Chapter 5: Restore and Regenerate

Photo by Zhugher on Pixabay.

Learning Intentions

By the end of this chapter, you may be able to …

• Apply natural systems theory to select and describe greener and more sustainable landscape construction and maintenance practices contributing to ecosystem health.
• Identify and select technology relevant to the landscape industry to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and increase environmental and personal health.

Let’s Review

Let’s start with a review of Chapter 4: Flow.  In the last chapter, we investigated how to identify water sources in the watershed and develop a personal connection with water, understanding its flow, and the importance of responsible landscape practices.

We also aimed to evaluate current construction practices and acquire skills to create landscape designs that mimic nature, incorporating features like rain gardens and permeable paving (green infrastructure) to mitigate the impact of urbanization and climate change on water resources.

Finally, we aimed to discover the influence of landscape horticulturalist students and industry professionals on adopting low-impact landscape construction practices, considering the broader impact on water. Encouraging a holistic approach to landscape construction and maintenance to promote greener mindsets and practices and protect water resources.

Now, let’s take a look at the final chapter of this faculty training module, Restore and Regenerate, to explore how natural system processes can guide our decision-making when selecting greener horticulture skills and practices.

Chapter 5: Introduction

Keywords: paradigm shift, restorative, regenerative

As we seek to apply greener and more sustainable landscape practices, landscape horticulturalists must be aware of the impact of their practices on the greater ecosystem. By incorporating renewable and regenerative practices into the construction and maintenance phases of a project, we can have a positive impact on the environment while minimizing disruption to ecological systems.

The final chapter in the regenerative landscape module, Renew and Regenerate, is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to apply natural systems theory to select and describe greener and sustainable landscape construction and maintenance practices contributing to ecosystem health.

The last section of this chapter will provide examples of how landscape horticulturalists can use technology to reduce waste, promote efficiency, and increase environmental and personal health. The learning intentions of this chapter aim to empower you to become respectful stewards of the environment and highlight the importance of preparing horticulture students for diverse and changing roles in the industry by incorporating technology in teaching and learning curriculum design.

There are several restorative and regenerative landscape maintenance practices that can be implemented to reduce environmental impact and increase sustainability. Some of these practices include topics that we have covered in this module already, such as:

1. Use of native plants: native plants are adapted to the local environment and require less maintenance than non-native species. They also support local wildlife and biodiversity.
2. Rainwater harvesting: collecting rainwater in a barrel or cistern can be used to water plants instead of using municipal water sources, which can help conserve water resources.
3. Low-maintenance design: designing landscapes with low-maintenance features that start with selecting the right place for the right place, drip irrigation systems, and thoughtful plant placement to reduce the need for ongoing maintenance, passive energy consumption, and help conserve resources.

Now, let’s take a look at some natural system theories to guide our selection of greener and sustainable landscape maintenance skills and practices.