Those engaged in equestrian activities keep a pretty busy schedule. While they would like to have a beautiful landscaped facility, they could well be concerned about the extra maintenance involved. They really need not worry.
Low maintenance landscaping is particularly well suited for an equestrian site. Some examples of low maintenance plants are prairie style perennials and grasses which blend into the natural landscape and are attractive to boot. Many of these plants are drought tolerate and grow in many types of soil.
There are a host of plants to choose from including Silver Fleecevine, Autumn Moorgrass, and Maiden Grass, which arches gracefully four to six feet high and flowers in late autumn. Try masses of blue oat grass, a 30 inch variety with pretty blue-green leaves, which also tolerates shady conditions. Landscaping with ornamental grasses and hardy perennials makes sense for the equestrian site. Once these plants are established they need little water and require very low maintenance. In the Fall, the maturing seed heads, stalks, and leaves add gold, russet, and brown hues to the landscape and the seeds draw birds. They also create spectacular winter interest. An excellent example can be seen at The National Arboretum, Washington, D.C.
Landscape Architects can help design a low maintenance landscaped facility. They are required to be licensed by the State in which they practice and are usually members of the American Society of Landscape Architects, ASLA.
Landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environments. ASLA full members have graduated from an accredited landscape architecture program, have 7 years of education and/or professional experience and are state licensed. In Michigan, as well as all other States, a three (3) day LARE examination administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards is required to be passed for state licensure.
In contrast, landscape designers do not have these professional credentials. Many state and local governments require designs to be stamped with a State registered Landscape Architect's seal
As a registered landscape architect in the State of Michigan and principle architect with Sexton Ennett Design, LC, a landscape architectural firm in southeast Michigan, I am particularly aware of maintenance aspects of equestrian facilities. See:
Click HereI am also a breeder of champion Oldenburg warm blood sport horses and am sensitive to the issues related to equestrian facilities. See:
Click HereEnjoy your equestrian activities while minimizing landscape maintenance and chores.
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