The Localscapes® approach is a series of landscaping elements and practices that fix common landscape challenges by taking Utah’s unique climate into account. Over the next few posts, we’ll look at each design consideration for the five elements of a Localscape. The first and defining element of a Localscape is the central open shape. 

A Localscape begins with the placement of a central open shape to provide a focal point and create organization in the design.  Too often, landscapes are created by designing the shapes of planting beds and then filling the remaining space with lawn.  The end result is a haphazard landscape with lots of pain points and limited uses.  Almost all landscapes are designed (or rather NOT designed) this way.

A Localscape® flips this method and creates a central open shape, most often lawn, that's a planned, designed element in the landscape.  Not only does the central open shape provide structure and order, it also creates an area that is easier to irrigate efficiently and only has one edge to maintain. 

A central open shape can be rectangular (the most efficient to water) or freeform. If using curves, make sure they’re gentle and flowing rather than tight squiggles. This ensures more efficient watering and/or ease of mowing. Whatever size or shape your property is, there’s a shape that will fit well the spaces you have. 

As you try out different shapes on your design plan or by laying out a rope or hose in the landscape, try and match the contours of your landscape.  Play around with different shapes until you get the one that fits the lot well but doesn't have any areas less than 8 feet wide.  8-feet is the minimum width for sprinkler systems to work well.

A central open shape can be made up of several materials depending on your lot size, needs, and personal aesthetic. Most Utahns choose lawn for the central open shape, but other materials can be used, like steppable groundcover (creeping thyme is a great example), or gravel or hardscaping if you want to go lawnless.  

If you’re using lawn or groundcover, overhead spray irrigation will be the best way to water. Align sprinkler heads so that your system will have the head-to-head coverage needed but minimize overspray onto hard surfaces and planting beds—planting beds have completely different watering needs than lawn. Use mp rotator nozzles or those which apply water in heavier streams, reducing loss from wind and evaporation, and smart controllers, which regulate irrigation frequency based on current weather patterns.