INTRODUCTION
Landscaping refers to any activity that
modifies the visible features of an area of land, including:
1. Living elements,
such as flora
or fauna;
or what is commonly referred to as gardening,
the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful
environment within the landscape.
2. Natural elements such as landforms,
terrain shape and elevation, or bodies of water;
3. Human elements such as structures,
buildings,
fences
or other material objects created and/or installed by humans; and
Landscaping is both science and art, and requires good
observation and design skills. A good landscaper understands the elements of
nature and construction and blends them accordingly.
Thales, an early Greek philosopher
known for his view that "all is water," spent considerable time
thinking about the nature and scope of landscaping. Some of his students
believed that in order for human activity to be considered landscaping, it must
be directed toward modifying the physical features of the land itself,
including the cultivation and/or manipulation of plants or other flora. Thales
rejected this notion, arguing that any aspect of the material world affecting
our visual perception of the land was a proper subject for landscaping. Both Plato and Aristotle
praised Thales' analysis as a model for philosophy. In the early 20th century,
British philosopher G.E. Moore cited Thales' reasoning as one of
the few historical examples of how philosophical inquiry has led to genuine
human understanding and progress.
SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
Sustainable forest management
(SFM) is the management of forests
according to the principles of sustainable development.
Sustainable forest management uses very broad social, economic and environmental
goals. A range of forestry institutions now practice various forms of
sustainable forest management and a broad range of methods and tools are
available that have been tested over time.
The
"Forest Principles"
adopted at The United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 captured the
general international understanding of sustainable
forest management at that time. A number of sets of criteria and indicators
have since been developed to evaluate the achievement of SFM at both the
country and management unit level. These were all attempts to codify and
provide for independent assessment of the degree to which the broader
objectives of sustainable forest management are being achieved in practice.
In
2007, the United Nations General
Assembly adopted the Non-Legally Binding
Instrument on All Types of Forests. The instrument was the
first of its kind, and reflected the strong international commitment to promote
implementation of sustainable forest management through a new approach that
brings all stakeholders together.
CONCEPTS OF LANDSCAPING
Landscaping
involves modifying the visible features of one's locale in order to make it
more beautiful or pleasing to the viewer's eyes. This may involve adding
abstract elements to the scenery, changing the flora and fauna or by
manipulating the surrounding landforms that in a functional & pleasing
manner. Similar to other arts, landscaping is a practical form of "yard
art" that requires a lot of time & energy as well as prior preparation
& maintenance in accordance to the theme being incorporated.
In
the 17th century philosophers believed that visual beauty was the main
objective of landscaping, however as time progressed the western philosophers
rejected the concept pointed towards visual standard for any art form. However
the recent times have yet again witnessed a rise in this artistic tradition.
The
art of landscaping has evolved differently in various regions of the world from
these fictitious beginnings. This simply reflects the reality that each part of
our planet has its own native plants and hard materials, and its own unique set
of circumstances of climate or environment that people desire to modify. Some
of this has been functional, such as the value of vegetable gardens nearby, the
need for windbreaks on northern properties, or shade in hot southern climates.
Some is related to culture, such as family gathering places, others to a common
standard of beauty, such as the distinctive English Victorian formal garden.
Basically it is human nature to control or modify their living space for utmost
benefit; consequently the yards & gardens are personalized to generate
harmony & ornamentation in life.
OBJECTIVES AND IMPORTANCE OF LANDSCAPING
The
overall goal of landscaping on Fort Carson is to improve the physical and
psychological well being of soldiers, family members, civilians, contractors,
and those that visit Fort Carson while preserving resources. The
following are Fort Carson landscaping objectives:
·
Reduce the amount of water used for
landscaping throughout the post and look for opportunities to use non-potable
water whenever possible in line with Fort Carson's 25-year sustainability goal
of reducing the total water purchased from outside sources by 75%.
·
Use LID principles and creative
runoff/downspout positioning to provide supplemental watering to landscaped
areas.
·
Improve the aesthetics of Fort Carson in a
sustainable way by focusing on Xeriscaping.
·
Provide consistent landscaping standards for
all to follow.
·
Provide inspiring landscaping that will
create pride and ownership of their assigned areas by units and activities on
Fort Carson.
·
Create a unified approach to landscaping
throughout the Installation.
·
Protect/Conserve mature, desirable tree/shrub
species to the maximum extent possible.
·
Incorporate native grasses and other native
plants into the landscape design.
IMPORTANCE OF LANDSCAPING
Landscape
is important, not just as scenery but because it links culture with nature, and
the past with the present. It has many values, not all of them tangible (such
as sense of place); and it matters to people – it is people who create and
value landscape.
Landscaping
can make dull and solid areas pleasing to the eyes. It is responsible for
making ordinary homes into spectacular ones and office buildings into warm,
livable spaces. Beautiful landscaping in a yard can increase the property value
of your home.
Well-looked
after and highly valued landscapes are essential to social well-being and an
economically healthy society. We value our landscapes because of their inherent
interest, their contribution to both our national identity and our local
distinctiveness, their artistic inspiration - and for the goods and services
they can provide.
Landscapes provide a setting for our
lives
Our landscapes provide for our needs as well as nature's,
for example wildlife. Our activities influence and shape its appearance and
function, these activities include:
- recreation and health
- wildlife and biodiversity
- education and experience
- farming, forestry and food
- natural resources
- transport and infrastructure
- settlement
- local distinctiveness
- history
However,
urban landscape designs are integrated into a city's walkways, streets and
neighborhoods. By providing residents with walkable streets and green areas,
landscape designers create positive lifestyle changes. Foliage found in green
areas provide natural filters for urban pollutants. Urban wildlife--squirrels,
sparrows, crows--have a space to inhabit. The spaces also prevent crowded
streets and neighborhoods from overheating.
FACTORS
TO BE CONSIDERED IN LANDSCAPE PLANNING
Choosing
to landscape your property involves preparing for an expensive undertaking.
Landscape planning should be your very first step before redoing your property.
Buying plants and materials without a plan creates the potential for an
expensive, chaotic experience. Landscape planning helps to organize this major
undertaking and provide design options to assist with decision making.
Landscaping
design actually has a lot of factors that need to be considered before it is
done. These factors play a big role in the success of the design. they include:
1. Professional Landscape Planners
Consider
hiring a landscape planner to evaluate your property or provide ideas to help
you get started. You certainly don't have to use the services of the
professional for creating gardens, installing borders and walls or general
planting. Use a landscape professional to help you make choices about landscape
features that would best suit your property. They help with garden location and
suggest the best plants for the location based on soil type and available
sunlight. While this might seem like an expensive outlay, most professionals
will provide you with a detailed drawing and a plant and material list during
this consultation.
2. Budget
Budget
affects everything with landscape planning. Plants and materials aren't cheap,
so expense must be your primary consideration. If you choose to use a design
professional, give her your budget before planning begins. She'll suggest
plants that fit within your cost parameters. Remember that you don't have to do
every bit of landscaping at one time. Spacing the creation of gardens over a
few years helps cut costs. Consider how plants will grow over time and whether
individual plantings will require dividing with yearly growth. In addition, you
can fill in with more plants each year to cut immediate expenses.
3. Design
If
you like the do-it-yourself concept, grab a sheet of graph paper and sketch out
the hardscape elements of your property to scale. Hardscape elements include
the house, driveway, walkway, deck, patio, porch or anything that functions as
a permanent nonliving design feature of your home. You must landscape around
these features, as well as consider some of them as focal points in your
landscape. Typical home landscaping design leads directly to the entryway,
focusing on the front door as the centerpiece. Backyard landscaping tends to
flow outward from the main gathering space, whether it is a pool or gathering
space on a patio or deck.
Address
any issues, such as noise reduction or privacy issues. If you choose to add a
fence, include this in the drawing. Hedges work well to hide ugly air
conditioner and heating units, as well as to block portions of the yard for
privacy with a natural fence. Consider how you'd like to frame the best
features of your yard. Irregular garden shapes soften the sharp edges of wood
decks, patios and fences. Also, decide just how much grass you'd like to mow.
Incorporate
basic landscape concepts such as continuity, color and texture into your
design. Continuity and color refer to the repetition of certain elements, such
as plants, rocks or borders, to tie the design together. Texture refers to the
use of various plants to create interest in the gardens. Mix evergreens with
perennials or choose annuals to add interesting leaf and flower colors. Color
and texture should be used in moderation so the design doesn't become too busy
and confused.
4.
The Size Of The Area
The size of the area which is to be designed is one
consideration that figures hugely into the ideas for landscaping design. There
are a lot of things that can be done for a big area, but smaller areas may have
some limits with regards to what things can be added to it. Innovative design
ideas for smaller areas may be just as difficult as larger areas and the
problems are just the opposite for each other. You must decide what to
put into a large area and what to leave out of the smaller area.
5.
Lay Of The Land
The lay of the land is primary thing that one needs to be
considered before the rest of your design plans begin to be implemented. Some
of the garden design ideas may be great for a sloping area or an area with a
pool of water or a grove of trees. The landscape artist should always view the
area from all angles before making any landscaping design plans. Certain design
plans for difficult land areas may need a few days to complete.
6.
Preferences Of The Owner
This may be the most important factor in developing your
landscaping design. The owner will always have the last say regarding the
design that he or she likes for the area. The designer usually will have
several consultations with the owner to consider what he or she has in mind for
the area. The likes and dislikes of the owner will definitely be handy in
building the right design for the area.
ORNAMENTAL PLANTS USED IN LANDSCAPING IN CALABAR MUNICPALITY
Ornamental
plants
are plants that are grown for decorative purposes in gardens and
landscape design
projects, as houseplants, for cut
flowers and specimen display. The cultivation of these forms a
major branch of horticulture. However, the ornamental
plants used in landscaping in Calabar Municipality includes:
· Garden plants
Most
commonly ornamental garden plants are grown for the display of aesthetic
features including: flowers, leaves,
scent, overall foliage texture, fruit, stem and
bark, and aesthetic form. In some cases, unusual features may be considered to
be of interest, such as the prominent and rather vicious thorns of Rosa sericea and cacti. In all cases, their purpose is for the
enjoyment of gardeners, visitors, and/or the public.
· Trees
Large
trees shade dwellings and stop gusty winds. Small blooming trees may draw
attention to an area of the landscape. Numerous varieties and cultivars offer
spring bloom, summer fruit or autumn color. Plant trees that are suited to your
climate, for worry-free maintenance.
· Shrubs
Shrubs
offer the same benefits as trees, usually in smaller amounts. Shrubs may be
used as a privacy screen, a focal point and a means of attracting butterflies
and pollinators for flower and vegetable plants. Shrubs, such as the blueberry,
often require another for cross-pollination to set fruit.
·
Flowers
Perennial
flowers provide returning beauty in borders, beds and masses. Annual flowers
supply color and fragrance while waiting on perennial blooms. Incorporate showy
trees, shrubs, flowers and vines into the landscape for ornamental value and
financial gain.
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
USED IN THE MAINTENANCE OF ORNAMENTAL LANDSCAPING IN CALABAR MUNICIPALITY
In
past surveys, lawn care and landscape maintenance professionals have reported
their willingness to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and use
nonchemical pest management alternatives (Braman
et al., 1998a; Garber
and Bondari, 1996; Hubbell
et al., 1997). Garden and landscape enthusiasts are also
willing to seek pest- and disease-resistant ornamental plants for residential
landscape use despite initial public skepticism about IPM (Ball,
1986;
Garber
and Bondari, 1992, 1996; Holmes
and Davidson, 1984; Klingeman
et al., 2004, 2006; Koehler,
1989;
Stewart
et al., 2002).
Numerous
ornamental plant species and cultivars have been exposed to pests and plant
diseases in university trials and then evaluated for subsequent injury. Results
of some of these studies have been compiled into published plant lists
highlighting plants that demonstrate tolerance and resistance to specific pests
and diseases (Smith-Fiola,
1995).
Ornamental host plant resistance (HPR) to pests and diseases is an integral
component of successful landscape IPM. Increased use of pest- and
disease-resistant ornamental plants would offer advantages to grounds
maintenance professionals by reducing the time needed to monitor key plants in
client landscapes (Stewart
et al., 2002) and would address stated needs for a “total
system approach” to IPM by affecting a shift in management behavior with
benefits that persist for longer durations within the environment (Lewis
et al., 1997).
Although
end-users of ornamental plants are interested in pest resistance (Braman
et al., 1998a, 1998b; Garber
and Bondari, 1992, 1996),
opinions of landscape management professionals have not been assessed,
particularly with regard to how ornamental HPR may be perceived to affect
company profitability. If insect- and disease-resistant plants are widely
adopted by the gardening public, it is possible that landscape maintenance
firms would have real or perceived loss of income resulting from reduced need
for pesticide applications or fewer on-site visits to client landscapes. We
consider landscape management professionals to include grounds managers,
landscape designers, landscape architects, pesticide spray technicians, and
others.
The
extent to which this peer group is unwilling to adopt or advocate use of
resistant ornamental host plants (e.g., because of concerns about profit
decline or client unwillingness to accept plant substitutes) will place
constraints on the market success of these plants as new cultivars are
introduced to commercial trade. Therefore, objectives of this study were to
question landscape management professionals and categorize their perceptions
about the potential for insect- or disease-resistant ornamental plants to
affect company or personal profitability as well as client satisfaction and to
qualify these beliefs as related both to personal and firm demographics.
PROBLEMS
OF MANAGEMENT OF ORNAMENTAL LANDSCAPES IN CALABAR MUNICIPALITY
The
appearance of landscaped areas around facilities goes a long way in shaping the
image of an organization. Well-designed and properly maintained grounds can
greet both visitors and occupants with a pleasing appearance, minimize the time
and resources needed to keep landscapes looking their best, and contribute to
the organization’s sustainability efforts.
The
role of grounds managers in achieving these goals starts well before
maintenance begins. Getting managers involved early in the design process can
ensure the efficient and cost-effective maintenance of landscaped areas.
Managers
should get involved in the landscape design and planning process to avoid
landscapes that are costly and difficult to maintain. Any landscape undergoing
extensive rework typically involves designers with a good idea of what looks
good, but they might not consider long-term maintenance needs. Involving
maintenance early in the process to guide decisions helps ensure problems are
minimal.
Two
common problems are budgets are too small and time frames are too short. It
seems landscape construction also is the lowest priority of all the
subcontractors when it comes to conflicts and value engineering.
Another
common problem is weeds interfere with the establishment of new plants. The
critical solution to minimizing weed problems is getting the water right. New
landscapes often feature a mixture of large plants, trees, and small specimen
plants that all are trying to get established.
Managers
often feel as soon as they turn on the irrigation system, everything will be
watered perfectly, but problems can occur. Trees with large root balls might
not get enough water if the irrigation system is set to deliver water for
plants with shallower root systems. The reverse also is true, where systems can
overwater smaller plants, an unintended result of ensuring trees are well
irrigated.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Great
landscaping does not stem exclusively from those days of planning and planting.
Your property is a growing, living thing. You can set something beautiful into
motion, but in order to get the most out of your landscaping plans, you will
need to conduct regular maintenance. You will need to address the yard’s needs
and to be proactive in order to prevent the development of problems that could
completely derail your plans.
Our
lawn is a critical part of our overall landscape, in most cases. Grass
frequently forms the basis from which the rest of our landscaping efforts
emerge. A good looking, healthy lawn is a necessity for those seeking
landscaping success. The lawn in the canvas upon which landscapers paint.
Understanding
the importance of great grass and the need for regular landscaping maintenance
let us look at three things you can do to keep your property attractive and in
line with your landscaping vision. These three lawn care tips are all “out of
season” activities you can do to improve your landscape’s health and beauty.
Fall Fertilization
Fertilization
is a perfect example of maintenance for landscapes. It is one of those regular
things that you simply cannot afford to neglect. Every year, as the end of
autumn approaches, you should apply a final dose of fertilizer to your grass.
The lawn will absorb those nutrients and they will help to keep it strong,
healthy throughout the winter, and ready to explode into growth when things
warm up again.
Winter Cleaning
If
your lawn is smothered in any location, it can do a great deal of harm. Before
the really cold weather sits in, walk your property and carefully remove any
debris from the lawn. Things like tree branches, logs, your children’s toys or
that shovel you have been meaning to put back into the garage can do serious
damage if left in place through the winter. Smothered grass is less disease
resilient and may even die completely. You certainly do not want to usher in
spring with a brown ring in the middle of the yard!
Aeration
Aerate
the grassy area before the year’s first freeze. As winter comes, thatch will
accumulate and your lawn can be “choked off.” A serious aeration and that
aforementioned fall fertilization will prepare your lawn to last out the cold
and will position in for maximum spring performance. You can rent an aerator at
any hardware store, if you do not own your own. Some people claim to get more
than satisfactory results from manual aeration strategies, including special
slip-on shoe cleats. Give your lawn a chance to breathe through the winter and
it will thank you in the spring.
These
are only three of literally thousands of potential landscaping maintenance
tasks you can perform. These three means of improving your lawn’s health,
however, do reveal why maintenance activity is necessary. If you simply “let
things go,” you run the risk of undoing all of your hard work and encountering
disappointing results. Last year’s landscaping accomplishment can become next
year’s embarrassment if maintenance is not taken seriously.
Remember,
you landscape is not a pretty picture that, once painted, remains in place
forever. It is a constantly growing and changing collection of living things.
It is, in many ways, an organism unto itself. In order to nurture it
effectively, you will need to revisit it frequently. That is what maintenance
is really all about.
CONCLUSION
Natural
landscaping is adapted to the climate, geography and
hydrology and
should require no pesticides, fertilizers and
watering to maintain, given that native plants have adapted and
evolved to local conditions over thousands of years. However, these
applications may be necessary for some preventative care of trees and other
vegetation in areas of degraded or weedy
landscapes.
Native
plants suit today's interest in "low-maintenance" gardening and
landscaping, with many species vigorous and hardy and able to survive winter
cold and summer heat. Once established, they can flourish without irrigation or
fertilization, and are resistant to most pests and diseases.
Many
municipalities
have quickly recognized the benefits of natural landscaping due to municipal
budget constraints and reductions and the general
public is now benefiting from the implementation of natural
landscaping techniques to save water and create more personal time.
REFERENCES
Braman,
S.K., Latimer, J.G., Robacker, C.D.(1998a) Factors
influencing
pesticide use and
integrated pest management in urban landscapes: A case study in Atlanta. HortTechnology 8:145–149.
Braman,
S.K., Oetting, R.D.,Florkowski, W.(1998b) Assessment of
pesticide use by
commercial landscape maintenance and lawn care firms in Georgia. J. Entomol. Sci. 32:403–411.
Garber,
M.P., Bondari, K.(1992) Landscape architects as related to the
landscape/nursery
industry: II. Selection of the production nursery and plant availability. J. Environ. Hort. 10:73–77.
Garber,
M.P., Bondari, K.(1996) Landscape maintenance firms: II. Pest
management
practices.
J. Environ. Hort. 14:58–61.
Hubbell,
B.J.,Florkowski, W.J., Oetting, R.,Braman, S.K.(1997) Pest
management in the
landscape/lawn maintenance industry: A factor analysis. J. Prod. Agr. 10:331–336.
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