Sustainable Landscapes

While "sustainability" may be the buzz word of the new century, managing the landscape as a stable and productive ecosystem that conserves the physical and biological processes occurring on that landscape is the best way to ensure future generations will have the ecosystem services (clean air, water and biodiversity) they need to survive. The links below provide information about how to practice sustainable landscaping and where to see examples of sustainable landscapes.

Landscape Publications

Plants for a Livable Delaware Series

This series of brochures were developed to educate Delawareans about the problem of invasive plants in the landscape. Plants on the Delaware Invasive Species List that are still bought and sold in the nursery and landscape industry are highlighted in “Plants for a Livable Delaware” and at least 10 alternative plants are suggested to replace the popular invasive plant found in many home landscapes. Control recommendations for removing troublesome invasive plants are covered in “Controlling Backyard Invaders.” In “Livable Plants for the Home Landscape,” plant combinations are suggested that fill specific landscape niches, such as forest edges, sunny slopes and small garden spaces. Finally, “Livable Ecosystems: A Model for Suburbia” shows how to plant and manage rain gardens, meadows, forests and other landscape plantings that provide valuable ecosystem services.

Public Perception of Landscapes

Expert Blog Resource

Fact Sheets

Additional University of Delaware Resources

Sustainable Landscapes UDBG resource - This website provides detailed information about the role of soil, water, plants, landscape materials and human involvement in developing and managing sustainable landscapes.

Sustainable Landscapes on UD campus – Take this virtual tour to see examples of sustainable landscapes on the University of Delaware campus.