Ecological Design
Focus should be placed on making informed site specific decisions. The result can be design that leaves one in good standing to all environmental aspects of the project.
Are homes and yards fitted with solar panels and rainwater collection systems the only signs of ecologically responsible designs? Is it absolutely necessary to eliminate all of the lawn, use only native plants or recycled materials, and start an organic garden? Some would argue yes, but perhaps ecology is just a way of looking at things that maximizes everything from natural resource protection to cost effectiveness.
Whether asked for or not, smart ecological decisions will show up in any design. It could be as simple as choosing a drought tolerant plant to keep costs lower on an irrigation system, or as complex as planning a backyard to serve as an effective wildlife corridor for threatened species. The most important aspect of ecological design is making informed site specific decisions - there is no blanket solution for every place.
Four Winds Landscape Design focuses on environmental issues in every aspect of the design. It could be finding a perfect spot for a composting bin, or helping to find a contractor who utilizes local materials. The impacts of a place from construction to the degradation of old age is taken into careful consideration and the result is design that leaves one standing in good relation to all the living things of the world.
