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The FGI Difference
Native Ecosystems and Soil Health Support Biodiversity
The use of WNY and North East Native plants is focused around the ecological fact that plants are here for insects. Without insects/pollinators we would drastically limit the seasonal protein available to most birds - especially during critical breeding season. Birds and small wildlife all disperse seeds and nuts that are key to the plant kingdom's ability to proliferate and sustain species. When we see native insects on native plants, we convey to the clients that their landscape is in good ecological health as well as demonstrating valuable biodiversity. In the end, it truly is all about the "Birds and the Bees...."!
Soil Health is absolutely everything to the sustaining of plants, animals, insects, water resources, and certainly humans; period! The healthier and more micro biodiverse the soil is the healthier the plants and water are. Healthy soil equals healthy food. It has even been posited by science that healthy nutritional soils create healthy nutritious foods and those foods then can even help to mitigate childhood obesity because you get more nutrition out of lesser amounts. For the record, there are numerous scientific papers, essays, studies, research reports, etc.... that support this evidence. FGI has referred to and reviewed these publications and also a number of local professionals in the industry that support and endorse the same. Soil health is also cost effective and a prudent approach to the investment that you the client are making in your landscape; large or small.
At FGI, we pride ourselves on understanding the science and complexities of soil ecology. We use science and proven empirical practices and examples. We do not guess or assume or follow conventional industry practices simply because everyone else does it. We question convention so we can be sure we are doing it right. Sometimes convention wins, other times we use the science to modify our approaches and practices. We work with some of WNYs most qualified and knowledgeable soil microbiology and compost professionals to educate ourselves and to assist us in becoming better stewards of our environment by using science and common sense
Sustainability Rain Gardens & Storm Water Management
When and where applicable, we will factor in flexibility and sustainability for future climate disruption affect's on the land, soils, plants, ecosystems, etc...
We take pride in always addressing Storm Water Runoff issues in every project large or small. FGI will work with our experienced professional partners and plan to mitigate the negative impacts of synthetic and pollutant laden rain/storm water runoff in to any property we are caring for or designing anew. Rain Gardens Improved soils - moisture retention, Native plants that develop foliage and root biomass to accommodate excess moisture Understanding and factoring in EVT rates: EvapoTranspiration Bioretention systems in parking lots NOTE: If you would like to know more specifics about these above practices, we would be glad to answer your questions on those.
We treat water as a valuable life giving resource and not as an inconvenient surplus waste product that should be piped away to some drainage facility, pond, culvert or sewer, etc...as the first easy option! FGI focuses on the ecological "Function" of a landscape; either residential or commercial. By function we promote that any landscape should have some sort of human and ecological function and benefit. We aim to give something back to nature instead of always taking and merely using. Can the landscape be? Edible, educational, insect and pollinator friendly, aesthetically appealing, of value to the property, fragrant, easy to maintain, adaptable to environmental fluctuations, useful to the clients, etc... all simultaneously. If we can accomplish most of these then we have been sustainable and successful for our clients.
