Deforestation is another example of natural resource depletion. The world-wide effect of this degradation is just beginning to surface. As you will read in next month’s issue, man again is modifying his use of these resources to remove what is perceived as necessary and replace what it can for future use.

Another limited natural resource is water, and in this issue, we explore the various areas of water use. According to Larry Keeson of the American Society of Irrigation Consultants, ASIC, “proper attention to irrigation design can assist us in averting the setting of standards on the profession by people who know very little about water requirements and/or conservation.”

Plant selection and irrigation design go hand-in-hand. Most of you are familiar with the soil and climate conditions in the area where your area. Professor Bruce Ferguson of the University of Georgia in his article “Which Plants Need Less Water”, tells us that keeping accurate records and working with consultants can help you to add color and life to your projects. Every project, no matter how lush, can be water-conserving by carefully integrating the plant selection and location with the irrigation design.

Creating the atmosphere required by your client calls for creativity. The articles in this issue suggest several interesting solutions for projects involving water use.

As with any resource, supply and demand are determined by factoring costs against benefits and availability. As a landscape architect, you have the enviable opportunity to alter the way man uses many of his natural resources. These are not limitless. As their availability decreases, your clients will have to absorb the burdens of change. With the profession growing as it is, the liability can turn towards you. It is our hope that this issue might keep you from experiencing the negative, and, in turn, work as a tool in providing your clients with lasting environments.

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