Your Garden, Your Heaven

Design your Garden with latest trends

Do you cut out and collect magazine pictures of great landscaping ideas? Do you have a photo album of, say, a stately English mansion that you’d love to use for your home landscape design in Houston? Have you admired the plants and trees of European countryside estates and wondered if they would grow on the Texas coastal plains? If so, then you have a beautiful start to turning your landscaping ideas into reality.

Landscaping Ideas: The Gathering

Landscape design starts with ideas. Your ideas-before you bring in the professionals. It is the time to write down not only your needs, but also your wishes and deepest desires. This is true whether you want to landscape a two-acre homestead or install a small garden design.

Jeff Halper, landscape design specialist with Exterior Worlds, says, “Landscaping ideas help in your own landscaping design process. The more landscape ideas and photos one has, the better. Even landscaping ideas of things one doesn’t like can help landscape designers and landscape architects achieve the desired results.”

Landscaping Ideas: Elements to Consider

• Hardscapes. Hardscapes-the non-plant material of your landscape design-play a critical part of any garden landscape project. Types of hardscapes include pathways, retaining walls, pool decking and driveways. You will need to make material choices that range from basic concrete to decorative stone and brick to wooden decking.

• Luxury swimming pools. A swimming pool is a necessity for any upscale home. It finishes off the design of the house because it is a natural extension of your indoor living space. All choices about a pool should factor in safety. One way to do it is through the use of fences. Halper points out that they can be built in a non-intrusive way. “We like to hide fences and gates by weaving them among shrubbery. This method makes the pool area safe, up to code and aesthetically pleasing,” he says.

• Outdoor water fountains. Outdoor water fountains come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and styles. Additional features can be added, such as a cascading waterfall or a contemporary wall fountain. Whatever style you prefer, the main thing to remember is that your overall landscape will be improved if you use an outdoor water fountain that coordinates with the style of your home and garden.

• Outdoor kitchens. Decisions to make concerning your outdoor kitchen include whether to cover it or not. You will want to consider the overall size needed. For instance, for the chairs at the dining table, you need at least two feet away from any other element, especially the grill or any step-downs. Be sure to plan for adequate cabinet space. Counter top options include tile, granite, stone and concrete. Also you’ll have choices regarding overhead fans and types of refrigeration.

Landscaping Ideas: Theme Possibilities

• Modern landscape design. Modern garden design tends to focus on scale rather than formal or classic designs that are based on axial relationships from Greek, Roman, and classical architectural traditions. The architecture of the house needs to be carefully considered when using a contemporary garden design. The home and landscape can be tied together through selective use of plantings or the intelligent placement of a hardscape feature, such as an organic pathway to the front door.

• Formal landscape design. Formal landscape design invokes order and balance. Think of the gardens of Monticello, the landscaping of Versailles, and, closer to home, the gardens of Bayou Bend, which is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

• English garden design. The English garden design is all about curved beds, winding paths and free-flowing color. The gardener’s hand is light. There-but just barely. Houston’s semi-tropical climate is well suited for vine-covered pergolas, sunny rose gardens, and sparkling azalea beds-all plant materials that fit well within the English garden’s concept of abundance.

• Mediterranean landscape design. The phrase to live by in this style is “Old World ambiance.” Favored materials include stone, weathered bricks, terra cotta tiles, flagstone, tumbled travertine, wooden beams, wrought iron, classical statuary and Roman columns, and outdoor furniture that evokes Arabian, Moroccan or Italian sensibilities.

We will go into the purpose behind taking up and completing apprenticeship in landscape gardening in this article. We will also detail the requirements for taking up landscaping professionally.

What to expect after completing apprenticeship in landscape gardening?

If you look around, you will find many amateur landscapers that take up small time commercial or residential landscaping projects. They are also professionals in their own capacity, however, are not considered as qualified landscape architects.

One needs to undergo an extensive degree program to specialize in landscaping, and post-completion he/she is considered a certified landscape architect qualified to take up any huge commercial or public project. One can also opt for apprenticeship in landscape gardening to qualify for professional certification.

No Easy Task

Please be aware that finishing an apprenticeship in landscape gardening is no easy affair. The landscape apprentice is always a working landscaper and is usually assigned most dirtiest and difficult tasks involved in landscaping. This is to help the apprentice learn about the art from all the perspectives from start till the end.

It is quite normal for an apprentice to be seen digging holes, lifting heavy equipments, indulging in severe physical labor irrespective of weather conditions and handling all types of chemicals on the field. There is no better way for a landscaper to improve his art than getting down to the nitty-gritty of each manual task. He/she must also be efficient in mathematical calculations and possess good eyesight necessary to operate the landscaping machines.

Details

1. The apprenticeship in landscape gardening covers various terrains to gain in depth experience and knowledge.

2. Apprentices are taught the essential distinguishing factors between the commercial, residential and public landscaping.

3. The apprenticeship also covers interior and exterior garden designing and planning.

4. Apprentices are taught the importance and usage of various landscaping equipments and their appropriate application in specific projects.

5. Apprentices are taught in detail about various soil types.

6. They also learn the science behind the plants and trees growth, texture and sizes.

7. They are also acquainted with different methods of pruning, thinning and the varieties of sods.

8. Apprentices are also taught about the legal, environmental and licensing aspects.

9. Apprentices who are preparing to turn landscape architects are taught about the site analysis and surveys.

10. They are also taught about different landscaping software and their application in drawing effective plans. The same is taught with hand too.

11. Apprentices hone their artistic skills by learning how to present the plants in a landscape in a beautiful way.

12. Different view perspectives are also taught to the apprentices.

The Program

Completing an apprenticeship in landscape gardening is a four-year affair and there are several schools all over the world offering such degree programs. Please know that the qualified landscape architects are considered most professionally able people in their field and work on mega projects like designing public gardens, zoos and theme parks. They are often employed by corporate sector also to handle huge commercial landscaping projects.

In most instances, a professional landscaper would have completed his apprenticeship in landscape gardening. In case you are planning to employ a professional landscaper, you must make sure that he is professionally certified and skilled to deliver the desired results. Considering the extensive training that a professional landscaper receives during his/her apprenticeship, he/she will be worth every penny spent.

If you’re thinking about some new ideas for your landscape garden design, Exterior Worlds has plenty of good ones to get you started. Just dive in and start planning.

Landscape Garden Design: Gathering Places & Focal Points

Your landscape will be more interesting and enjoyable if you consider:

• Outdoor kitchens. These structures create a focal point for your yard and, similar to the kitchen inside the home, become a natural gathering place. It is imperative that you have a good layout so that all your appliances fit and are convenient for use. Landscape designers and landscape architects will help you during the planning phase to check your deed restrictions concerning rules regulating such items as size, lot coverage percentages, height, and color materials.

• Patio design. A patio creates a transition space between the house and the yard. Depending on your preference, your patio design can run the gamut from an elegant open-air greenhouse to an outdoor living room. Patios affect the emotional and physical space of the interior by changing the view out the window.

• Landscape lighting. Expertise is essential in landscape lighting design, planning and installation. “About 50 percent of the technical work has to do with placement of the light fixtures,” explains Jeff Halper, landscape garden design specialist with Exterior Worlds. “You really don’t want to see the nuts and bolts of the system. You only want to see the beautiful effect created by the lights.”

• Other hardscapes. You have many choices with hardscapes, the non-plant material of your yard. They include pool decking, entry walks and pathways, gates, decks and arbors, retaining walls, driveways and motor courts.

Landscape Garden Design: Themes

Many homeowners like to choose a theme for their landscape architecture. One popular choice is classical landscape design, which is a type of formal landscape design that uses linear, clean lines to develop an orderly look. These “lines” can be drawn with rows of trees and well-trimmed hedges or perhaps a seat wall made of perfectly arranged terra cotta tiles. Greenery can soften any harshness.

Another idea is an English garden design, which is noted for its informal approach to gardening and is hugely popular in the United States. Houston’s semi-tropical climate is well suited for vine-covered arbors, riotous rose gardens, dazzling azaleas and beds of seasonal color-all plant materials that fit well within the English garden’s impression of abundance.

If your home’s architecture is a good match, think about a modern landscape design. In this style, boundaries between areas of color, textures and shapes are undefined-or conversely, sharply defined. Color and composition create the emotional response. Combining freshness and flair, these designs use dramatic geometric shapes to convey a point of view that is elegant and natural. Water and light are often used, as in beautifully-lit outdoor water fountains, to enhance the sensual loveliness and liveliness.

Don’t forget a “green” green garden. That is, one that is ecologically helpful, practical and sustainable. “With a design for a green garden, the goals are similar to any other landscape project. However, we do put a special focus on reducing the Big Four of ongoing landscape maintenance: watering, trimming, weeding and mulching,” says Halper.

The small garden design begins and ends with thoughtful, precise planning. However, small does not mean limited. A small garden design can still deliver a huge “wow” factor.

Small Garden Design: The Problems

A small garden design comes with big challenges. Perhaps your property abuts the two-story blank wall of a neighbor’s townhouse. Maybe the space is all straight lines and right angles. Or you’ve remodeled your home, changed the elevation, added a new room and reduced the size of your backyard, all of which affect the relationship to the existing landscape.

Turning Liabilities into Assets

With small garden design, as with all landscape design, the goal is to create spaces in which the home and architectural elements have a relationship with the yard and surrounding area. First, consider the big picture-your assets and liabilities. Begin by looking at the large, possibly immoveable factors, such as trees, a long fence-line or pool equipment, and decide if they are liabilities or assets. In this way, you test the viability and capacity of the site, a determination that will help clarify your landscape design options. Landscape designers or landscape architects can bring expertise and experience to this process.

Small Garden Design: Features to Consider

• Hardscapes. Decks, patios, pergolas, arbors and gates can be used to help define a small space, break it up or create interest. These choices, in effect, create other rooms. Your material selection adds further texture, thus making the space livelier.

• Water features such as swimming pools or outdoor water fountains. Swimming pools can be custom-made to fit into a small garden design. Also outdoor water fountains can be used to good effect in small gardens. Water features create movement and pleasant sounds, both elements that heighten your enjoyment of a landscape.

• Landscape lighting. Landscape lighting, in particular, can bring an element of drama to a small space. It is good to keep in mind that your landscape is viewed at night for about 30 percent of the time. Since so many people work and don’t come home until after dark, landscape lighting means homeowners can still enjoy their outdoor property, whenever they get home. It turns the landscape into a 24-hour event. Landscape lighting is also very practical as it provides security and nighttime lighting for any tricky steps.

• Infrastructure, like irrigation systems and drainage systems. Irrigation and drainage systems are the work-horses of Houston gardens. Sprinkler systems deliver water to plants during our long, intense summer months and drainage systems take away excess water when we get our infamous torrential rains. They save money, time and worry.

The Heart of Small Garden Design

Jeff Halper, landscape design specialist with Exterior Worlds, says, “The overall objective of any great landscape design, including small garden designs, is to create a space that breathes with the home and has a relationship to its surroundings. It should reflect the client’s visual desires and functionally work together in every aspect.”

Commercial landscaping is an integral part of a commercial property. It makes the initial impression on prospective tenants-and you know what they say about first impressions and the number of chances you get. As for your current tenants, it helps keeps them happy and content and in place by giving them beautiful surroundings. Finally, well-done commercial landscaping preserves and enhances the overall property value.

Commercial Landscaping: The Design Process

The basic components of a commercial landscape design include:

• Design. During the design process, your commercial landscape designers or landscape architects will work to bring together the program elements, your desired aesthetics and all permitting issues. This phase includes landscape layout, plans for plant materials and budget development. In providing design services, a true professional should work creatively, diligently and patiently to help you define the scope of your project, assist in the selection of materials, coordinate vendors, determine the scheduling, and adhere to the approved budget.

• Drainage systems. A plan for landscape drainage is essential for commercial properties in the Gulf Coast region due to Houston’s dense soils, low-lying areas and heavy rainfalls. A proper drainage system protects your property from flooding, provides protection for the foundation of building(s), especially from cracking and uneven shrinkage or swelling, and carries water away from roofs, paved areas and landscaping, thereby avoiding standing water where mosquitoes can breed or people can slip and fall. Drainage contractors are particularly valuable in viewing the drainage system as a whole to ensure all the pieces work well together.

• Irrigation systems. Another essential feature of commercial landscaping, irrigation systems save money and provide convenience. They supply appropriate amounts of water to the various plants, thus protecting your landscape investment. They perform this function by separating the lawn, flower beds and planters into different zones that require different watering conditions due to the various plant types, weather and sunlight conditions.

• Landscape lighting. Since lighting has been proven to deter crime, one of the most important services that landscape lighting delivers is safety. This attribute makes it an invaluable benefit to entities that conduct business at night, such as restaurants, hotels, social clubs, country clubs, museums, colleges and schools. Additionally, as part of the commercial landscaping, a well-designed landscape lighting system gives your property round-the-clock visibility. A third purpose of landscape lighting can be to create an ethereal work of art, proving that beauty can be functional.

Commercial Landscaping: Ongoing Maintenance

As owner or manager of a commercial property, your days are filled with time management issues-meetings, budgets, security, tenants’ needs and demands. Therefore, an important partner for you to add to your team is a commercial landscape maintenance provider who can work efficiently and effectively without continual oversight.

The first order of business for this professional is regular maintenance. Duties include turf care-mowing, edging, fertilizing and treating it for any diseases. Hedges, bushes and ground cover need to be trimmed too so that they conform to the original design’s intent. Trees need looking after: deep-root feeding, aeration that promotes healthy roots, and inspection for disease and insect infestations. All plants need to be fertilized on a regular schedule, especially plants of the tropical, acidic and seasonal color variety. Plants also need systematic observation of and treatment for pests and diseases that are detrimental to overall health.

The addition of seasonal color to commercial landscaping is also important as it maintains an updated image of the property. Your landscaping pro should have an extensive and creative expertise with plant choices, color and texture that will bring your property to life.

Finally, your landscape service partner can handle preventive maintenance. Some items on this checklist include tree inspection (for instance, dead limbs need to be taken down for safety reasons; wounds need to be treated quickly to protect trees, which are valuable assets) and the inspection of the irrigation system. Proper maintenance and regular inspections of the irrigation system will detect such problems as broken lines and heads. Jeff Halper with Exterior Worlds says, “This service is so important for commercial properties. We have saved some of our clients as much as $5,000 to $10,000 per month because we caught problems early.”