What is Sustainable Landscaping?

It goes without saying that we do not poison our gardens with pesticides or burn them with chemical fertilizers that run off into rivers and streams. We work with our customers to choose plants suited for the Portland environment. Our strategy is to attract pollinators and beneficial insects and birds to do the work of controlling pests. We use compost and natural fertilizers to improve soil and avoid erosion. While we will use heavy equipment when appropriate, we mostly use human powered tools and our brains to create sustainable landscaping.

Gardening is one way to literally change the world for the better. By creating a place of beauty where plants, insects, birds, wildlife, and two-legged humans can coexist, where we enjoy nature right outside our door --and even feed ourselves from our own yard-- we take a very real step toward re-establishing sustainable environments.

Design Principles of a Sustainable Landscape and Garden

• Design to suit local environmental conditions
• Carefully select water-wise plants
• Choose plants that will not become environmental weeds
• Conserve water by using mulch, efficient irrigation, watering only when necessary and grouping plants with similar water needs together
• Provide habitat for local native fauna such as small birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects
• Avoid use of pesticide or other chemicals that can harm natural insect populations and other beneficial organisms
• Minimize non-renewable energy in construction and maintenance
• Use sustainable and locally-sourced materials and products

Gardenworks, Inc. donates a portion of our profits to 'The Greenbelt Movement'

Founded by 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, their mission is to create awareness that trees and forest have a significant role to play in the global climate when the right trees are planted in the right places and their survival is ensured.