Landscaping
Balanced Environmental provides a variety of landscaping services from the design of plans and specifications to sourcing plants from local nurseries.
Landscaping plans have a variety of applications from household improvements to streamside riparian planting improvements. In addition, many development projects such as subdivisions require a landscaping plan certified by a professional.
Developing a Landscaping Plan
A strong understanding of local plant species is required when developing landscaping plans. Fisheries and Oceans Canada recommends that wherever possible native species of plants should be used to promote a natural environment for local fish populations.
The B.C. Ministry of Environment also has a planting criteria and a list of recommended native tree and shrub species for restoration and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats.
Landscaping on private developments within municipalities often involve non-native plant species which are non-competitive with local species and have asthetic values. Many of these plants flower at different times throughout the year
to offer a colourful landscape year-round.
Landscaping plans can be developed that do not require irrigation, which adds the cost of setting up an irrigation system. In additional, stress is placed on local water supplies, and the plants become dependent on the water supply being maintained by the owners.
Several plants such as Rhododendrons and Mugo Pile are used frequently in landscaping. Other common shrubs include ornamental grasses, Junipers, Faulkner, Boxwoods, and Hydrangeas. Natural occuring plants commonly used includes ferns, Salal, and Dogwoods.
Rhododendrons are usually complemented well by using different Hostas. They both require the same amount of sunlight, soil drainage and moisture, and bloom at different times of the year.
