|
Total Views:
155
|
Landscape Designers And Why To Use One
A Landscape Designer with an education inLandscape Architecture has the skills to work
with all facets of the landscape. Not only can
they create beautiful designs, but also keep you
from making costly mistakes. Areas of expertise
can range from horticulture and planting design
to the more intricate areas of paving materials,
grading, drainage, and lighting design. A good
landscape designer will look at the entire
property and create a design where all elements
are not only attractive, but also one which
functions well, creating a cohesiveness to the
entire project.
A professional Landscape Designer has knowledge
and expertise in the areas of grading and
drainage. An assessment should be made of
drainage issues, as water must be guided away
from the house and kept from pooling on the
property. There are many ways to accomplish this.
Some of the common solutions are the creation of
swales or the utilization of drains with
connecting pipes, leading water to a lower area.
Grading is normally looked at in conjunction with
drainage considerations. One trained in Landscape
Architecture can utilize various techniques to re-
form the terrain of the land, if appropriate. The
land can simply be re-graded, altering the
existing slopes, or retaining walls can be
designed into the landscape. Often a combination
of both is used, depending on the goals of the
Client.
A Landscape Designer can also be skilled in
landscape lighting design, which should not only
be beautiful, but also functional. Lighting is
needed along paths for nighttime use and safety
in the landscape. Up lighting or down lighting of
trees and accent lighting on special features can
create a very enchanting vista. It should,
however, be used in moderation to create a subtle
atmosphere.
Expertise in using paving materials in the
landscape is another reason to use a Landscape
Designer. For example, the positioning and
design of a front walkway should create space for
a large planting bed along the house foundation,
where plants can be layered and trees can be
planted at the corners. Walkways should have
flowing curves or interesting geometric shapes.
The Landscape Designer has knowledge of the
various paving materials available, and can guide
the Client accordingly. The natural beauty of
stone cannot be disputed. However, even concrete
with added color and/or interesting geometric
scoring could look very nice. Pavers, brick, and
loose stone are some of the other materials that
can be used. One must understand, however, that
the beauty of the design in its entirety is just
as important as the many details that make up a
good design.
Planting design is an area where Landscape
Designers are well trained, as horticulture is an
important element in the landscape. Plants should
be used in mass with focal points introduced at
strategic points. Balance must always be created.
Varying textures should be used so that the
prominence of special plants stands out against
each other. For example, a hedge of Boxwood, with
its small dark green leaves, would serve as an
excellent background for Daylilies with their
elongated, lighter green leaves and large
colorful flowers. At the same time, the design
must flow and be unified. Landscape Architecture
includes the knowledge of plant requirements,
whether they are sun and shade conditions, growth
patterns or plant features. Along with the
creation of a wonderful design, professional
landscape plans can include color in the garden
throughout the year, including spectacular fall
color and winter interest.
A Landscape Designer can transform your property
into a beautiful landscape with interesting
features, balance, scale, color and functionality.
The cost for professional services of someone
educated in Landscape Architecture is worth the
end product and can make all the difference in
the world in creating the type of landscape one
has dreamed about.