Project Type
Sustainability | Landscaping | Design | Bushfire Ready
Role
Design | Landscaper
Goal
Fire-Resistant and Water-Wise Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Landscaping with Limestone and Agave.
Aim
My weekend project and a look at sustainability in landscaping which not only looks amazing (when it is finished) but also provides significant environmental and economic benefits.
Environmental Sustainability
All limestone for the rock walls has been sourced from the property (back breaking task) therefore this not only reduces transportation-related carbon emissions, but it also means that it remains in its natural ecosystem. Agave plants are a drought-tolerant plants which means they do not need a lot of water to survive and grow in rocky and arid environments, which suits the climate of WA, while still improving the air quality. Agaves are also currently under threat from over-farming due to the rising demands for products made with agave. The agave was sourced from a local who was wanting to remove them permanently from their garden.
Economic Efficiency
The initial cost of the limestone was 'zero' due to them all being sourced from the property (a few dollars may have been spent convincing the kids to pick up the one million rocks). Along with this, limestone is durable and low maintenance, which means I will also save on long-term costs. Agave plants require minimal care which reduces water bills and gardening costs. You can pretty much just stick them in the ground and they will grow! The initial cost for around 50 plants a variety of sizes from bulbs to fully grown was $160.
Fire-Resistant Landscaping
Living in a bush-fire prone area, with a lot of natural Australian natives is beautiful but it also means when it is dry there is a higher risk of a bushfire. The property has a 20metres clearance but as an extra safety measure using material that are fire-resistant in the garden can help to reduce the risk of embers reaching the house.
Limestone has natural fire resistance and high density which means that it can absorb large volumes of heat without igniting making it an effective barrier against bushfires, great as firebreaks and helps to protect my home.
Agave plants are succulents which means they store water in their large thick leaves, which makes them highly fire-resistant. Their low fuel load, large leaves and high moisture content mean they can catch embers, withstand heat and help prevent fires from spreading or reaching the house.
Water-Wise Landscaping
Limestone is porous which allows for excellent water distribution and drainage, reducing the risk of waterlogging and supporting drought-tolerant plants. Gabion rock walls, made with limestone, manage water efficiently and help prevent soil erosion along with plants loving the composition of the soils as the calcium carbonate creates a more alkaline ph. level which plants tend to like, which is why farmers use lime sand on their soil during cropping season.
Agave thrives in dry conditions and requires very little water, making it perfect for West Australian summers and water-wise gardens, as too much water will also cause root rot which is perfect when it has only rained a handful of times in the last 6 months. Agaves moderately deep roots also stabilise the soil and reduces erosion. Agave for the win and they look amazing as an added bonus! They happen to be one of my favourite plants as it gives a tropical look without the water needs.
