Abstract Ideas for Landscape Design in Rockford

Ideas for landscape design in Rockford for sustainable gardens are in the forefront of designers’ minds—and concern about climate change has us all looking for ways we can help. Here is our guide to eco-friendly ways to make a difference.

One of the most eco-friendly things a garden can do is decrease rainwater runoff. Consider a permeable surface if you’re doing a hardscape project, and use captured rainwater or gray water in the garden.

Landscape designs for surfaces that allow water to seep into the ground to aid filtration and slow the flow into drains and waterways are gaining momentum. From a design perspective, permeable surfaces introduce the satisfying crunch of gravel underfoot and add a softer element to hard surfaces.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel–a small, fluid stone found near bodies of water–has an appealingly smooth texture, the result of natural weathering. Pea gravel comes in sizes from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch, about the size of a pea, and in a range of natural colors such as buff, rust brown, gray, white, and translucent. If you’re trying to decide between decomposed granite and pea gravel

Ribbon Driveways

Ribbon driveways are a natural landscapedesign in Rockford progression from the ruts carved in the ground by the wheels of wagons and, later, automobiles. It makes sense that if you’re driving your vehicle from the street to the garage every day, you’d want to avoid wearing deep, muddy grooves into your lawn. The simplest and most economical way to do that: paving the areas where the wheels go and leaving the grass in the middle.

Nowadays ribbon driveways are back in fashion not only because of their eco-friendly permeability but also because they’re visually pleasing.

Artificial Grass

Traditional turf is lovely to look at, but it’s a water hog. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite alternatives, from green ground covers to wildflower meadows to sow in the front yard.

Artificial grass has come a long way for landscape design in Rockford, and it requires no water, weeding, mowing, or fertilizing. Is it an environmentally friendly option for you?

Birds and Bees

Create a garden where pollinators are welcome to help combat the rapid depletion of habitats. You can sow wildflowers, plant a pollinator garden, add a native plant, or put a green roof on your house to give nature more of a chance.

Heirloom Seeds

Connect your garden to experts on landscapedesign in Rockford who have come before you by planting heirloom seeds that have been passed on for generations for their delicious flavor, scent, or hardiness. Unlike hybrids, heirlooms will reproduce exactly like their parents.