In the ever-changing climate of the Inland Northwest, particularly around Spokane, the health and vitality of your landscape demand more than just occasional attention. It requires a dedicated, seasonally-adjusted regimen of care that respects the inherent cycles of nature.
At Dryland Revival, we recognize the profound connection between the land we steward and the broader ecological systems in which they exist. We see every time we touch the soil in a space as an opportunity to communicate with it and see what it needs.
Our approach to seasonal maintenance doesn't use chemical aids such as herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides. Instead, we opt for natural, regenerative practices to ensure your yard is thriving from the soil up.
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE MATTERS
Seasonal maintenance is crucial for sustaining a healthy yard and garden. Each season brings its own set of challenges and opportunities for landscaping, from preparing soil and planting new seeds to protecting plants from the cold. In the Inland Northwest, the variation in temperature and precipitation throughout the year makes it essential to adapt our landscaping practices to meet the changing needs of plants and soil.
The goal of regenerative landscaping is to create and maintain ecosystems that are resilient, self-sustaining, and beneficial to local wildlife. This approach goes beyond merely keeping a yard looking good; it involves nurturing the soil, conserving water, and supporting biodiversity. Seasonal maintenance, tailored to the unique conditions of each season, is key to achieving these objectives.
Below is an overview of our Seasonal Maintenance priorities at Dryland Revival:
Spring: Awakening and Preparation
Spring is a time of renewal and growth. As the snow melts and the days grow longer, it's essential to prepare your yard for the bustling season ahead. Our spring maintenance tasks include (but are not limited to):
Weeding, Overseeding, and Leveling: Although we love getting rid of lawns, we do like maintaining the ones that people use and love. In the spring, we help them become more drought-tolerant and more biodiverse by overseeding with our eco-lawn seed mixes after weeding and leveling with a soil amendment.
Soil Testing and Amendment: We test the soil in different places around the yard to determine its needs and amend it with additives like compost and minerals to ensure it has the right pH balance and nutrient levels for healthy plant growth.
Mulching and Planting: Mulch is applied to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds naturally. We also begin planting annuals and perennials that thrive in our region, ensuring a succession of blooms and foliage.
Summer: Growth and Vigilance
Summer in the Inland Northwest can be a test of endurance for plants, with long, hot days and varying precipitation. Our summer maintenance focuses on:
Irrigation Management: Efficient watering practices are vital. We can add and implement drip irrigation and soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots, where it's most needed, and adjust schedules based on rainfall and temperature. In addition, completing any other fixes necessary to properly operate an irrigation system is crucial during this time (if not a bit late!).
Vegetable Garden Maintenance: Specific types of maintenance can put home vegetable gardens into overdrive. We will prune, fertilize, and thin out plants depending on what is necessary.
Pruning and Deadheading: Thoughtful pruning helps to encourage healthy growth and shape of plants, while deadheading spent flowers maintains the aesthetic appeal of your garden and at times encourages more blooms.
Fall: Preparation for Rest
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, fall maintenance focuses on preparing your landscape to weather the winter:
Leaf and Debris Cleanup: Fallen leaves and debris are collected for compost, returning nutrients to the soil without the need for synthetic fertilizers. Alternatively (and preferably) the leaves can be collected in planting beds to provide shelter for insects over the winter.
Plant Protection: Sensitive plants are mulched or covered to protect them from early frosts. Perennials may be cut back for aesthetic purposes or to prevent snow damage.
Winter Preparations: We plant bulbs for spring blooms, apply additional mulch to protect roots from freezing temperatures, and perform any needed late-season aeration.
Winter: Rest and Planning
Winter is a time of rest for your landscape, but not for us. Maintenance during the colder months includes:
Snow and Ice Management: We use eco-friendly practices to manage snow and ice, ensuring safe walkways and driveways without damaging the underlying landscape.
Winter Pruning: Some plants benefit from pruning in the winter while they are dormant (as long as it's not TOO cold).
Planning for Spring: We work with our clients to plan next season’s garden designs, plant selections, and any landscape projects that can be ready to go when the weather warms.
THE REGENERATIVE DIFFERENCE
Companies practicing regenerative landscaping understand that healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. One small example: by avoiding synthetic sprays and fertilizers, we protect the microorganisms that make soil fertile. Our practices encourage a vibrant, biodiverse yard that not only looks beautiful but also contributes to the health of our planet.
Our approach is grounded in the philosophy that we are caretakers of the land. We work to enhance the natural cycles, not fight against them. This means that our seasonal maintenance tasks are designed not just to care for plants, but to nurture the entire ecosystem of your yard, from the soil to the wildlife that calls it home. With every visit, we'll perform a "Regenerative Audit", which is a high level overview of what we see as opportunities to make your space even more regenerative.
In embracing regenerative landscaping practices, we offer more than just maintenance; we offer a partnership in creating a landscape that thrives year-round, providing beauty, enjoyment, and a refuge for both people and wildlife. It’s a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable world, starting in our own backyards.
GET IN TOUCH!
Are you interested in setting up a personalized seasonal maintenance schedule with us? Fill out our contact form (click here to access) and select "Seasonal Maintenance" to get added to our route.