Landscaping that preserves and protects the environment is topic of upcoming workshop

When driving through any neighborhood, the appeal of a home has a lot to do with the landscape. The same is true for commercial businesses.

Oklahoma home and business owners have a unique opportunity to learn more about landscaping, all while using techniques designed to protect the environment. A two-day workshop, Landscape Design and Management School, is slated for Feb. 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Oklahoma State University Cooperative county office in Oklahoma County, 2500 NE 63rd St., Oklahoma City.

Josh Campbell, OSU Cooperative Extension associate, said the educational workshop will feature Earth-Kind Landscaping, which uses research-proven techniques to provide maximum garden and landscape enjoyment while preserving and protecting the environment.

“The objective of Earth-Kind Landscaping is to combine the best of organic and traditional gardening and landscaping principles to create a horticultural system based on real-world effectiveness and environmental responsibility,” Campbell said. “Those who use Earth-Kind Landscaping principles and practices can create beautiful, easy-care landscapes that have a positive impact on the environment.”

Campbell, along with Mike Schnelle, OSU Cooperative Extension floriculture specialist, and Steve George, Texas A&M University Extension horticulturalist, will share their expertise on landscape water conservation, reduction of fertilizer and pesticide use, landscaping for energy conservation and reduction of landscape waste entering landfills.

“Participants will learn both landscape design and management principles they can apply to their own homes to develop beautiful, low maintenance and environmentally friendly landscapes,” Campbell said.

Registration for the workshop is $95 and due by Feb. 7. Participants also have an option for a one-hour, one-on-one landscape design consultation following the conclusion of the workshop Feb. 10, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., as well as Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. These sessions are an additional $75 and will be scheduled the first evening of the workshop.

“These private consultations will consist of developing a scaled drawing/landscape design, as well as a list of recommended plant materials,” he said. “With spring gardening season just around the corner, it’s a great way to get started on creating a fantastic new landscape for your home or business.”

To register or for additional information, please call Campbell at 405-713-1125.