Ecosystems play an important role in the landscape. Understanding the ecology of an existing plant cummunity is as important as understanding its visual aspects. Knowing the existing plant species and their relationship to varied growing conditions is helpful in preparing a list of plants for possible inclusion in a planting plan. Careful study will reveal not only what species will survive on a site, but also what types of plants will grow well in association with each other. An awareness of the subtle adaptations of the existing plant community to micro niches will provide context of growing environments and planting possibilities that can be expected on a project site.

Comprehending succession as it relates to a landscape is also important. Succession relates to the changes observed in an ecological community following a disturbance that opens up a space. Succession proceeds through an orderly series of stages in plant community relationships offering different degrees of diversity. Each stage either "facilitates" or "inhibits" until the dynamic stage of equilibrium is reached. At equilibrium, health, stability, and community structure are achieved.

This explains the phenomena of weeds in your landscape. These weeds appear because there is an opening for them to florish. A "layering" effect is needed to block out any unwanted plants. This can be utilized by maximizing your landscape area with appropriate plant material. Hence, the use of groundcover, shrubs, and trees and minimizing mulch areas, will help maintain a healthier landscape and help keep the weeds to a minimum.

References: Browning, Armistead W. Jr. Design and the Natural Landscape. Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Photo: www.internat.naturvardsverket.se/.../ forests.htm