Low Impact Development Landscaping: Nature-Led Design for Water-Wise Places

Chosen theme: Low Impact Development Landscaping. Welcome to a living guide for turning rainfall into a resource, streets into sponges, and yards into thriving habitat—while inviting you to share your ideas, subscribe for updates, and help shape resilient neighborhoods.

Rain Gardens and Bioswales: The Green Engines of Infiltration

Sizing the Bowl

Match contributing roof or pavement area to a planted basin with gentle side slopes and a safe overflow. Test infiltration with a simple percolation hole, then size for typical storms, balancing storage, beauty, and maintenance effort.

Soils That Breathe

Engineered soils blend sand, compost, and topsoil to hold nutrients yet drain quickly. A mulch layer protects the surface from crusting, while a gravel underlayer spreads flow. Healthy soil biology becomes your quiet workforce after every rainfall.

Permeable Pavements: Hard Surfaces That Still Let Water In

Permeable pavers excel for aesthetics and maintenance access, porous asphalt fits larger areas, and pervious concrete offers strong monolithic slabs. Your choice depends on loads, freeze–thaw cycles, and local installer expertise. Ask for our regional checklist.

Native Planting for Performance, Beauty, and Habitat

Combine groundcovers, perennials, and shrubs to capture raindrops, slow wind, and boost infiltration. Structural diversity reduces weeds by filling niches and keeps the site visually rich without constant intervention.

Native Planting for Performance, Beauty, and Habitat

Stagger bloom times for spring nectar, summer abundance, and fall seeds. Seedheads and stems hold winter interest and shelter beneficial insects. Post your preferred color palette to inspire our next planting plan guide.

Native Planting for Performance, Beauty, and Habitat

Host plants for butterflies and berry shrubs for birds transform stormwater basins into mini sanctuaries. The result is less mowing, more life, and a landscape that works even when nobody’s watching.

Green Roofs and Living Walls: Capturing Rain Up High

Extensive green roofs are shallow, low-maintenance, and perfect for broad coverage; intensive roofs support shrubs, trees, and social spaces. Both absorb and slow rain while tempering rooftop temperatures during heat waves.

Green Roofs and Living Walls: Capturing Rain Up High

Root barriers, drainage mats, and robust waterproofing are non-negotiable. Overflow scuppers and inspection ports make performance visible and maintenance straightforward. Work with engineers early, then enjoy a quieter, cooler building envelope.

Maintenance as Stewardship: Keeping Systems Performing

Water new plants through their first dry spells, remove weeds before they seed, and replant gaps quickly. These small early moves create dense roots and canopy, which dramatically reduce future maintenance.

Maintenance as Stewardship: Keeping Systems Performing

Keep gutter discharge spreaders clear, skim debris from inlets, and watch for erosion after large storms. A quick post-rainwalk is the best inspection you can do—five minutes that saves future repairs.

Measuring Impact and Making the Budget Work

What to Measure and Why

Track runoff volume managed on-site, time to drain after storms, summer surface temperatures, and pollinator activity. These metrics communicate value to neighbors, boards, and decision-makers beyond pretty photos.