Architects are famous for positively influencing our surroundings with visually stunning designs. As the world continues to evolve, we are taking more steps toward greener living. Okanagan architecture can go far in terms of respecting our natural environment. Saving the bees and our pollinators have become a huge priority. It has been quoted that 1 in 3 bites of food relies on pollination and without the bees, well, it’s far too gloomy of a prospect to consider. How can Okanagan architecture save the bees in our cities? Keep reading to find out!
Embracing Our Climate With Okanagan Architecture
Let’s face it…rooftop gardens and outdoor city parks are under snow already in many parts of the world. Our striking local climate and extensive growing season can help us maximize our buzzing bee populations.
Our experienced and knowledgeable team at ADS is happy to discuss the details. Different materials and building designs can help you take advantage of natural light and prime planting locations. We provide architectural drawings that include landscaping to enable clients to imagine a finished project.
We are fortunate to have many native plants, trees, flowering grasses and bushes that we can use. Drought tolerant landscaping and xeriscaping are becoming much more popular. Skip the artificial grass and opt to include some vibrant pops of colour wherever you can! Some of our favourite landscaping plants that thrive in our region include:
- Lavender
- Russian Sage
- Borage
- Purple Smokebush Tree
- Hydrangeas
- Dahlias
- Cosmos
- Hyssop
- Gerbera Daisy’s
- Mints
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Bergamot and soooo much more!
Trees and Vegetation Enhance Okanagan Architecture
Soften lines, create the Feng Shui entrance of your dreams and get busy planting this fall Kelowna! Now through November is an ideal time to enhance your residential and commercial landscaping. Fall planting will provide our spring bees and pollinators with more options. Deadheading summer flower seeds this season (but be sure to leave a few for the birds to eat over winter), will provide you with handfuls of free seeds to replant next year. Fall bulbs are perfect to plant now to bring early blooms. Hyacinth, tulips, allium and daffodils are simple steps we can take to enhance our Okanagan architecture.
Enhance Your Okanagan Architecture With Year-Round Blooms
Not everyone loves gardening…we get it! If weeding, composting and amending your soil sounds like too much, don’t fret. Thankfully, there are tons of gorgeous, water-wise blooming trees, shrubs and perennials you can plant once that will come back on their own for years to come. Enjoy creating visual interest year-round and research different bloom times to keep your yard continually awesome.
Say Goodbye To Glyphosate & Roundup Herbicides
Having a pristine lawn free from weeds is a goal for many. However, what you are spraying on as weed killer is causing devastation to people and bees alike. Do your homework. Read up on glyphosate and you will be horrified to find dangerous amounts are already in many of your favourite brands of foods. There are many naturally based products (including live ladybugs!) on the market to help you manage pest control and weeds. Alternatively, plant more flowers, ground cover or bushes where you have been spraying to eliminate the weeds with blooms instead. Spreading perennials are a great option here.
Best Okanagan Architecture Ideas For Bees & Blooms
How is your dock looking? Adding some simple DIY planter boxes or large pots of flowers can customize your property and help the planet. Maybe you have a ditch or gully on your property that could easily be transformed into a glorious meadow? What is currently lining your driveway plant-wise? As we look around and evaluate our residential and commercial spaces, it is easy to see plenty of “dirt, rocks and wood” where there could be beneficial blooms instead.
Start A Green Thumb Challenge!
Challenge your friends, family and neighbouring businesses to create the most stunning gardens. Fill up your balcony and jazz up your deck. Window boxes, fence gutter gardens, square foot gardens, Zen-inspired gardens, rose gardens…the list is endless! Figure out which local plants you love and then get your hands dirty Kelowna! Together, we can become one of the most pollinator-friendly cities in the Okanagan. After all, our region especially depends on the bees. Imagining an Okanagan (or world) without orchards or wineries is bleak. Let’s all do our part this fall and scatter some seeds to plant a vibrant future. Haven’t you been wanting to add some fruit trees to your property? Now is a great time to grab some!
Green Okanagan Architecture & Passive House Design
If you want to lower your carbon footprint as much as possible, may we recommend Passive House Design? This is an exciting way to facilitate your new build. Architecturally Distinct Solutions is proud to be certified in this revolutionary construction evolution.