Buffers, Filter Strips and Bioswales; Fancy Names for Planting Beds - GGOL-AB

The mention of buffers, filter strips and vegetated swales bring to mind large tracts of land and conservation easements. These landscape elements are promoted for biodiversity and the overall quality of our soil, water and atmospheric resources. Rain gardens are also known for the same environmental benefits but usually on a much smaller scale. Through the eyes of a landscape designer, these landscape elements become nothing more than planting beds, prepared and sized appropriately for showcasing flowers, foliage, fall colors and form. We will examine design criteria for developing “environmentally beneficial” planting beds regardless of their size or location.