Page 98 - GRIHA Manual Volume II - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 98
90 Griha Manual: Volume 2
# Properly designed native landscaping can improve the value of the site, improve aesthetics,
enhance biodiversity, increase soil and water quality, and absorb noise and if properly done
can also provide favourable shade during summers or vice versa.
# Conventional irrigation systems often result in over-irrigation, leading to flooding and run-off
also causing topsoil erosion in the absence of control systems/ personnel. Irrigation practices
are also not scientifically regulated to gain maximum benefits. Native flora is effective in
reducing run-off rate and volume from impervious areas in infiltration practices and removes
sediment and pollutants to improve water quality.
Strategies for reducing water demand for landscape
The water consumption for gardening depends on the type of plant species and the plant factors. As
the plant factor for native species and trees is the minimum, one of the options to reduce the water
demand for gardening is to include more native species and low-water-consuming species. Other
options include use of efficient fixtures for watering, following certain best practices to minimize
losses, and optimize consumption.
Native plants
Native plants are those that grow naturally at the local habitat, and therefore are well adapted to
this environment. Carefully chosen native plants can be used in a wide variety of infiltration and
filtration practices to increase water quality. Landscaping with native plants provides colour and
habitat, and is an important component for engineered practices to capture and treat water quality
volume and the first flush of run-off from larger storms.
Annexure 1 contains the list of native species of agro-climatic zones of India and agro-climatic
map. In addition to the list mentioned in Annexure 1 landscape architects and designers are
encouraged to identify and use more native species in their landscape designs .
1
Xeriscape
Xeriscape is one of the efficient ways to reduce water consumption through creative landscaping.
This involves plantation of dry plants and such plants that can live, once established, with little
or no supplemental watering. Some of these are also drought-tolerant and can survive even in
areas with minimal rainfall. It is, hence, a form of landscaping that conserves water and protects
the environment. It includes the use of plants adapted to a particular region, as well as specific
maintenance practices designed to grow those plants in a healthy manner.
Annexure 1 gives the list of trees that require minimum rainfall and can survive without water
after establishment. Using drought-resistant and xerophytic species such as Phoenix dactylifera and
Yucca starlite and ground covers such as Asparagus sprengeri, which is succulent, help to conserve
landscape water.
A xeriscape design can be of any style, formal to informal, and depending on the plants chosen,
can represent a diversity of themes, ranging from a native desert wash to a more formal courtyard.
Developing a good plan is very important in creating a successful landscape and incorporates
seven basic principles which lead to saving water. The principles are given below.
# Planning and design
# Soil analysis
# Appropriate plant selection
# Grass selection
# Use of mulches
# Appropriate maintenance
# Properly designed native landscaping can improve the value of the site, improve aesthetics,
enhance biodiversity, increase soil and water quality, and absorb noise and if properly done
can also provide favourable shade during summers or vice versa.
# Conventional irrigation systems often result in over-irrigation, leading to flooding and run-off
also causing topsoil erosion in the absence of control systems/ personnel. Irrigation practices
are also not scientifically regulated to gain maximum benefits. Native flora is effective in
reducing run-off rate and volume from impervious areas in infiltration practices and removes
sediment and pollutants to improve water quality.
Strategies for reducing water demand for landscape
The water consumption for gardening depends on the type of plant species and the plant factors. As
the plant factor for native species and trees is the minimum, one of the options to reduce the water
demand for gardening is to include more native species and low-water-consuming species. Other
options include use of efficient fixtures for watering, following certain best practices to minimize
losses, and optimize consumption.
Native plants
Native plants are those that grow naturally at the local habitat, and therefore are well adapted to
this environment. Carefully chosen native plants can be used in a wide variety of infiltration and
filtration practices to increase water quality. Landscaping with native plants provides colour and
habitat, and is an important component for engineered practices to capture and treat water quality
volume and the first flush of run-off from larger storms.
Annexure 1 contains the list of native species of agro-climatic zones of India and agro-climatic
map. In addition to the list mentioned in Annexure 1 landscape architects and designers are
encouraged to identify and use more native species in their landscape designs .
1
Xeriscape
Xeriscape is one of the efficient ways to reduce water consumption through creative landscaping.
This involves plantation of dry plants and such plants that can live, once established, with little
or no supplemental watering. Some of these are also drought-tolerant and can survive even in
areas with minimal rainfall. It is, hence, a form of landscaping that conserves water and protects
the environment. It includes the use of plants adapted to a particular region, as well as specific
maintenance practices designed to grow those plants in a healthy manner.
Annexure 1 gives the list of trees that require minimum rainfall and can survive without water
after establishment. Using drought-resistant and xerophytic species such as Phoenix dactylifera and
Yucca starlite and ground covers such as Asparagus sprengeri, which is succulent, help to conserve
landscape water.
A xeriscape design can be of any style, formal to informal, and depending on the plants chosen,
can represent a diversity of themes, ranging from a native desert wash to a more formal courtyard.
Developing a good plan is very important in creating a successful landscape and incorporates
seven basic principles which lead to saving water. The principles are given below.
# Planning and design
# Soil analysis
# Appropriate plant selection
# Grass selection
# Use of mulches
# Appropriate maintenance
