Greening the urban environment and local food growing

Pop up gardens, local food growing initiatives, community gardens, are part of our delivery of sustainable landscape design. Yesterday I ran a 2 hour studio session for 3rd year spatial design students, looking at Edible Cities around the world. The kids (they were all at least 20 years younger than me, so I shall call them kids :-) ) asked good questions, some around their concerns for the economic vitality of rural areas if food production moved to the city. It is very easy to simplify complex problems and look at parts rather than the whole. The students brought their wide ranging backgrounds to the debate and looked at the big picture. We are all part of a much bigger ecosystem and economic system. What we do in one place will have an effect in another.

As we strive to create green urban environments , we must also consider rural effects. However, that must not stop us from our quest for healthy, liveable cities. Taking brownfield space and turning it a bio-diverse green is good for us and good for the environment, wherever it may lie.

Development has been an economic aim since the industrial revolution. Now we must link that with environmental and social development. But first people have to recognise that there is a problem that needs fixing. In Boston great things are being done as a start through  http://thefoodproject.org/local-food

Spa style treatment at home

contemporary patio design by san francisco landscape architect Huettl Landscape Architecture

The stone and water feature combination looks fabulous in this photo from Houzz. When modified a little and placed in a rain forest setting the design will really come alive for our clients. - There is nothing staid or boring about sustainable landscape design. Rather it honours traditional crafts and builds on the natural environment. Spas and eco resort style hotels rely on landscape designers to enhance the setting. This time though it is a private client who gets the benefit of a spa style landscape treatment at home :-)

Green roofs - create more urban space that will hold rainwater

As part of our design for sustainable living service, we will work with to design and create green roofs, for private residences, on shed roofs in kindergartens, on city office blocks. Bee hives can be incorporated into the green roof design, as well as bio-diverse planting.


The goal is create more urban space that will hold rainwater where it falls to diminish the risk of sewer overflows and improve the overall water quality in the region.  Of course, this requires specialised design and precise installation, so applicants should work with an experienced green roof company like Greenstone Design UK 

Permeable paving and sustainable landscapes

Permeable Solutionz resin bound natural river pebbles

As we grapple with the challenges surrounding climate change and urban drainage issues we have an opportunity to make a real difference. SUDS or sustainable urban drainage schemes are mandated in some jurisdictions. In other areas with awareness or public budget lags, individuals can make a difference, without being told they have to.

Permeable paving includes attractive resin bound aggregates, loose aggregates and non mortared paving blocks. Natural resin bound aggregates have the advantage of being firm under foot or wheel, while still offering 30m sec/m2 flows.

Sustainable landscape design requires us to look at hard landscaping with fresh eyes. We need products that look good, feel great under bare feet ( we are sensory designers too), are durable and work well for all users.