Examples of Drought-Resistant Plants from the Lamiaceae Family for Use in Landscape Design Projects

Abstract

In urban areas, plant selection is largely planned and designed based on their aesthetic and functional characteristics. In natural environments, it is important to create natural communities that are ecologically appropriate, considering the positive and negative attributes of plant species. Selecting natural plant species through a design that utilizes ecological interactions between species and applying them in an urban context not only appears aesthetically pleasing but can also reduce maintenance issues and enhance plant performance and resilience. Agricultural practices have long recognized the benefits of using species interactions to improve plant and soil health, deter pests, and increase resource use and diversity. However, the benefits of community-level plant design are rarely applied in urban contexts. In my study, planning and design practices that take advantage of natural species selection and interactions between species in urban environments are considered important for ecological sustainability. In this context, five key principles (efficient use of water, plant selection, appropriate design, species diversity, and plant-soil interactions) are prioritized. Selected species are proposed on how these principles are used in design areas.