initially more complicated and expensive, the end result saves thousands of dollars and preserves indigenous and often fragile landscapes.

Methods, Residential construction, Environmental aspects, Landscape protection, House construction

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Beauty beyond bluegrass

Article Abstract:

The increasing cost of maintaining lawns has led some people to consider non-traditional ground-covers. There are many native alternatives to grass in most parts of the nation that require minimal water and upkeep. Buffalo grass is one alternative in clay-rich, sunny environments. Moss works well in dark, damp areas and requires almost no maintenance. Other options include various ivies, ferns, wild ginger and bearberry.

Analysis, Lawns, Grasses, Ground cover plants

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Defender of the desert

Article Abstract:

This article focuses on Ron Gass, owner of Mountain States Wholesale Nursery, who has become an innovator in the southwestern native plant business. Gass discusses the importance of landscaping with hardy, low-maintenance plants and appreciating often overlooked desert flora.

United States, Marketing, Plants, Landscape architecture, Desert flora, Desert plants, Plant hardiness, Native plants, Southwestern United States

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