Designing and landscaping a flower bed can add detail to your yard, get expert landscape design tips in this free video. Expert: Gale Gassiot Bio: Gale Gassiot makes her own organic compost or “gardener’s black gold.”
Grow Landscapes was featured on the recent TLC special “10 Ways to Improve The Value of Your Home”. This landscaping was installed in McLean, Virginia. The garden was designed by Landscape Designer Paulo Trindade.
Landscape architects-they are members of a team that you call in when you want your landscape to have an impact. Landscape architects are the professionals that help you turn your property into your dream home. And into a right investment.
Landscape Architects: Background
Who are landscape architects? To become a landscape architect usually requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are two undergraduate professional degrees: a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). Typically, these degrees entail four or five years of study in design, construction techniques, art, history, natural and social sciences.
For landscape architects seeking advanced degrees, there are two routes. Those who hold undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture can earn their Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) in two years. If you hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than landscape architecture and want to go into landscape architecture, the MLA usually takes three years of full-time study.
In 2007, 61 U.S. colleges and universities offered 79 undergraduate and graduate programs in landscape architecture that were accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
Landscape Architects: Their Work Process
The first step for landscape architects in plotting a project is to study it as a whole. First, they strive to know the clients’ objectives and the available budget. At the same time, they take into consideration the natural elements of the property, such as the climate, soil, trees and other vegetation, and the slope of the land and resulting drainage issues. Additionally, they assess where sunlight falls during the different seasons and the different times of day. They also take into account the surrounding area-the neighboring homes and buildings, sidewalks, streets and utilities.
With studies and analyses in hand, landscape architects then draw up a preliminary design. This is the time when landscape architects consult with other professionals who may be involved in the project, such as civil engineers, landscape contractors or residential architects. This initial design takes into account any late-arriving changes that the client wants, as well as unforeseen requirements made by different governing bodies. In other words, changes, additions and adjustments are expected during this stage.
A proposal is then prepared, showing detailed plans of what the landscaping will look like. Most landscape architects use computer-aided design (CAD) in these technology-driven days and some firms even use video simulation to help clients better see the suggested thoughts and plans. The final proposal may include written reports, sketches, models, photographs and cost estimates. These documents will be used both by the client and regulatory agencies.
Finally, landscape architects prepare working drawings to be used by the landscape contractors that show all existing and proposed features. Included is an outline that details the methods of construction and lists the approved materials. At this point, landscape architects usually go into a supervisory role, monitoring the project as the landscape contractors and their crews carry out the plans.
Landscape Architects: Finding One
In the state of Texas, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners www.tbae.state.tx.us/Professions/Landscape.shtml regulates the practice of landscape architects. Only those individuals who have become registered as landscape architects may legally call themselves a landscape architect. The website provides a link to find a registered landscape architect.
The American Society of Landscape Architects (www.asla.org) is one of the leading industry groups for landscape architects. Founded in 1899, ASLA represents more than 18,200 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. Its website offers a “firm finder” link.
Landscape Architects: Things To Do Before Interviewing
The ASLA offers these tips to better prepare yourself to find the best landscape architect for you:
Reckon about what you want and how you will use your landscape. Formal entertaining, herb gardens, and children’s playgrounds are just some of the possibilities. Reckon about your preferences for the look of the grounds-would you like an English garden design or perhaps a Modern landscape design?
Don’t just limit yourself to plants and trees; maybe you would like a distinctive garden gate, an outdoor water fountain, a outdoor kitchen, swimming pool or dramatic landscape lighting.
Make a realistic budget. One rule of thumb is to invest 5 to 10 percent of your house’s worth into landscaping. If this seems steep, remember that homes with professional landscaping can fetch 15-20 percent more at the time of resale than homes that lack landscaping, according to a 2004 study commissioned by the Professional Landcare Network.
Look at books and magazines for thoughts and start a file of plants, trees, gardens, yards, pools, patios, decks, fences and other hardscapes that you like-or dislike-to show your landscape architect. This research will help you communicate what you want to achieve or avoid.
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Landscape accessories are a fantastic way to enhance a gorgeous landscape design. These accessories may not serve a practical purpose, but they can add beauty and personality to a landscaping design. Some landscape accessories do offer a practical purpose to the consumer, for example, lawn chairs, but many of the accessories only offer interest and visual appeal, rather than a functional purpose. You can do so many different things using landscape accessories and you can find so many different landscape accessories that they choices may even overwhelm you.
When you are determining what landscape accessories are best for your yard, then you need to keep in mind the whole landscaping design as well. You do not want landscaping accessories that overpower the rest of the landscaping or that take too much attention from the landscaping itself. You want something that enhances the rest of your landscaping design and blends in with the rest of the landscaping. Smaller items can usually be added to your landscaping design very easily, but larger items may need more thought place into their use and location.
You need to choose landscaping accessories that you find gorgeous and fascinating. Don’t just choose an item because you reckon that it would cause people’s eyes to be drawn to it or you may end up with an accessory that you do not like very well. Make sure that it is a landscaping accessory that is well made and durable enough to spend time outdoors in your landscaped area. Question yourself if you would like this item if it were not in your yard and determine whether it gives you positive feelings. Choose landscaping accessories that makes you feel proud and excellent about your landscaping design.
Natural accessories are the simplest things to add to a landscaping design. Natural landscaping accessories work so well in the landscaping design because they look like they are a part of the yard or garden. You may even want to consider using driftwood for your landscaping design because it comes in a wide variety of colors, including white, silver, black, and brown. Another natural landscaping accessory that you can choose is rocks, stones, or boulders. By choosing natural landscaping to add to your landscape area, you will be helping to make it more relaxing and enjoyable.
You can also find a huge variety of landscaping accessories that are manmade. This may include things like sculptures, outdoor chandeliers, and stained glass. You need to choose these items carefully or they may overpower your landscaping design. You can find manmade landscaping accessories that will mesh well with your natural landscape, but it is vital that you make the choice carefully. Adding lights to your landscape is a fantastic way to add interest and visual appeal. They are not necessarily for security, but they are for décor and beauty.
You can find landscaping accessories that can serve a purpose and give visual appeal to your landscape. Lawn and patio furniture is one kind of landscaping accessory that you can choose. This may include tables, umbrellas, chairs, hammocks, and/or benches. Carefully consider each piece before purchasing any accessories to make sure that it goes with your landscaping design and with your other landscaping materials. Even though it is a piece of furniture, it still needs to mesh well with your landscaping design. You may also find that planting containers, birdbaths, and bird feeders can be quite a useful landscaping accessory for your yard. These items are considered landscaping accessories because they are not a necessary component to the landscape, for example the lawn, trees, plants, etc.
The most vital thing that you need to remember is to not overdo the landscaping accessories. You want them to enhance your landscaping design, rather than take away from the feel of it. Keep your lawn looking clean and tidy, rather than cluttered and hideous. If you carefully consider the choices that you make so that they beautify your yard, you will find that your satisfaction level and enjoyment level will increase substantially.
