May 9, 2022 2:30 pm
Published by Steve Dana
Here in the South, we’ve got a beautiful climate. With a mostly mild take on each season, we get just a touch of the quarterly shifts without the more extreme conditions. But that also means that choosing flowers for this landscape demands an understanding of what does well in an environment that maintains more warmth and humidity year-round than others. After all, no one likes a wilted flower. There are always the mainstays, like azaleas and camellias. But let’s talk about five flowers hardy enough for the South about which you might not already know! #1 The Obedient Plant This flowering plant’s appeal is in its name! For starters, it’s perennial, meaning it returns to bloom for multiple growing seasons. Win! But this plant is also native to the Southern United States and that becomes obvious when you see how happily it grows. Give it the space it enjoys (about 18 inches between two seeds), and it will prove pretty low-maintenance. #2 Black-Eyed Susan Cheery and happy to bake in the sunshine of summer, black-eyed susans are a key component in any low-maintenance garden. As flowers hardy enough for the South go, this brilliant little burst of color might […]
April 8, 2022 8:10 pm
Published by Steve Dana
We’ve recently talked about the value proper irrigation design brings to a landscape and the importance of hiring a Certified Irrigation Designer. But today, we’re going to dive into a little more detail on irrigation itself. Did you know that there are actually four main methods of irrigation? Each has a time and place in which it is ideal, and a CID will be able to make the perfect choice. Still, it can be helpful for you to have a good idea of which would work best for your commercial landscape as you begin discussions with the pros. Let’s talk about them! #1 Furrow, the Farmer’s Choice of Methods of Irrigation We’re starting with this one because it probably isn’t what you would use for a commercial landscape, so we might as well get it out of the way. Furrow is one of the primary methods of irrigation, but it’s really just suited to farming. As an article from University of Missouri explains it, “Furrows are made with a hipper that forms parallel beds, and are usually spaced 30 or 38 inches apart. Water flows from a pump to furrows in lay-flat plastic pipes.” It’s a brilliant approach for cultivating […]
March 7, 2022 9:51 pm
Published by Steve Dana
When we talk about landscape architecture, one of the most important factors to consider is irrigation. Why? Well, plants need water! And while they do get this naturally from rainfall, a proper irrigation design will make the most of that rainfall and other sources of hydration. That can save you money, improve the conditions of the environment, keep people in the landscape safe, and help the planet. It’s no small list! So, let’s discuss the value of proper irrigation design in a little more detail. Irrigation Keeps Plants Healthy (And Looking Like It) This is probably the most obvious benefit of proper irrigation design, but it is inarguably key! What is the point of pouring time and money into a landscape design that ends up looking wilted or brown? If you don’t invest in a proper irrigation design (via Certified Irrigation Designers; more on that here), this could happen! The volume of rainfall your landscape experiences can vary based on a plethora of elements. For example, if you have a large amount of tree cover, the plants and grasses below might get less water. But when you have an irrigation system that enables you to direct more water to them, […]
February 8, 2022 8:43 pm
Published by Steve Dana
We posted recently about the role of microclimates in commercial landscape architecture, but did you know that bodies of water create microclimates? In fact, they have a major influence on the way a landscape organically functions. Today, we’re going to cover the ins and outs of how it happens, so you can better understand one part of your landscape architect’s perspective for your property. What Are Microclimates? First, let’s recap with some insights from our previous post on the subject … Merriam-Webster defines a microclimate as “the essentially uniform local climate of a usually small site or habitat.” In terms of commercial landscaping, you can think of it like this: Outside of a children’s hospital, there is a small park. It contains a bench with trees that provide shade right above it, a patch of flowers next to a stretch of green space to play or picnic, and a swing set at one end. This park is surrounded by concrete—sidewalks and pathways leading back into the building or out to the parking lot—and the soil was disrupted extensively during construction of the complex. On top of all that, its variances in shade and sun exposure will impact plantings, as will […]
January 10, 2022 9:22 pm
Published by Steve Dana
As you embark on a landscape architecture project, there are many variables to consider. From designing the flow of each space to selecting plant life that suits your microclimate, the factors to think about go on and on. And there is one addition to the checklist that doesn’t always get its due: irrigation. Many landscape architecture firms give this job to engineers. But today, we’re going to talk about why you want to ensure that certified irrigation designers are on the task! #1 Irrigation is Not the Time for Half Measures While you could make the argument that anyone can choose plants for their landscape, the value of an expert is obvious. They can make selections informed by years of education and experience. This ensures that they are the ideal installations for your unique landscape and microclimate. Plus, they’ve got an eye for pairing various plant life beautifully. But when it comes to irrigation, the need to hire a true pro is even more stark. It’s essential. This element of a landscape design is a foundational one. An exceptional irrigation system should accomplish the following: Conserve water by utilizing rainwater and runoff Save maintenance time and cost by routing the […]