Include different forms of plants at varying heights to maintain moisture and provide habitat diversity.

• Layering of plants is a key component of a natural system.

• A rainforest, for example, which is the final succession of a plant community, has the highest level of diversity and disorder, with up to five layers.

• The humidity released by plants through transpiration becomes trapped within the layers of a forest ecosystem. Shading further maintains soil moisture levels by reducing the evaporative effect of the sun.

• Layering is important for maintaining moisture within the system, and also for habitat diversity. Having different forms of plants at different heights above the ground, e.g. trees, shrubs, herbs and ground covers, provide the diversity of habitats needed to attract a diversity of insects, birds and animals.

• Layering above the ground repeats itself under the ground with root layering, allowing a denser plant community to grow without plants competing for the same space and resources within the soil below.