Sometimes a design involves modifying the natural contours and structure of the land. Our expertise lies in the strategic contouring of terrains, ensuring optimal water management and runoff control.
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Grading
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Swales
These services are focused on effectively managing water on a property, ensuring proper drainage to prevent issues like flooding and erosion, and incorporating features like rain gardens to capture and absorb rainwater, promoting sustainability and reducing runoff.
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Drainage
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Rain Gardens
Embracing a rainwater catchment system conserves water, reduces demand on municipal supplies, and minimizes stormwater runoff, contributing to a more eco-friendly water management strategy.
Utilizing techniques such as drip irrigation, sprinklers, or soaker hoses, it allows for precise and targeted delivery, minimizing water wastage. By promoting water conservation and supporting healthy plant growth, irrigation systems play a vital role in sustainable landscaping and agriculture practices.
Services
Water Management & Irrigation
One of the key principles of permaculture is to use energy efficiently. We view water not only as a vital element for plant growth but also as a precious energy resource that restores life in the soil and should be used efficiently. The basic idea is to create systems where water is stored, slowed, and infiltrated into the soil.
One of the key principles of permaculture is to use energy efficiently. We view water not only as a vital element for plant growth but also as a precious energy resource that restores life in the soil and should be used efficiently. The basic idea is to create systems where water is stored, slowed, and infiltrated into the soil.
1. Earth Shaping
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Grading
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Swales
2. Storm Water Management
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Drainage
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Rain Gardens
4. Irrigation System
Swales are a water management and tree-growing technique commonly used in permaculture design to capture and retain water in the landscape. They are typically used on gentle sloping land, where water runoff can be a problem.
A swale is essentially a ditch that is dug along the contour of the land, with the excavated soil being piled up on the downhill side to create a berm. When it rains, water flows into the swale and is captured along with runoff that essentially turns into a compost tea inside of the swales, allowing it to slowly percolate into the soil and recharge the groundwater. Trees can be planted on either side of the swale but are more benefitted from the downslope side where their roots can access the rich water being infiltrated in the soil from the swale. On the other side, you may plant nitrogen fixers to increase the ability of your maincrop trees to access nutrients. Among the trees, you may also plant other edible, medicinal, or ornamental plants that occupy different spaces essentially creating a food forest system.
Swales can also be used as pathways by filling them with compost and wood mulch materials. The water is still slowed and infiltrated this way and you don't lose any space in your home garden all the while creating beautiful meandering pathways on contour.
So, when should you use a swale? Swales are most effective on slopes where water tends to run off quickly, without having a chance to soak into the soil. If you have a gentle sloping site that is prone to erosion or flooding, a swale can be an effective way to slow down water runoff and reduce soil erosion.
Swales
Water Catchment Systems come in a variety of forms, from simple rain barrels to more complex cisterns, tanks, and ponds that can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as irrigation, washing, flushing toilets, and even recreation.
The basic idea behind a rainwater catchment system is to collect rainwater from rooftops, or other areas where rainwater naturally runs or overflows (such as swales, sometimes), and store it for later use.
One of the key benefits of rainwater catchment systems is that they allow us to conserve and manage water resources in a self-sustainable way. By capturing rainwater and using it for irrigation or other non-potable uses, we can reduce our reliance on municipal water sources and help to conserve this precious resource.
If you're on a budget, a simple water catchment system can still be really beneficial for your garden and cheap.
Rainwater Catchment
Rain Gardens
A rain garden is a purposefully designed landscape feature that harnesses the natural power of precipitation for ecological and environmental benefits. Functioning as a strategically placed, shallow depression planted with native vegetation, a rain garden serves to capture, manage, and absorb rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as rooftops and driveways. This innovative landscaping approach not only prevents stormwater from overwhelming traditional drainage systems but also promotes water infiltration into the soil, reducing the risk of erosion and mitigating the impacts of urbanization on local waterways. By incorporating a variety of native plants with deep roots, rain gardens enhance water absorption, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Beyond their practical stormwater management role, rain gardens contribute to the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces while fostering environmental sustainability and resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.