Biophilia - Mental Wellness Landscaping

Biophilia: Enhancing Mental Wellness through Landscaping

Posted by Landscape Plus on

At Landscape Plus, we believe that the spaces we create should do more than just look good—they should also support the well-being of those who experience them. As landscape designers, we understand the profound impact that nature can have on mental wellness. That’s why we focus on incorporating biophilic design principles into every project, creating spaces that nurture creativity, reduce stress, and promote overall health.

Nature’s Impact on Mental Wellness

Spending time in nature—or even just being in spaces with natural elements—can seriously boost your mental health. When you hang out in a garden, landscape, or outdoor spot, you’re not just soaking in the view—you’re actually reaping the benefits. Research shows that nature-based elements can:

  • Lower stress levels
  • Boost creativity by up to 15%
  • Improve overall well-being by 15%
  • Increase productivity by 6%

It’s not just about making a space look good. When we add plants, textures, patterns, and colors, we’re creating an experience that engages all the senses. This helps with relaxation, focus, and a positive mindset.

Designing for the Senses

At Landscape Plus, we love creating spaces that really connect with nature and bring out its calming and inspiring vibes. Here’s how we do it:

  • Bird-Friendly Plants: We choose plants that attract birds and other wildlife, so not only does the garden look good, but you get to enjoy the relaxing sounds of nature. It’s a great way to de-stress and feel at peace.
  • Textural Variety: We mix things up with different textures—soft grasses, rough bark, smooth stones—to make the space feel interesting and soothing at the same time. It’s all about giving the senses something to enjoy.
  • Vibrant Patterns & Colors: Color makes a big difference in how we feel. Whether it’s bright, cheerful flowers that lift your mood or calming green leaves that help you relax, we design landscapes with colors that inspire and recharge you.

Bringing Wellness to Every Space

Whether it’s a private garden, office, or park, we make sure our designs support your mental wellness. The right environment can boost your mood and productivity, and we’re all about creating spaces that help you feel good, think clearly, and enjoy life more.

At Landscape Plus, we design landscapes that work for you—supporting your creativity, health, and well-being every day. Get expert advice, seasonal reminders, and practical tips to keep your lawn healthy year-round — straight to your inbox! Sign up for the Landscape Plus Newsletter today.

Turfgrass blog graphic readed sodded or seeded lawn?

Turfgrass: Sodded or Seeded Lawn?

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When you think about your lawn, you might picture lush greenery that enhances the beauty of your yard. But did you know your turfgrass is far more than just a pretty face? Grass plants are made up of 75-80% water by weight, with up to 90% of that weight coming from their roots. This root system does more than just anchor the plant to the ground – it plays a crucial role in improving soil health and managing water. A well-established, dense lawn can absorb rainfall six times more effectively than a wheat field and four times better than a hayfield.

Sodded Lawns: A Superior Choice

What’s more impressive is how sodded lawns outshine seeded ones. Even after three years of management, a sodded lawn is 15 times more effective at controlling runoff than a newly seeded lawn. This can make a significant difference in areas prone to erosion or water pooling. And it’s not just about protecting your yard – your lawn actively contributes to the environment by releasing enough oxygen to sustain a family while also absorbing harmful gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen fluoride. A 50×50-foot lawn, which covers 2,500 square feet, can make a tangible difference in the quality of air around your home.

Turfgrass facts

The Environmental Impact of Turfgrass

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to make a positive environmental impact, consider the hidden value of turfgrass. In a well-maintained 10,000 square-foot lawn, there are approximately 8.5 million turf plants, collectively supporting a network of 3 billion miles of roots—enough to make 15 round trips between Earth and the Sun! With turfgrass, you’re not just growing a beautiful yard, you’re fostering an eco-friendly powerhouse that benefits both you and the planet.

landscaping what to know strathmore

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Landscape Construction Crew Leader Job Strathmore

Landscape Construction Crew Leader: Permanent Full-Time

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Landscape Construction Crew Leader: Permanent Full-Time

Key Responsibilities:

  • Summer Focus

    • Plant and maintain lawns, shrubs and trees on both residential and commercial sites
    • Install underground irrigation systems, paving stone walks and patios, retaining walls
    • Able to read blue prints and landscape drawings and assess and prepare sites
    • Operate and maintain a variety of equipment including trucks, trailers, skidsteers, tillers, sod cutters, weed eaters, chain saws and drills
    • Interact with customers to troubleshoot and solve landscape problems
    • Planning and organizing jobs, ensuring required materials are onsite and supervising 2-4 site workers on a daily basis.

  • Winter Focus

    • Snow Clearing and Ice Management

Skills & Abilities:

  • Leadership skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and jobs with good time management skills
  • Thorough knowledge of different plant, shrub and tree varieties and standard horticultural practices i.e. planting, pruning, fertilizing, etc.
  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Problem solving
  • Committed to self-improvement, including a willingness for further education and training
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and jobs
  • Ability to make decisions and work independently
  • Eye for detail

Working Conditions:

  • Love of working outdoors is essential and the willingness to work in inclement weather conditions
  • Able to walk, stand and crouch for extended periods of time.
  • Can lift a minimum of 50 pounds
  • During the peak season is willing to work extended hours
  • Year Round. Permanent Position.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in all facets of landscape construction including paving stone and retaining wall installation, sod, plant material, ponds and irrigation
  • Alberta Class 5 drivers licence, a safe driving record and a reliable vehicle
  • First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain one
  • Landscape Horticulturist Journeyman certificate preferred or a willingness to get certification
  • Capable of operating equipment and tools in a safe and responsible manner

Compensation:

Salary, vacation and perks depend on qualifications of the applicant and will be discussed in the interview, but might include:

  • Competitive hourly wages with the possibility of salary
  • Wellness Package
  • 2 Weeks Vacation + Time in lieu (work more in the busy season to bank time off in the off-season)
  • 3 Flex Days + 2 Sick Days per year
  • Many more perks, too many to list!

If you’re interested in this career opportunity with Landscape Plus in Strathmore, send us your resume, references and a cover letter.

We thank all applicants for applying for this position; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Office Administrator Assistant Part-Time Landscape Plus Strathmore

Office Administrator Assistant Part-Time

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Office Administrator Assistant Part-Time

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Communicate with staff, customers and suppliers in a professional and courteous manner
  • Input data into office software, such as Quickbooks and LMN
  • Technology support, including printers, email, internet etc.
  • Use Microsoft Office, Outlook, Quick Books and LMN efficiently
  • Help coordinate regular staff team building events
  • Maintain a clean office

Skills and Abilities:

  • Exemplary communication skills both in writing and vocabulary including conflict resolution
  • Excellent time management skills, self-motivated and can work independently as well as in a team
  • Ability to be flexible in a fast paced environment
  • Proficient use of computers and Microsoft, knowledge of Quickbooks is an asset
  • Committed to self-improvement and a willingness to learn new skills including Landscape Management Network program
  • Flexible with fluctuating working hours

Working Conditions:

  • Office is located 20 minutes from Strathmore on gravel roads.
  • Dogs and cats are on site
  • Weekdays – with a weekly average of 15-20 hours/week, extended hours in the peak season
  • Starting immediately

Wages:

  • $18-$19 per hour, dependent upon experience

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email  info@landscape-plus.net your cover letter and resume.

Landscape Plus has been a leading landscape construction company located in Strathmore, AB for 31 years.  Landscape Plus is recognized for taking care of its employees, customers, and landscapes. Our area of expertise is creating healthy and appealing landscapes for residential and commercial properties.  Landscape Plus is a growing company and looking for individuals who are passionate about positively sustaining the environment and providing our customers with exceptional landscapes. Our core values align with the acronym G.I.V.E. – Gratitude, Integrity, Value, Excellence.

Transplanting Lilac Bushes Tips

Transplanting Lilac Bushes: A Journey to a Thriving Garden

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This spring, we took on the task of transplanting a couple of our beloved lilac bushes. It was an exciting yet careful process, ensuring these beautiful shrubs would thrive in their new location. Here’s a peek into how we accomplished this with the help of some handy equipment and a bit of gardening knowledge.

The Process

Digging Up the Lilacs

We began by digging up the bushes before the leaves fully emerged. This is crucial as plants are best transplanted while they are dormant, typically in the spring or fall. Winter transplanting isn’t feasible because the ground is frozen, making digging impossible.

Using a skid steer with a U-blade, we carefully excavated the bushes. This tool allowed us to dig deep enough to preserve the lilacs’ extensive fibrous root system, which is vital for their successful transplantation.

Transporting Lilac Bushes with Care

Once the bushes were dug up, we used a tow rope to transport them across the yard to their new home. The other side of the yard offers more room for growth, ensuring that these lilacs can spread out and flourish without constraint.

Why Timing Matters

Timing is everything when it comes to transplanting. As mentioned, the dormancy period in spring and fall is ideal because the plants are not actively growing, reducing the stress on them during the move. Lilacs, with their resilient root systems, handle transplantation quite well, making them a reliable choice for gardeners looking to revamp their landscapes.

The 10-Year Rule

This particular lilac bush was around 10 years old, a significant age in the lifecycle of garden plants. At the decade mark, flower beds often need a revamp. When we initially design flower beds, we plant with about 75% of the mature size in mind. Planting with full maturity in mind often leaves the area looking sparse and open for several years. The 75% rule strikes a balance, creating a lush appearance that pleases homeowners without overcrowding the space too quickly.

Landscaping Realities

It’s interesting to note that show homes are sometimes over-planted to create an instant, eye-catching look. This approach helps sell homes faster but isn’t ideal for long-term garden health. Such plants are often removed well before the 10-year mark.

A Growing Garden

With our lilacs now in their new, spacious location, we look forward to watching them grow and thrive. Gardening is full of these little adventures and learnings, many of which might seem trivial until you find yourself immersed in the process. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there’s always something new to discover.

So, next time you’re in your garden, remember that even the most mundane tasks, like transplanting a bush, can be a step towards creating a beautiful, thriving outdoor space. Happy gardening!

Want some skilled help in transplanting bushes in your garden? Reach out to us to let us know about your next project.