Sustainable solutions for landscaping

Some of the solutions being developed are:

Reduction of storm water run-off through the use of bio-swales, rain gardens and green roofs and walls.
Reduction of water use in landscapes through design of water-wise garden techniques (sometimes known as xeriscaping)
Bio-filtering of wastes through constructed wetlands
Landscape irrigation using water from showers and sinks, known as gray water
Integrated Pest Management techniques for pest control
Creating and enhancing wildlife habitat in urban environments
Energy-efficient landscape design in the form of proper placement and selection of shade trees and creation of wind breaks
Permeable paving materials to reduce stormwater run-off and allow rain water to infiltrate into the ground and replenish groundwater rather than run into surface water
Use of sustainably harvested wood, composite wood products for decking and other landscape projects, as well as use of plastic lumber
Recycling of products, such as glass, rubber from tires and other materials to create landscape products such as paving stones, mulch and other materials
Soil management techniques, including composting kitchen and yard wastes, to maintain and enhance healthy soil that supports a diversity of soil life
Integration and adoption of renewable energy, including solar-powered landscape lighting

Favourite Plant Today: Thornless Honey Locust

Common name Thornless Honey Locust Latin name Gleditsia tracanthos var. inermis Type Tree Height 35-60' Spread 35-60' Light & Water Full sun: Zone 4 Bloom months Does not bloom. Bloom colour Foliage colour Yellow green Features Fall colour Notes Bright golden foliage in spring goes light green in summer and yellow in fall. Needs regular thinning/pruning to keep good shape and create pleasant dappled shade. Extensive root system. Thornless, seedless relative of Acacias.

Heath Tip:

Top Sunscreens

Top-rated sunscreens all contain the minerals zinc or titanium. They are the right choice for people who are looking for the best UVA protection without any sunscreen chemical considered to be a potential hormone disruptor. None of the products contain oxybenzone or vitamin A and none are sprayed or powdered. Here are a few...

Alba Botanica
Sun: Mineral Sunscreen Kids, SPF 30
Sun: Mineral Sunscreen Fragrance Free, SPF 30

All Terrain
Aquasport Performance Sunscreen, SPF 30
TerraSport Performance Sunscreen, SPF 30
KidSport Performance Sunscreen, SPF 30

Badger
Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 30, Unscented
Sunscreen for Face and Body, Unscented, SPF 30
Sunscreen for Face and Body, SPF 30 Lightly Scented
Sunscreen for Face and Body, SPF 15 Lightly Scented

Beyond Coastal
Lip and Face Screen, SPF 30

Blue Lizard
Australian Sunscreen Sensitive, SPF 30+
Australian Sunscreen Baby, SPF 30+

BurnOut
Kids Physical Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Clean and Clear, Zinc Oxide Sunblock, SPF 32

California Baby
Sunscreen Lotion No Fragrance, SPF 30+
Sunblock Stick No Fragrance, SPF 30+
Moisturizing Sunscreen No Fragrance, SPF 18
Sunscreen Lotion Everyday/Year-Round, SPF 30+
Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+, Citronella
Sunblock Stick Everyday/Year-Round, SPF 30+

Sun Screen info found on the cosmetic data base.

By Jamie Pal

Lush Mountain Landscape and Design, serving the Kelowna and West Kelowna area

"Improving the world we live in"