Localscapes 101
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An introduction to landscaping for Utah. Localscapes is a moderate approach to water-efficient landscape that is based on a 5-step system. For new landscapes, add each element in the 5 steps working from the center of the landscape out to the edges. To modify an existing yard, carve away at the edges of your landscape by adding the various elements and work toward the center, with the goal of creating the key "Central Open Shape" in the middle. Those simply working on one project at a time can use the modular layout of a Localscape to complete projects as time and budget allow. Although this design/layout style was developed to create landscapes designed to fit the way irrigation systems work thus decreasing work while improving watering efficiency, the style will work for any yard, in any climate without loss of the benefits. It's the simplest way to create a landscape that maximizes curb appeal and function while minimizing maintenance and watering. Content and style developed by the Conservation Garden Park team. Find us online at http://ConservationGardenPark.org or http://facebook.com/conservationgardenpark
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Localscapes 101
- 3. 87% 2%70% 70%75% 67%
- 13. Front Yard
- 14. Back Yard
- 31. Rules of Lawn
- 32. Rules of Lawn
- 33. Rules of Lawn
- 38. • • • • • •
- 39. Gathering Areas
- 44. Front Yard
- 45. Back Yard
- 46. • • • • • • • •
- 47. Activity Zones
- 52. Paths
- 56. Back Yard
- 62. Free Resource
- 63. Free Resource
- 64. BeforeAfter
- 67. • • • • • • • •
- 70. No Purpose Lawn
- 73. Path of Lawn
- 75. ALL OF IT!
Editor's Notes
- Utah is different. Our weather, precipitation, climate, and culture are unique. We live in a desert Hot and dry summers Cold and wet winters (sometimes) Our culture is family oriented
- Current landscapes are not meeting homeowners needs. There has to be a better way to landscape that will make Utahns happier with the results.
- The public wants many different things when it comes to their landscapes. Our ideal yards would meet all of these needs. Utahns are happy to be water-efficient, so long as all the other needs are also being met. Our landscapes are a significant investment of time and money, Utahns want to get the most out of their landscapes for the least amount of maintenance effort. Water efficiency matters to them but it is not the main driving force behind most of their decisions
- Most of the information on gardening that you find on the internet and in magazines has nothing to do with Utah. Most of the information comes from areas that receive significant rainfall Sprinkler systems are not a major factor Color comes from costly and high maintenance annuals Lawn is a default groundcover Localscapes Lawn is designed with a sprinkler system in mind Lawn is a designed element in the landscape Lawn in not a default groundcover Perennial plants are used for low maintenance and water efficiency
- Landscape design principles were developed centuries before sprinkler systems were conceived. These styles come primarily from climates which are vastly different than Utah and therefore many of the principles they espouse don’t work in this climate. We need our own landscape style. One that was designed to work for our specific climate and regionalized to the various parts of Utah. We have sprinkler systems and that adds a whole new dimension to landscape design and management. The epiphany: Landscapes should be designed to fit irrigation rather that trying to force irrigation to fit landscapes.
- Utahns tend to have an all or nothing thinking about landscapes I can either have a traditional lawn-dominant landscape Or I can have a “Zeroscape” (Xeriscape) Utahn’s tend to turn the word Xeriscape into Zeroscape Most people are afraid of a Xeriscape because it’s ugly Localscapes is the middle ground It is a moderate approach to waterwise landscaping Lawn is still part of a Localscape and it ends up being one of its main features Localscapes have high curb appeal and lower maintenance all at the same time
- Here is the Localscapes 3d House. We will use this model in this presentation to describe Localscapes and its principles. As you can see this landscape has high curb appeal When you look at this model is water efficiency the first thing that comes to your mind? (Most people will shake their heads no) What kind of things come to your mind when you look at this model? (The audience will give you their thoughts)
- Here are the 5 elements of a Localscape: Central Open Shape This is the main design element of a Localscape This can be lawn, groundcover, or hardscape LAWN IS NOT A DEFAULT GROUNDCOVER Gathering Areas Gathering areas are designed next Gathering areas are the social areas of the landscape They can include patios, decks, and gazebos Activity Zones Activity Zones are designed next Activity Zones are for active recreation, working, or storage They can include vegetable gardens, children’s play areas, sheds, and storage areas Paths Paths are designed next Paths are the connectors of the landcape Plantings Planting beds are not designed they appear after everything else has been designed Planting beds are the new default groundcover 6) If there is too much planted area for your taste, add more gathering spaces, activity zones or paths to remove more area from active maintenance. This is the exact opposite way that landscapes have been designed in the past. Instead of designing the shapes of planter bed and filling in with lawn, we are now designing lawn and filling in with everything else. Lawn is not the default groundcover anymore.
- Here is the same home in plan view. The five elements are applied all across the property. Although the park strip appears to have grass, it is actually covered with Creeping Thyme, a low-water groundcover that mimics the look of lawn- except when it is covered in tiny purple blooms.
- Most of the time, a Localscape simply looks like a nice yard and few people would know they are looking at a water-conserving landscape. The Greene family of West Jordan created a perfect Utah Localscape that fits in seamlessly with other landscapes in the neighborhood. Lawn was removed from areas where it doesn’t work well but remains in the most prominent locations. They pushed the front lawn to the streetside of the property then created wide planting beds and a front yard seating area adjacent to the house. The back yard has a large covered seating area and planting beds to buffer the yard from the adjacent property.
- We’ll now see how the Central Open Shape concept applies to our “Localscapes House.” Begin by designing the lawn. A modified half-round shape was used for this design but it could also have been a rectangular, oval or other freeform shape. You choose. Even on an existing landscape that will be converted over time, design the ultimate shape of the lawn then work your way towards it, one project at a time if necessary, carving away at the existing until it is contained into a defined shape.
- Same idea, applied to the back yard.
- When used, lawn is one central open shape in the front and/or back yard. Grouping all lawn into a single shape makes it easier to irrigate it efficiently with sprinklers. Orienting a landscape around a central open shape is no-fail design– it will always yield a crisp, organized landscape. Curved lawns should have large, sweeping curves. Always avoid creating tight, squiggly edges.
- The Central Open Shape can be configured to fit any type of lot. No matter how your property lines are drawn, any landscape can have the organization a central open shape provides.
- No matter what size the landscape is, a central open shape can always be accommodated. If there is less than 8 feet of width for lawn, then use a different material (hardscape or groundcover) for the central open shape.
- It also scales to fits any size lot. The open shape will be bigger for larger lots but should still be kept to the same 20-30% of the total lot area.
- You don’t have to have lawn in a Localscape. The Central Open Shape can be gravel, pavers, or groundcover. The key is to keep the central open shape, well, open. The strong edge is a critical part of the look. When designing a lawnless landscape, make sure to have plenty of coverage in the adjacent beds, preferably with low, spreading green plants. Remember that beauty is created through contrast so make sure there is strong visual contrast between the central open shape and adjacent plantings.
- Decide which ground coverings for your Central Open Shape are best for your landscape.
- The example on the left: Traditional Utah Landscape Lawn is a default groundcover Planter beds have been designed Kidney bean shaped planter creates awkward areas of lawn Everything (lawn, trees, shrubs, perennials) gets watered the same amount no matter its water needs The example on the right: Localscapes example Instead of the planter bed being a bean shape the lawn is (Green the Bean) Lawn has been designed to work with how an irrigation system works There is actually more functional square feet of lawn in this localscape than there is in the adjacent “Blandscape.”
- This is real life example of what was being shown in the previous slide. Both of these houses are in the same neighborhood with similar lot sizes and amount of lawn. The landscape on the left has lots of lawn but almost all of it is useless for active recreation because of the planter bed island. The landscape on the right has a little less lawn but it is all concentrated into an area the is 100% useful. The landscape on the right has higher curb appeal because the central open space of lawn organizes the landscape and gives a clean look
- We don’t love lawn just because it is green. It fills the design function of the “negative” space. Balanced design includes both positive (filled) and negative (open with consistent color) spaces. Beauty is created in the CONTRAST between the two. Landscapes which are too much of one or the other are less attractive. Sea of Green rests the eye between busier plantings. Conveys calm. Visually demonstrates the power of positive/ negative space. Organizes space. When lawn is a defined shape, everything else APPEARS “cleaner”.
- We have an emotional attachment to the way we think about lawn. Most people use their lawn a lot less than they think they do. Most of us don’t use the lawn in our front yard at all. Honestly, how much of your lawn do you actually use? Humorous observation: These are stock photos. Do you know why? Because it’s the only place in modern America that you’ll see this type of thing happening. The truth is simply that we use our yards much less than we think– less than we COULD if we had a reason to be out there. How we THINK we use our landscapes is not consistent with how we ACTUALLY use them.
- If there are parts of your landscape you only visit when you’re pushing the lawn mower, then there is something else you can do with that space that you’ll actually use. Our lots equal a huge investment of funds, time and energy. Creating spaces that provide enjoyment back to us increases the value of that investment
- 1,000- 2,000 square feet is enough for most families. We tend to only actively use the lawn in the middle, no matter what size it is so removing the unused lawn around the edges makes sense. Planted edges create a “tucked in” space that feels safe and pleasant.
- After settling on a design for the Central Open Shape, they used Round Up to kill the unnecessary portions of the existing lawn. Notice the very squiggly edge of the old lawn? The new lawn is still curved but more gently so. Some sprinkler heads were capped off and a few had to be moved. The Homeowners hired a sprinkler contractor to do this part of the work for them but completed all other projects themselves. The Homeowners took Localscapes University in 2016. Using what they learned, they were able to develop a plan for their yard and do most of the implementation themselves.
- Here’s the end result, fresh after planting. The lawn edges are sill a little rough but by next season, they’ll green right up. Notice the pass through areas they created in the park strip– this is a great use for a small path. The element is repeated in a couple other locations. In all projects there are places to save and places to splurge. The Hogans “splurged” on the sprinkler system renovation to ensure they would have a quality, long-lasting system. They saved money by starting with smaller plants.
- There are a few hard-and-fast rules that must be followed in order for a landscape to become a “Localscape”. Rule 1: Lawn should be designed Efficient Irrigation because it is designed to work with a sprinkler system Less mowing time because there is less lawn One single edge to trim and maintain instead of multiple edges against concrete, foundation, or fence. All space is useable without any narrow pieces of lawn
- Rule 2: Lawn should be unobstructed Obstructions cause multiple problems: Blocked sprinkler heads Tree root/ lawn root competition Increased mowing and trimming maintenance around obstacles
- Rule 3: Lawn should not be less than 8-feet wide. This little shape of lawn provides no recreation benefit and instead invites a maintenance nightmare. Allowing the path to separate lawn from the planting beds would dramatically decrease weeds and maintenance. Instead, fill this area with low-growing perennials or groundcover.
- Rule 4: Lawn is not a designated path. Lawn makes a terrible path. It does not appreciate a lot of repeated foot traffic over the same small area. It is impossible to water narrow strips of lawn well. Note that the edges of the lawn are much drier than the center. Everywhere the lawn abuts the planting beds is a place for it to invade and become a weed. It also requires a lot of time for edging. Lots of investment for no real return.
- Rule #5 Keep lawn to the flat portions of the landscape. It is impossible to water lawn on slopes evenly. Water will run-off from the top leaving the top of slope too dry. It collects at the bottom creating mushy areas. This makes it hard to have that perfect even green tone and wastes a lot of water. If you don’t have a flat area, either create one with grading and terracing, or forego lawn completely. Lawn is a RECREATION SURFACE, not a groundcover. If the landscape can’t utilize lawn for that purpose, don’t use lawn. There are lower-maintenance ground coverings that will work instead and won’t force you into mowing on dangerous slopes.
- Since lawn is a SINGLE Central Open Shape, there are places where it should not be used. #1 of which is park strips. Lawn in the park strip: serves no recreational purpose. Is impossible to water efficiently, creating overspray on streets and sidewalks Requires more water to keep it green due to the Urban Heat Island effect. (hot surfaces around the lawn increase the amount of water it needs) Park strips are a great first project to complete when converting an existing landscape to a Localscape. There are new retrofit drip irrigation kits that make this project much easier.
- Not sure what to do in the park strip instead of lawn? Check out Localscapes.com for free plans that you can download!
- Side yards are most often a pass-through area from the front yard to the back yard. Lawn in this location is unnecessary. Further, most side yards are just not good areas for lawn. Environmentally: They are too narrow to efficiently maintain. They are either too hot or too shaded making it hard to keep them happy. Design: Side yards offer an opportunity to create privacy from neighbors Store stuff that can be unsightly (and we all have garbage cans). Excellent location for some of the functional things a landscape needs– but you may not want to look at. Create variety. The filled and open space concept we discussed previously but vertically applied instead of horizontal. A coming in and out of spaces that is pleasurable.
- Step 2: Gathering areas These are hardscape elements with a social purpose They can be patios, seating areas, decks, gazebos, etc. This example landscape has a beautiful front yard gathering area that adds to the curb appeal of this home.
- Check out these amazing Gathering Areas– all from Utah properties. Gathering areas can be budget-friendly or fancy but all of them increase the curb appeal and function of the landscape while decreasing maintenance.
- Let’s add some Gathering areas to our sample lots. Though not required, we favor a “3-Patio” system which is used in each of the above examples. Front yard seating is always a great addition for function and curb appeal. A primary patio in the back yard located next to the rear exit is most important. Consider size as few patios are large enough to meet the homeowners needs. Adding a secondary seating or patio area in the back yard for a private getaway.
- Front: Large front-yard gathering space invites neighbors to hang out and sends a friendly vibe. Also helps to make use of space that would otherwise rarely be used. Back: Multiple gathering areas in this small back yard provide opportunities for entertaining while dramatically decreasing maintenance.
- This lawnless Localscape utilizes a nice, big front yard gathering area. The gathering area is large enough that it acts as the central open space at the same time. We aren’t all blessed to have homes with interesting architecture. The landscape can be used to create the appeal our architecture may lack.
- When was the last time you visited that back corner of the yard (without a lawn mower)? Secondary seating areas create private or even social spaces and help with flow around the landscape.
- Let’s apply some Gathering Areas to the Localscapes House.
- And a few more in the back yard.
- Step 3: Activity Zones These are areas in your landscape that are use for recreation, work, or storage. Activity zones are located outside of lawn. Another type of ground surface should be used for activity zones. Activity zones increase the functionality of your landscape.
- More Utah-based Activity Zone ideas. Notes about water-based Activity Zones: Water-based features such as pools and hot tubs should be covered when not in use. Water features add a pleasing sound to the landscape but can be a lot of work to maintain. Stick to smaller features. Always use a “dry pond” at the base to decrease the risk of injury and reduce water lost to evaporation.
- Activity Zones are added to each of our sample landscapes based on family needs. Empty-nester house keeps it simple with the fire pit added previously and designated storage area. Family-oriented landscape adds a play area for the kids. Wildlife-friendly-oriented landscape adds a storage shed for tools and a vegetable garden.
- Activity Zones are located outside the lawn to allow both the lawn and the activity to functional optimally. Wrong Way: Lawn isn’t an ideal safety surface for this play area. By placing it on the lawn, the lawn isn’t available for other activities and maintenance is a nightmare. Right Way: bark is a more absorbent safety surface. The function of the activity is still the same but using the right surfacing decreases maintenance and watering. Both the lawn and the activity zone can serve their different purposes by separating them.
- Here are some examples of activity zones that have been applied to the model. They are located outside of the central open shape. Localscapes are family oriented. A vegetable garden and children’s play are just a couple examples of activity zones.
- Step 4- Paths Paths are the connectors of a Localscape. They connect all of the previous elements. The only material that paths should never be made of is lawn. Lawn struggles when it is walked on in the same spot over and over again.
- Here are some Utah-based paths that show a range of surfacing options from budget-friendly gravel to pavers and colored concrete. So many great choices!
- Connect the Central Open Shape, Gathering Spaces and Activity Zones with a variety of paths. (Rectangular lot) Empty-nester house uses primary path surfaces to ensure safe navigation, all the way around the property. (Corner Lot) Family-oriented landscape adds a front path extension to the sidewalk but and stepping stones for pass-throughs in the planting beds (kids go where kids go) 3. (Odd shaped) Wildlife-friendly landscape uses mostly simple stepping stones around the side and back on “optional” secondary paths.
- Primary paths serve as main arteries to the home. Front door, side yard storage, etc. Primary paths should be made of a flat/uniform material that allows snow to be removed Secondary Paths don’t receive as much traffic They can be seasonal in nature like a stepping stone path to the vegetable garden
- Paths are the connectors in the Localscape model. Concrete is used to access the side yard activity zone where a shed is located. This is an example of a primary path Stepping stones are used to connect the front walk to the lawn. This is an example of a secondary path
- Here is the backyard with the paths installed. Secondary stepping stone paths are used to connect to seasonally used features like the vegetable garden.
- Step 5: Planting Beds Planting beds appear in the spaces not filled with the other elements The shapes of planting beds are not designed Planting beds are always irrigated with drip. This decreases the amount of weeds and helps to apply water directly to the roots of plants
- Here is the best progression to use when designing where plants go in the landscape. Trees are designed first because they are so large and effect so many different things around them. Shrubs and grasses are added next because they are the backbone of the design. They provide year round structure and form Perennial flowers and groundcover are added next. They provide lots of color to the landscape but they are seasonal in nature.
- All of the elements together create the finished design
- Localscapes works for corner lots
- A localscape can be applied to odd-shaped lots Very low water landscapes often suffer from a lack of organization– a Localscapes designed landscape does not.
- What plants to use? While the planter bed shapes design themselves in a Localscape, the contents of those beds do not. Generally, you’ll want a mix of plants that work well in your part of Utah– but we don’t expect you to figure that out on your own! We do provide some free sample plans that you can download at localscapes.com Your local nursery can also provide assistance. Keep in mind that professional nurseries tend to have MUCH more knowledgeable staff than the big box store. Other Localscapes training is available to help with plant selection for your specific design.
- Change this slide to the appropriate local garden(s) for region where this presentation is being given.
- This landscape transition occurred over several seasons. The homeowners choose to have the landscape layout and plantings designed by a professional but self-installed the entire landscape (front and back) one project at a time as budget and energy permitted. Before: Generic low-appeal lawn landscape. After: A colorful Utah Localscape with major curb appeal.
- For every 1 traditionally landscape, watered with overhead irrigation and following the typical homeowner use patterns, we can water 3 equal sized Localscapes. The population of Utah will double over the next 50 years but the water supply can’t. Localscapes strikes a balance between the landscape preferences of Utahns and intelligent use of precious resources. Can end presentation on this slide. If time and student interest permit, remainder of slides are Quiz questions.
- Placeholder slide. Put the appropriate information for your area in this location.
- Placeholder slide. Put the appropriate information for your area in this location.
- What to do instead? Reconfigure the planting bed while working around the existing trees. “Anchor” the island to the sidewalk Add some more colorful foliage plantings to the front bed to increase interest.
- What to do? Create a Central Open Shape of gravel or hardscape.
- Sprinkler heads next to fences increase maintenance. What to do instead? Remove lawn, add a combination of plantings and/or hardscape then drip irrigate. Modern-style gridded ornamental grasses or a groundcover of succulents would keep the modern theme of the fencing without all the work the lawn adds.
- This yard is a near-perfect Localscape (except for the lawn in the park strip). Ideally, there should be no obstructions in the lawn (flag pole) to get in the way of maintenance. If the flag pole were placed within the planting bed, adjacent to the driveway, it would be easier to care for both lawn and flag. A bit nit-picky in terms of it being a “mistake” in placement but something to consider nonetheless.
- What to do? Localscape it! Create a Central Open Shape goal. Add Gathering Spaces, Activity Zones and paths, one at a time if necessary, until the lawn becomes that shape.
- What to do? Change out the lawn for other path surfacing. Add lower-maintenance Utah-Happy plants instead of high-water, maintenance-intensive annual flowers.
- The bed design was planned, not the lawn. Make the lawn the main shape then flank with beds. See all the extra work created by having the lawn abut the neighbors rock retaining wall area? This could have been avoided if the lawn and planting beds were switched. Additionally, planting beds on the edges increase privacy between neighbors.
- Everything is bad about this! If you need to water with sprinklers, then this type of English design will never work well. Planting beds and lawn are being watered the same way, unbalanced watering. Watering in the middle of the day. Planting beds filled with fussy, high water annual flowers. Bed design is a disaster, what is up with the weird scallops of lawn between the pavement and flower bed? Very wavy bed design is harder to maintain and just looks odd. Lawn spills out everywhere but has no definition. Use plantings with colorful foliage in the beds to draw attention rather than relying on the shape of the bed for definition.