Step 1 of 4
Bay Friendly Principles

Step 2 of 4
Benefits of Sustainability

Step 3 of 4
Concepts of Landscape Design

Step 4 of 4
Decision Making

Act Local

The landscape locally principle is about knowing the site and complementing the design to create a beautiful, thriving, well-adapted landscape that really coordinates with its local ecosystem.

This means surveying for and taking into consideration things like, soil drainage, fire danger, microclimates and native habitats. This will be explained later during the design module.

Local plant communities provide a blueprint for how to successfully create a landscape that is both spectacular and successful. These plants have already adapted to grow strong and healthy in our native ecosystem.

Landscape locally and work with nature not against it:

Select and evaluate the site carefully
Assess the soil and test drainage
Survey and protect flora and fauna
Consider the potential for fire
Use local, natural plant communities as models

Tour Native Plant Gardens in Your Neighborhood

The Bringing Back the Natives project opens gardens to the general public, providing the opportunity to see beautiful, pesticide-free, water-conserving, native plant gardens that provide habitat for birds, bees and butterflies.

Visit Santa Clara County's Martial Cottle Park

Martial Cottle park is Santa Clara County’s newest urban park. Visit for the vibrant colors of wild flowers and the sweet flavors of fresh fruits and vegetables. All of this comes with an emphasis on organic farming.

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