By using native plants and trees that fit into the natural ecosystem, our landscape designs can offer substantial health benefits to the surrounding environment. By working with nature’s positive feedback loop, it allows local flora and fauna (plants and animals) to survive and thrive. This mindset goes against traditional designs that favor ornamentals and exotic species that can deprive natural pollinators of the resources they need to keep the ecological balance in order.

Invasive species may have beautiful blooms, but their harmful effects on wild areas is a threat that can be contained and prevented entirely! In addition to encouraging pollinator presence and reducing the loss of natural land areas to invasive species, native plants are also accustomed to the local climate, which aids in plant longevity. Plus, they are drought and disease resistant. We love talking nerdy about native plants; if you want to learn more about native plant usage, follow our blog!

Permaculture is a term coined and a concept formed in 1978 that has led to a modern review of the systems that Mother Nature has used for millennia. These systems work together with the people, land, resources, and local environment in a way that allows all parties involved to benefit.

The concept begins with the idea of integration of many systems and programs: non-invasive agriculture, agroforestry, aquaculture, hydrology, natural landscaping, and waste management, to name a few. This marriage of systems allows people to make the best use of available resources while conserving those that are at higher risk of depletion. Combining systems willy-nilly is a sure-fire way to waste time and money, so David Holmgren and Bill Mollison came up with 12 solid principles to carefully consider when humans want to interact with their environment.

1. Observe and Interact
2. Catch and Store Energy
3. Obtain a Yield
4. Apply Self-regulation and respond to feedback
5. Use renewable resources
6. Produce no Waste
7. Design from pattern to details
8. Integrate rather than segregate
9. Use small and slow solutions
10. Use and value diversity
11. Use the edges
12. Creatively use and respond to change

Following these rules can help drastically minimize waste and improve recycling while reducing humanity’s carbon footprint.

We believe that landscapes, whether residential or commercial, can contain beauty and prosperity at no negative cost to those that live or work there. It’s easy to overlook the crucial role of flowers, insects, and birds in providing a bountiful return year after year. Small creatures work behind the scenes exhaustively to keep a delicate balance in order, but they need homes and shelter just like we do.

Only certain plants provide butterflies, bees, birds and other beneficial insects with the necessary habitat to survive, pollinate our crops, and eat pests. Purchasing plants from certain big box stores and other unreliable nurseries can be harmful, as neonicotinoid insecticides may be present and could kill the helpful variety of insects and pollinators. Planting with Greenscape Geeks means you’re getting native species of plants and stonework that is ethically sourced.

We also like to promote health and wellness for our bodies by encouraging people to eat locally grown, pesticide-free foods. If our client wants to start a food garden, we offer consultations too. What better way to save money and know exactly what went into your food than to grow your own? Our raised garden bed services include building kits and educational materials to help people grow fresh vegetables of their own; passing along garden knowledge is vital in building community sponsored urban agriculture and an atmosphere of environmental stewardship.