To me, nature-wise design does not mean giving up the design of a yard or its landscape architectural form. At its best, several objectives are achieved at the same time: the yard provides habitats for different species, gives space to natural processes, and remains functional, pleasant and beautiful for people.
Even a small yard matters. A large share of land in Espoo is privately owned, which means that private yards and housing-company yards are also part of the city's ecological networks. A courtyard in an apartment building can provide everyday contact with nature for many people while also contributing to the surrounding green structure.
Nature-wise design does not usually require major investments. Often it is also about what is left undone: not everything needs to be cut, cleared or built into a finished state. When more space is given to natural processes, the need for maintenance can also decrease.
Even a small yard is part of urban nature.
