Page 62 - Green Builder March-April 2021 Issue

philosophy: Peace in the great outdoors. Trending
alfresco living projects include:
Transition spaces that provide shelter from the
■
elements through roof covers, screens, pergolas,
gazebos, and awnings
Intimate “sanctuary spaces” that offer peace and
■
quiet for those much-needed reprieves
Outdoor kitchens, entertainment systems and
■
dining areas
Integrated smart technology, like voice-enabled
■
televisions, connected outdoor grills and appliances,
and smart lighting
Spaces that offer “flexible privacy,” allowing
■
homeowners to enjoy nature while screening out
neighbors, roads and unappealing sight lines
Rooftop gardens, balconies, terraces and integrated
■
planters in urban settings
Déjà new. Because Trex constructs its decking using more than 95 percent recycled Sustainable landscaping and edible gardens are
content, the company has never had to cut down trees. COURTESY OF TREX also on the rise, driven by a marked interest in
enhanced security and self-sufficiency during the
pandemic. COGNITION data shows that homeowners are moving
The Home require vast amounts of water and mowing, in favor of edible gardens
away from sweeping lawns with sprawling Kentucky bluegrass that
that provide food security, water-saving native plants, and native
greenspaces that offer refuge in concrete jungles. Urban dwellers
Orchard

Keep these tips in mind when designing a home
orchard that’s a good match for personal skills,
time and energy.

PLANT FOR SUCCESS. Research what varieties are commercially
grown in the area, and match varieties for the region. Peaches are a good
choice for central Texas, not for the Pacific Northwest coast.
CHOOSE EASY VARIETIES. Species that produce well with little
maintenance include common medlar (a bushy tree that produces an
apple-like fruit), Asian persimmons, pawpaw, figs, cherries and some Hot product. Homeowner demand for stylish, durable and sustainable composite
citrus varieties. Raspberries and blackberries are fairly easy to grow; decking, such as TimberTech’s (shown), is at an all-time high due to the “stay at
blueberries require more care. home” lockdown of the past year. COURTESY OF TIMBERTECH
KEEP IT CLOSE. As with vegetable and herb gardens, the closer an are getting creative about finding ways to grow herbs and vegetables
orchard is to the house, the more likely it will be properly cared for. on small apartment patios or even bringing the garden inside with
living walls and potted plants.
PRUNE FAITHFULLY. Maintain a strong central leader form, and
remove water sprouts and suckers each year. In general, semi-dwarf COVID-19 or no, there’s good news for the landscaping industry:
fruit trees are a good choice for their manageable size. Investment in outdoor living is expected to continue through 2021
and into 2022, as homeowners recognize the true worth of outdoor
MAINTAIN THE ORCHARD. This includes picking up ripe fruit that has spaces with respect to quality of life and resale value. This will be
fallen. If left on the ground, it can be a vector for diseases. particularly true within the millennial and older Gen-Z audience
KEEP RECORDS. Years down the road, it will be invaluable to have a segments, which are now the top housing influencers and are willing
record of what worked and what didn’t. to spend more money on buying and remodeling homes than any
SOURCE: FIDDLEHEAD LLC other generation. GB
60 GREEN BUILDER March/April 2021 www.greenbuildermedia.com

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