Nature's Approved Design
Hi. I’m Cathy Juha, a local Guelph landscaper with a different approach to gardening.
I practice sustainable landscaping. You could almost call it cooperative gardening.
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The beneficial bacteria in compost and mulch nourish the soil.
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Pollinators thrive on plants that appeal to them.
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Plants work together to create beauty while reducing maintenance.
I say “nature’s approved design” (somewhat tongue-in-cheek) because my approach is more like what we find in forests and meadows. More diversity. No chemicals. Native and natural vs. “staged” beauty. Low maintenance. Low cost.
We can achieve deeply satisfying colours, textures, and fragrances while protecting soil and preserving habitat. Those are my prime objectives.
If you’d like to know more about sustainable gardening on your property, and how I can help you make the transition, please send me an email.
The conversation is free of charge.
Sincerely,
Cathy Juha
My Services
Garden maintenance
Landscape design
Sustainable landscapes
Pollinator gardens
Herb gardens/edible gardens
Naturalizing/restoring urban gardens
Native plants selection
Mulching & composting
Natural flagstone
Seasonal clean-ups
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What is Sustainable Landscaping?
A sustainable landscape is designed for the climate and the environment.
Sustainable landscaping is working with nature by planting for the climate, conserving water, protecting and enriching the soil, and eliminating the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and gasoline.
For example, to conserve groundwater, I harvest rainwater with swales, rain gardens, and rain barrels.
I also make sure that plants are suited to the soil, and I curtail erosion by adding adequate organic matter. Compost bins can eventually provide the organic matter while reducing the cost of disposing of clippings, weeds, and prunings.
Composting leaves is especially beneficial. They add bacteria and fungi that will help your garden thrive.
Wherever possible, I use existing materials to avoid soil removal that might negatively impact the established ecosystem.