Tag-Archive for ◊ Landscape ◊

What Is Landscape Architecture?
Author:
• Monday, January 09th, 2012

Many times I have been asked what is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer. Hopefully the following will answer this question.

The American Society of Landscape Architects, ASLA, provides the following:

“Landscape architecture encompasses the analysis, planning, design, management, and stewardship of the natural and built environments. Landscape architectural projects include design of public parks, site planning for commercial and residential properties, land reclamation, urban and community design, and historic preservation. Examples of landscape architecture include Central Park in New York City, TRW’s headquarters outside Cleveland, the “Emerald Necklace” of green spaces and parks in Boston, Sursum Cordan Affordable Housing in Washington, D.C., preservation of Yosemite Park and Niagara Falls, and the landfill reclamation of Fresh Kills in New York. Landscape architects have advanced education, professional training, specialized skills, and are licensed in 47 states.”

What is the difference between a Landscape Designer and a Landscape Architect?

The national professional association is the American Society of Landscape Architects, based in Washington. ASLA full members have graduated from an accredited landscape architecture program, have 7 years of education and/or professional experience and are state licensed. In Michigan, as well as all other States, a three (3) day LARE examination administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards is required to be passed for state licensure.

Landscape designers do not have these professional credentials. Many state and local governments require designs to be stamped with a state registered Landscape Architect’s seal.

What can I expect the landscape architectural design process to be?
Various architects may have different approaches, yet all are aimed at the same result. Make sure you’re comfortable with the steps that the Landscape Architect defines. A typical process includes:

· Pre-planning – As the client, you discuss your desires with the architect and provide background, priorities, and any basic design guidelines. You’ll work together and define the overall scope and timeline. The result will be a proposed budget and statement of work. The landscape architect will then prepare a contract for you to sign.

· Project Planning – Further preliminary details are developed with you about the site and its function and usage. The site is analyzed and the Landscape Architect creates a list of development priorities, which you’ll approve.

· Preliminary Design – A review of the site, usage requirements, and environmental conditions are undertaken to create preliminary drawings. The Landscape Architect will show you design and presentation drawings showing the overall site concept. Initial construction cost estimates are provided, which you review and approve.

· Final design – Further detail is added to the concept. Material is selected and initial construction documentation is created. Where necessary, cost estimates are revised.

· Documentation – Additional detailed specifications and drawings are developed and provided to you for approval. The Landscape Architect may give you construction documents to assist you in soliciting bids from contractors and may help you review bids.

· Installation – Depending on your contract, the Landscape Architect may play an active role in representing you in your interaction with the contractor and provide on-site supervision. At the close of the project, the Landscape Architect will make a final inspection.

How do I find a good landscape contractor?

If you’re going to need referrals to contractors and other service providers as part of your project, ask the Landscape Architect about these people. They will typically have an array of competent people in the industry for you to contact.

What’s included in the landscape architecture contract?

Any reputable Landscape Architect will provide a written contract before beginning a project. This agreement will specify in detail the exact work to be done, the work schedule, the amount and payment terms of the landscape architect’s fees, and the responsibilities of each party to the contract.

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Landscape Design
Author:
• Friday, January 06th, 2012

Just like any other ‘design’, landscape design too is the artsy aspect of landscaping. More than the technicalities of landscaping, landscape design tends to concentrate more on the favorable merging of colors, textures, forms and lines of the design. Though traditional landscape designers used to plot out the positions of plants and other landscape features with the use of a pad and paper, nowadays there are freely available landscape software’s that do the task with no labor on the designers part whatsoever. Though the term landscape design is almost synonymous with garden design, many landscape designers tend to do a landscape architects job as well. This is because in many States, landscape architects require a license while landscape designers don’t.

A landscape design; may it be designed by a professional or an armature, must always be on par with certain universal designing principals without tackling the job head on. There are various elements of designing a landscape that must be paid attention to initially. For example one must first identify the genre of landscape that they wish to create within the given premises and how it is going to be utilized. Once this is plotted out, it is important when designing to keep in mind that all this is subject to certain budgetary restrictions. In order to keep to this, less costly materials and easy to maintain plants can be utilized if the need should arise. But most importantly it should be taken in to account that the location of the landscape should have a suitable climate for flora and fauna with easy water supply.

The quality of the soil in the vicinity of the landscape area and the planting design are equally important when it comes to creating a successful landscape design. A good planting design is the arrangement of plants in informal groups in order to enhance the scenic beauty of the area. In order to successively implement this feat, a contractor must be consulted in order to know what soil to use and what plants to plant and where. Boundaries such as fences and gates are also an important part of a landscape design. As this is the first thing that anyone will see and as it rounds off the look and feel of the landscape design, it is important to chose a boundary that is both attractive and practically suitable to the rest of the landscape design. Adding just the right furniture in your landscape is also an essential part of its design.

Any landscape or garden design must always revolve around sunlight. For example it is essential that the planter knows the sequence of the sun on that area inside out. This is because when considering a landscape design, it is essential to provide shade in overly sunny areas while placing more delicate plants in less sunnier areas. This is essential to make your design a durable one.

Lighting is also another important aspect of landscape design. This is because the artful placement of the lights can give an inanimate landscape more character and appeal not only during the day but in the night as well. The most practical form of lighting would be safety lighting as it is placed outdoors. Solar powered garden lights can also be utilized if preferred by the designer.

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Taking Landscape Design
Author:
• Tuesday, January 03rd, 2012

Landscape design is actually an essential course to proper home design. Many people think that landscaping is something that can be done by just anybody but there are certain parameters that contribute to a beautifully landscaped garden or yard which can be taught in landscape design courses. Being a landscape architect means that you have studied landscaping through this course.

Essentials In Landscape Design

This course brings to focus the essentials that a landscape engineer or architect needs to know. The essentials of landscape design include the symmetry of the landscape design. Even informal landscaping designs need to have some semblance of order that makes the landscape project look like it was cultivated naturally. This natural look is achieved by looking into native plants that complement each other and which plants thrive in the natural environment.

The natural symmetry that exists in natural land formations as well as water formations is another aspect that is pursued in landscape design courses. Formal landscaping follows symmetry more rigidly than informal landscaping. Grass lawns are well kept and the plants are trimmed and pruned to perfection. The symmetry that many architects of landscaping strive for is more pronounced in formal landscaping.

Landscape design also teaches the formal geometric designs that are often used for formal landscaping. Another thing that needs to be learned in the landscape design courses is the balance of things in the project. Which spot the sun hits most and which spot is often neglected by sunlight is another thing that needs to be considered in landscaping.

These are important factors that should be kept in mind especially when thinking of putting a pond in which fish and other creatures are to be integrated. Landscape design also focuses on other factors that add to a beautiful design. The kinds of plants that should be used are often things that a landscape architect should consider. Fast growing and slow growing plants both have their following.

Those with pocket gardens are usually recommended to have slow growing plants to prevent constant trimming and pruning. Fast growing plants that need to be perennially maintained are often relegated to landscape designs that have gardener to maintain them. Studying landscape design will usually bring about an understanding for beauty in the botanical and natural sense. Landscaping is an art form that many can do especially if they have an eye for symmetry and beauty. Learning landscape design courses can benefit homeowners who strive to do their own designs.

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Best Landscape Design In Philadelphia
Author:
• Saturday, December 31st, 2011

Landscape architecture and garden design are similar arts with a shared and ancient background. Indeed, the name “landscape architecture”. Landscaping is a word that refers to any modifications performed in order to change the visible features of an area of land, gardens, lawn. Landscape Maintained Lawn care companies specialize in mowing, raking, edging, seeding and caring for the grassy areas. Landscape design naturally elevates and reinforces the organic energy in your yard, allowing beneficial energy to enter the home. Balancing the positive and negative energy flow of your outdoor space using plants, trees, color, enhancements, and water; creates a peaceful haven of relaxation. Landscape design of your garden as well as your Lawn looks greenish and helps to make eco-friendly. Landscape design means “big expense.” This is not necessarily the case. Designers can help you work within a budget. Landscape maintenance firms are primarily concerned with periodic maintenance of shrubs and flowerbeds. One of the best ways to reduce storm water runoff is through sustainable landscape design.

Landscape maintenance firms are basically concerned with periodic maintenance of shrubs and flowerbeds. landscape design includes rain gardens; reducing impervious surfaces, reducing pesticide use, installing green roof technology, ecologically sensitive outdoor solutions, and water efficient irrigation design and installation. Landscape design can incorporate the use of bird and bat houses in an attempt to lessen pests without the use of pesticides, too. Sparrows and other varieties love snacking on caterpillars and other insects that would love to make a meal of your plants. We will focus on residential landscaping and we will provide you some tips and ideas to help you create your own landscaping. Landscaping should be based on your needs of living, entertainment, enjoyment and privacy. Landscape design is where you will spend most of your time so it needs to be comfortable and intimate. Many websites offer you some backyard landscaping ideas depending on what you want to put in your backyard. You can even look at some pictures of backyard landscaping in order to have a good idea.
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Finally, there exist some free landscaping software programs on the Internet that will help you to design your landscaping. That way, you will save hundreds of dollars and your landscaping will be unique because you will have designed it.
They will give you design ideas and planting ideas for your landscape. If you want to see landscapes designed by these online landscapers you can watch them through your computer and if you liked any of the designs from them, you can opt for that one. You can also make use of landscape design software available online for making attractive landscape design ideas. If you have some expertise internet and computer, then you can go for it. But if you don’t know much about internet better is always look for local landscape designers having some expertise in good landscape designs from near by areas and they will finish you landscape design within days.

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Landscaping of Las Vegas ? Providing Competent Landscape Services
Author:
• Saturday, December 24th, 2011

Las Vegas Landscaping is done by landscape professionals like landscape architects and contractors. There are many factors to consider in Las Vegas Landscape design. The amount of time and effort put into landscaping is crucial. Other factors include climate, soil and regulations.

 

Las Vegas Landscaping is always preceded by meticulous planning. Computer software can be used to model the property being landscaped. Maps and blueprints should be drawn to demonstrate the layout of features and boundaries. Las Vegas Landscapers would then draw lists are of materials that are to be used. The types of plants and the tools and equipment that will be needed to do the work should also be determined well in advance.

 

The elements and theme of the Las Vegas Landscape should also be pre-determined before implementing the project itself. Water based issues like irrigation and drainage have to be resolved well in advance. Installing an irrigation system may require a professional landscaping contractor. Pipes, sprinklers and timer with electrical system should be included in Las Vegas Landscapers plans. Services like Landscaping of Las Vegas should be employed if themes like fountains, swimming pools, waterfalls, or a pond. The amount of light should also be taken into account when landscaping.

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The types of trees and greenery used by the Las Vegas Landscape achieved a balance between sun and shade. Diverse types of lighting can add various effects to the Las Vegas Landscape. These include downwards lighting, up lighting, silhouetting or the addition of lamps, lanterns or floodlights. Various types of themes can be used by Las Vegas Landscapers, depending on the region and the climate. Soil testing is a very important task done before starting the Las Vegas Landscaping since the pH level of the soil has to be set to the type of plants being used. When the service providers are doing Las Vegas Landscaping, they can do soil testing and optimum tree and plant selection.

 

The types of materials to be used may depend on the structures to be built on the Las Vegas Landscape by Landscaping of Las Vegas. Steps, walkways and paving might require materials like concrete, brick, stone and sand. Depending on the task and the materials used, the types of tools and equipment should be selectedfor the Las Vegas Landscape.

 

Landscaping of Las Vegas provides very qualitative landscaping services. They carry out proper planning building, pruning and mowing lawns which are just some of the landscaping services that are performed by Las Vegas Landscaping designers and Las Vegas Landscape contractors. They provide landscaping services in Las Vegas within a short period of time and at a low rate too.

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The Value of Excellent Lawn Landscaping and Landscape Design in St Petersburg, FL
Author:
• Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

Property values have been plummeting as the market flounders under the widespread financial crisis. Of course, property owners are anxious about this. Real estate professionals have, however, identified one of the ways by which the value of a property can be raised. This is by providing aesthetically pleasing lawn landscaping with excellent landscape design. Of course, not every property owner is qualified to achieve this alone. It is still best to hire the services of a professional who has the required expertise in landscape design and lawn landscaping. Such expertise should, however, be balanced by cost effective services and environmental responsibility. It is not impossible to find such professional landscape design and lawn landscaping services in St Petersburg, FL.

Of course lawn landscaping services should include regular maintenance. One of the main components of regular maintenance services is pest control. Common pests such as white grubs, mole crickets and fungus should be completely eliminated and prevented from returning. For health and ecological considerations, it is crucial that inexpensive but environmentally safe solutions are used in pest control. The property owner should demand this from the chosen lawn landscaping maintenance service provider in St Petersburg, FL.

Environmental and health safety issues should also be taken into consideration on the issue of fertilizers. It is recognized that lawn fertilization is a necessary part of lawn landscaping maintenance. If the lawn is not properly fertilized it could develop unsightly brown discoloration of the grass. Fertilization could also incorporate weed prevention. Once again, the property owner should require the lawn landscaping maintenance service provider in St Petersburg, FL to use only environmentally safe and preferably organic fertilizers and weed prevention solutions.

To be consistent in the area of environmental responsibility, the property owner should also choose a lawn landscaping maintenance service provider in St Petersburg, FL that uses a lawn watering system which supports water conservation.

It is inevitable, however, to incur some lawn damage due to various factors. Lawn landscaping maintenance services therefore include lawn repair as well. Although grass seed is less expensive than grass sod for covering entire lawns, sodding can be cheaper and more convenient in repairing small areas. A small patch of grass sod can cost less than a bag of grass seed in St Petersburg, FL.

Skillful landscape design can prevent the development of lawn problems. For example, lawn landscaping should not include low areas that tend to pool and retain water while not receiving proper air circulation. Such faulty designing cause some landscapes in St Petersburg, FL to harbour a variety of lawn diseases.

Heavy foot traffic across lawns likewise cause damage to the grass, particularly for the more fragile species. Instead of putting the lawn off limits to human traffic, foot paths that traverse through it could be incorporated into the landscape design. This will allow better enjoyment of the landscape design and lawn landscaping by both the property owner and welcome visitors in St Petersburg, FL.

Indeed, aesthetics must also serve a practical purpose. Landscape design should therefore also strive to use low maintenance landscaping elements such as gravel, shrubs and small trees to enhance lawns in St Petersburg, FL.

Since it has been proven that having an unkempt lawn is counterproductive in terms of preserving a property’s market value while having beautiful lawn landscaping and landscape design can make it much more valuable, it is logically wise to invest in professional landscape design and lawn landscaping as well as regular maintenance services. Not only will the property owner in St Petersburg, FL have peace of mind with regard to financial matters but the enjoyment of the beautiful view will likewise bring a feeling of well being each and every day.

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Benefits of Lawn Landscaping and Landscape Design in St Petersburg, FL
Author:
• Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Professional landscape design and lawn landscaping will cost you. Of course, you can do it yourself for free and you may be tempted to do so in order to cut costs. Unless you are a professional lawn landscaping designer, though, the difference is telling. In fact, if you do it yourself, you may end up spending more for your mistakes. The benefits of hiring a professional for your landscape design and lawn landscaping, on the other hand, make it a very worthy investment. With expert landscape design and lawn landscaping, not only will you have a gorgeous lawn in St Petersburg, FL but also a low maintenance and cost effective lawn that will raise the market value of your property.

All lawns need professional lawn landscaping maintenance services specifically for regular pest control because lawns are commonly infested with white grubs, mole crickets and fungus. These pests need to be eliminated completely and re-infestation has to be prevented. Property owners should, however, ensure that the lawn landscaping maintenance service provider in St Petersburg, FL uses only ecologically friendly and non toxic pest control products. These should be safe for the environment, the family and family pets.

Property owners should also require this with regard to lawn fertilization. Regular lawn landscaping maintenance needs proper fertilization in order to prevent grass discoloration. If the grass turns brown in patches, the well executed landscape design is totally ruined. Weed prevention is also often included in lawn fertilization. Property owners should ensure that the lawn landscaping maintenance service provider in St Petersburg, FL uses only ecologically friendly and non toxic fertilizers and weed prevention solutions.

Regular lawn landscaping maintenance services should cover lawn repair whenever any part of the lawn gets damaged. While the use of grass sod is avoided in laying down entire lawns because it costs higher than grass seed, this is not the case in lawn repair. A small patch of grass sod can be much cheaper than the smallest bag of grass seed sold in St Petersburg, FL.

Lawn damage can be caused by heavy foot traffic. The best landscape design and lawn landscaping should, therefore, incorporate strategic foot paths through the lawn. The presence of low areas in the lawn landscaping also cause various lawn diseases and damage because such areas have poor air circulation and attract water pooling and water retention. Again this could be pre-empted by good landscape design in St Petersburg, FL.

With expertly done landscape design and lawn landscaping, the market value of the property is increased, resulting in better prices in the real estate market. This is attested to by real estate agents themselves. Investing in professional landscape design, lawn landscaping and lawn maintenance is therefore a good financial decision even if the property owner has no immediate plans of selling. To ensure that the market value stays up, the lawn has to be kept well maintained. It is recommended that a reputable service provider for landscape design, lawn landscaping and lawn maintenance be chosen in St Petersburg, FL.

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Create 3D Landscape Using Online 3D Landscape Design Services
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• Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Landscape design services are similar to landscape architecture and now a day online landscape design continues to increase in popularity across most of the programs and the same happened to landscape designing. Landscape architecture design is a superior and bright concept in residential landscape architectural division as landscape design does not only mean the drawings of hills and trees.

Landscape architecture and landscape designer plays an important role in landscape design services as he takes you through the entire design development process including consultation and program development, analysis of the existing site, conceptual landscaping design and construction documentation. Whether you have simple landscaping design that only encompasses landscape planting or a complex construction package, it is essential that you hire a landscape designer or landscape architect who is proficient in ability with require sets of detailed. At the same time it is also important to differentiate between off-the-shelf landscaping design and a designer who can reflect your unique style.

If your desire is to get a real landscape design then the prospect requires some serious planning. There are some points which need to be considered like space availability, lighting conditions and soil condition when they are attempting to put together a complete design plan.

Online landscape design services are offered by many services provider but it is advisable to get accurate services form services provider who have vast experience in this field with all needed service and expertise available online anytime. Interactive online landscape are very important as it will save the client time, money and effort because the online landscape designs can be altered depending on the preferences with the recommendations of the landscape experts.

Online landscape designs are readily available and another benefit is that the landscape architects can work like fresh input to get unique and accurate landscape design services. For any queries regarding landscape design and its applications, please feel free to contact us. For more details visit us at: http://www.autocaddraftingindia.com/2dimension/civildesigndrafting/landscape_drawing.php

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Landscape design plans | Landscape Garden design
Author:
• Monday, December 05th, 2011

The landscape design market is booming. But what is booming along with it is the market of the online software that actually helps you design a landscape for your own house. I think it is a brilliant innovation. The advantages of the same are manifold. Not only do you save on the money that you would be giving to a professional landscaper, you will also actually be putting yourself into the design. Each and every corner in your house can now be a reflection of you and your family.

People in the United States spend a huge amount of money in landscape architecture as property is considered as the most important investment there. After all, it is an investment that will bring years of enjoyment, peace and harmony at your property. However, it is very important to understand all aspects of landscaping so that the money is not wasted and also that your landscape architects do not cheat you. Also, it is very vital to understand that the landscape should reflect your personality and not vice-versa. So do not overdo anything.

While choosing a landscape design for your house, considering the geographical and climatic conditions of your area is of utmost importance. For example, planning lush green lawns bordered with exotic flowers in an area where drought is a high possibility would be rather foolish. In contrast, a rock garden in a rocky terrain would be a fantastic idea. Also, in an area where water is available in plenty around the year, a water feature like a pond that reflects the sky and the surrounding surfaces can add depth and dimension to your landscape.

Along with the softwares, there are also a huge number of online websites that provide help. Some sites are owned by professional landscapers who fill their website with beautiful pictures of what they could your backyards into. However, some are in it for the pure pleasure of landscaping and fill their sites with very useful home landscape design ideas and tips.

Some of the easy to use and inexpensive landscape design software available for home landscape design over the Internet are:

Plan 3D: is an online landscape design service that helps you create home landscape with features available for walks, drives, patios, trees and planting. It lets you view your design from any angle.
Instant Architect Home (Broderbund Software): provides the ability to design your own home or landscape and is very intuitive in nature. Hence, no previous experience is required.
Fences and Gates: software helps design fences and gates in an artistic manner. It also provides a list of all the materials that will be required to build the fence after the design has been finalized.
3D Home Architect Home & Landscape: provide easy to use home and landscape design solutions, which also contains a complete set of landscape design tools. It uses the latest design techniques and technologies to make designing a very enjoyable experience.
35 Do It Yourself Backyard Project Plans: allows building 35 different projects for your backyard. It allows a combination of 10 sheds, 3 playhouses, 3 gazebos, 3 arbors, 2 picnic tables, a deck, a doghouse, a sandbox, fence and a loveseat. This is very inexpensive software and permits printing of plans.
Realtime Landscaping PRO (Idea Spectrum): helps you visualize even the most demanding landscape design projects. Using the latest advances in 3d technology, even beginners will find it easy to plan and visualize design ideas.
Realtime Landscaping PLUS (Idea Spectrum): helps create highly realistic 3D and photo based landscape designs. This software is ideal for homeowners as well as professional designers. The plus point is that no CAD or prior architectural experience is required.

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The Two Main Ways Through Which You Can Get Your Landscape Design Right
Author:
• Saturday, December 03rd, 2011

There are two main ways through which you can get your landscape design right.

In the first instance, you can undertake landscape design research, read as much as you can about the subject, and put the ideas you learn into practice, to end up with decently executed landscape design. In most public libraries, you will tend to find sections with lots of books on landscape design, and as long as you have the educational background that can enable you to benefit from this information, you will find most of those books quite useful. The internet is another resource you can check for information on landscape design. There are lots of tutorials, stand-alone articles and forum discussion threads on landscape design that you may find beneficial.

There is an upside and a downside to that DIY approach to landscape design. Starting with the upside, you come to realize that it is a very cheap way to get landscape design done, compared to paying a landscape design professional to do it for you. We are looking at a situation where a typical landscape design professional could charge you thousands of dollars for an average project, those being sums of money you get to save when you opt to walk this path. Then again, as long as you can internalize the ideas you learn effectively, you can come to a position where you can be in a position to do the landscape design (and subsequent landscaping) to your full liking, which would have been quite difficult to achieve were you to leave the design to someone else.

The downside to DIY landscape design is that it is, for one, time consuming. Researching to establish all the landscape design principles well is bound to take you a lot of time. Since you are not a professional in the area, chances are that you won’t be in a position to get your landscape design as well done as a professional designer would. The end result may be sub-standard landscaping work.

The second option, in terms of ways through which you can get your landscape design right, would by paying a landscape design professional to do it for you, telling them where you want landscaping done and what you want in terms of results – and leaving it upon them to come up with a complete plan. There is an upside and a downside to this approach, as well.

Starting with the upside, it is undeniable that (provided it is a well qualified landscape design professional you task it to), the landscape design would tend to get better done this way. You simply can’t even start comparing a professionally done landscape design with a ‘home-made’ one. Still on the upside, contracting the whole landscape design job to a professional is what you need to do, if you are keen on saving time. But there is a downside as well. For one, most of these landscape design professional will tend to charge what can only be termed as a premium for their services. And secondly, when you task someone to do your landscape design for you, it may not get done exactly to your liking.

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