Landscape Design Ideas

Designed Landscapes in British Columbia, Canada.

2007-09-25T07:44:00.001-04:00

Hello again everyone who is looking for landscape ideas and information. It has been some time since I added to this blog but here we go.

Designed Landscapes is Designing around the World.

The photos attached is of a small backyard in Chilliwack, British Columbia and will give you an idea of the quality we strive for.
The project was just a simple, small backyard patio and walkway.

Thanks everyone for visiting our Blog and come back for more ideas and projects

Featured Landscape Design

2007-04-29T15:37:00.000-04:00

A Design Landscape Design featured on Developers site.

A previous client of Designed Landscape.com informed us of the posting of a photo of their home on the Developers Site. The link below and the attached email provides the information. We are excited to see this as we work very hard for each and every client. Landscape Design is our business

Gregor Homes

Introducing Our Ebay Store

2007-04-01T09:36:00.000-04:00

Hello,

Please review this blog for information about Landscape Design and Installations.

We have put together a small ebay store with a few Landscape Designs for the "do it yourselfers" and the smaller contractor. Please us the following link to review these inexpensive Landscape Designs.

Ebay Link

Driveway Gates

2007-03-05T09:34:00.000-05:00

Driveway Gates.

Just a few examples of driveway Gates from The Bridal Path area of Toronto, Canada.

Swimming pool planning

2007-01-30T11:42:00.000-05:00

Winter contact agreements save your time and money.

As you may know, I am in the southern part of Canada and the cold finally hit. Most people are trying to stay warm and a swimming pool is the furthest thing for their thoughts. With my experience in the industry, this is the best time to start shopping for that home oasis that you and your family dream of. Preparing now is beneficial for many reasons including;

Have a full summer with the swimming pool. Most reputable companies work on a 1st come 1st serve bases. By providing an installation period, a company can keep their promise to you and receive your referrals. Please remember to be a little flexible for weather conditions…good companies will keep you up to date on their schedule.

The ability to review the plan, costs and products will help you make the best decision. In addition, permits will have to filed with your municipally and the earlier the better. In the high of the spring / early summer installation period you will have less time to review the product information and the estimates. Starting at this time of year is the smart way to be informed of this decision which can cost anywhere from $25,000 – unlimited. The plan of your project is extremely important. Where is the pool located in the yard and how does if affect the yard and the cost of the project? Spend the time to make these selections with a professional. A concept plan can save you thousands of dollars.

Remember…a well informed consumer can save time and money with a little preparation.

Design Awards.

2007-01-18T11:06:00.000-05:00

“A feather in your cap after a long season of hard work.”
(quoted from a former boss… you know who you are)

Hello Readers

I am very proud to finally reveal that I was selected to be a judge for a National Design Award Contest. The “Art of Water” accepts submissions from Swimming Pool Installation Companies, Landscape Architects and all others involved in the industry. The 8 judges consisted of a variety of people, from the industry, and were really involved in each submission. We spent hours reviewing the submissions and gave each submission respect. When the Awards are revealed, I will post a link to the host page

The submissions are amazing. Some of the work from the West Coast is pushing the limits of concrete swimming pool construction. The level of quality in all the submission was great to see. Good work everyone, and I hope to work with you in the future.

Swimming Pool costs

2006-12-30T11:34:00.000-05:00

Installing a Swimming.

I see that everyone is looking for the cost of installing a swimming pool. Because of the vary of people for a variety of place around the world who have found this blog…I can not give one set of prices.

If you wish to contact me for my opinion please do so.
The cost will vary according to type of pool, location in the world, the installation

company, the property, the entire project and the pool options. The best way to compare pricing for the installation of a swimming pool is to know what you want before you call the contactors.

What you want! And what is in the Budget.

Find your lot survey or plot plan and take copies of it. Never use the original. Can’t find the survey than start a sketch on a piece of graph paper. In this blog you will find a section called “measuring your property” review it. Once you have an idea of the property size you will need to know the Municipalities setback requirements from the property line and house to the pool. Ok, the width of the property – the setbacks = the max. size of pool.

The most common in-ground pool size in North America is 16’ x 34’. Make sure the contractors provide you with the same size of pool. Some measure differently not to confuse but that’s how they do it.

Tips to have handy

Make a list of items which you would like to have and compare them to the standard package of each contractor.

Please be careful with estimates. Make sure you know what is included and what items are extra.

Get at least three quotations from the same caliper of contractor…very important to compare apples to apples.

Compare the estimates on a chart. When you are spending $10’s of thousands…well do I have to go any further with this.

And have a good time with it. Most of the contractors you will see are very hard working people.

One more thing. Never give more than 30% down payment and make the payment according to work completed. Most reputable contractors have the payment structure set on the contracts.

Last thing. You always get what you pay for….less means less.

Landscape Design Themes

2006-12-28T18:58:00.000-05:00

Garden Themes

Butterfly Garden:

Recently Butterfly Gardens have become very popular. The opening of the Butterfly Conservatory at Niagara Falls has increased interest in attracting these wonderful creatures to peoples back yards. The main emphasis is on selecting plant varieties which will act as Nectar and Larval sources for the butterflies.

Pro’s:

Wide variety of colourful plants to choose from, easy maintenance, loose free form design, incredible butterfly display provided free by nature.

Con’s:

The same flowers which attract the butterflies will also attract many other insects, such as bees, which for some people who have allergies, etc. may not wish to encourage near a pool area.

Japanese Garden:

The Japanese Garden style is usually very refined and naturalistic with an emphasis on stylized details. A very tranquil, peaceful or meditative design is the goal.

Pro’s:

Wonderful range of plants to choose from, such as the Japanese Maple family.

Con’s:

It can be difficult to fit the contemplative nature of a true Japanese Garden with the usually high level of activity associated with the average backyard swimming pool.

Colour Theme:

One of the best ways to provide continuity to your garden plan is to choose a colour theme. A succession of blooms of one colour can be very dramatic. A colour theme can also be applied through the choice of foliage colour.

Pro’s:

Unified design, a wide variety of colour themes are available to meet with most peoples colour preference.
Con’s: Some people may find a single colour theme to stark or boring.

Herb Garden:

Gardens can be more then just something good to look at, with an Herbal Garden theme, your garden can be used for culinary as well as visual appeal. Herbal gardens may also have a strong fragrance as well.

Pro’s:

Grow well on poor soils and full sun, provide an edible resource.
Con’s:

Many herbs require special soil conditions and some must be treated as annuals in northern climate.

Edible Garden:

An edible garden may provide you with a succession of fruits and vegetables. What could be better then snacking on a ripe strawberry or fresh tomato by the pool? Many of today's vegetables can be easily grown along side with your more typical garden plants and provide both a pleasing visual as well as gratifying gastronomic result.
Pros’: You can have your garden and eat it too!
Con’s: More maintenance, unconventional appearance.

Healing Garden:

A collection of plants which may have either medicinal properties or which are chosen for their healing effect on the humans senses visually and spiritually.
Pro’s: Garden is usable for more then just its’ appearance. Can be your own source for a wide variety of healing plants.

Scented Garden:

A variety of plants are chosen especially for their fragrance, which might come from a either the plants flowers or its leaves. Some plants release their fragrance in the evening as well, which lend themselves well to that late evening dip as well.

Shade/Woodland Garden:

Some sites in areas with large existing shade trees lend themselves well to the Shade Garden. A large variety of beautiful shade loving plants exist to meet most needs.
Con’s:

Only suited to sites with existing shade conditions. Woodland gardens similar to the Natural Garden take their cue from nature and continue with compatible and native species. Suited to shady, mature woodland areas.

Natural Garden

Draws on plants which you would find naturally occurring in your area. Taking into consideration what the local climate and soil conditions are one selects plants that grow well without the need for irrigation, fertilizer or pesticides. Can range from a native woodland to a prairie meadow depending on your site conditions.
Pro’s: Low maintenance, environmentally friendly.
Con’s: To some they may look ‘wild’ and unkept.

Prairie Garden:

Wildflowers and grasses dominate the Prairie Garden, generally suited to full sun sites. Informal look.
Pro’s: Require little water once established, wildlife value.

Formal Garden:

Geometric shaped planting areas, sculpture and trimmed formal hedges are just a few of the elements, well suited to Victorian/Roman shaped pools.
Con’s: usually higher maintenance.

The above are just a few theme suggestions, your garden need not conform to any one of the above. An informal blend of your favorite shrubs, perennials, and annuals can work equally well. A mix of themes can sometimes be possible depending on the size of the property, distinct ‘rooms’ may be created with their own themes. Many of the themes suggested overlap, for example some of the plants found in the Herb Garden are likely to also be found in the Scented Garden so the line can become blurred. The choice of a theme just helps us to focus on which plant varieties to choose and hence may simplify the selection process somewhat. Over riding any the themes will be your sites actual characteristics, things like sun, shade, soil, and grade, to mention just a few, have to be factored in as well.

Another consideration is your planting budget. A range of $15- $20 per square foot of planting area is another way estimating your budget.

Designed Landscapes

2006-12-28T18:44:00.000-05:00

Designed Landscapes Mission Statement.

Creating beautiful, functional, quantified Landscape Designs for Contractors and Home Owners.
For Contractors, Designed Landscapes can act as their in house Landscape Design.

For Home Owners, our designs act as a mediator by
Providing a design with measurements and quantity "take offs" for easy and/ or equal estimations.

Why select Design Landscapes to assist you?

Experience and Education
18 national design awards.
Over 20 years of landscape experience.
Hundreds of satisfied clients.

We need your referrals and will work hard for them.

We spend extra time on your project and In turn we need your help to find the next project. Please think of us as your personal assistant with your project. All questions are welcome. Be assured that your referrals will be treated with the utmost respect and professionalism…

Other Services.
Custom installations. Swimming Pools, Water Features, Landscape Lighting.
Project Management. We can act as the complete project manager.

Designed Landscapes.com

Toronto.416.840.4963. Barrie 705.812.2711.Calgary.403.668.6567
Central Office.65 Cedar Pointe Drive.,Unit 411 Barrie, ON L4N 9R3.
Central Fax. 705.725.8942.

Landscape design

2006-12-28T18:27:00.000-05:00

Landscape Design and Feng Shui

Wood

We start with the wood element since it is the beginning of new life. Just as spring brings new plants and new life, wood is the originator of the five elemental cycle. Many people mistakenly use wood furniture as a Feng Shui solution. The problem with wood furniture is that it is lifeless. To harness the qi (chi) of wood, it is essential you use live wood! A shrub or bushy plant is ideal since it emits live qi and is also an excellent method of retaining qi. Plants recycle the air we breath and can provide a natural filter for the air. A common Feng Shui problem is the staircase that empties into a doorway. A bushy plant can retain some of that qi, when it is placed either on the landing, or more ideally, at the bottom of the staircase. Remember that you want a live plant, so maintain it. A dead plant holds no qi and is actually a “Sha” (unsightly or bad influence).
Wood can be represented by the color green. We find that the colors are not nearly effective though as the actual element. When it comes to the wood element, there is rarely an occasion when you need to substitute the color for a living plant.
Wood represents the directions of East and the Zhen Trigram (3). It also represents the South East and the Xun Trigram (4).

Fire
The Fire Element is the most “Yang” of the elements. It is the hot summer or a blast of heat. In Feng Shui, we usually use a candle or the color of red. 168 Feng Shui Advisors recommends the color red more than a candle as we do not want our clients to risk the possibility of a house fire. Being that Fire is so yang, this is the one example where color does work well. If it is hot, it is even better. A red night light or a table lamp with a red shade make excellent Fire remedies.
Fire represents the South and the Li Trigram (9).

Earth
Earth is an interesting element despite the rather commonplace conception of dirt. Many times Earth is recommended for a larger environmental solution. In this case large granite boulders, or a beautiful clay statue can be used. Terracotta pots filled with potting soil make a great Earth remedy. Earth also represents the Mountain.
Earth tone colors can be used, but they are not nearly as effective as the actual element.
Earth represents the North East or the Gen Trigram (8). It also represents the South West or the Kun Trigram (2). Additionally, it represents the “Center” of the Master Trigram (5). Energetically speaking, Kun - Earth (2) and the center representation (also called a star) of “5″ can have negative influences, whereas the Gen Trigram (North East - 8 - also referred to as the Mountain) can have a very prosperous influence.

Metal
The most common solution, Metal can be found in all forms. Copper, Silver, Gold, and Bronze are a few variations of the Metal Element. Using the Metal Element can take on all sorts of creative ideas. A cast silver deer is one idea. A bronze plate hung on the wall is another. Even iron weightlifter plates can be utilized as a metal solution. Weightlifter plates? Yes, when done properly. This can be done by stacking a few, then placing a brass pot upside down on top and creating a pedestal for a small plant or a perhaps a metal statue. The quantity of the element is definitely there! The key thing to remember is that Feng Shui is about creating a beautiful environment. When utilizing the Metal Element, ensure that it is rounded and pleasing, not sharp and pointed. Metal is the most commonly used remedy for the negative Earth energies as mentioned above. Ideally, the goal is to introduce Feng Shui elemental solutions that are not identifiable as Feng Shui remedies. Feng Shui objects that are unsightly or easily identified as a “Feng Shui Cure” are not recommended. It should blend into the environment and be beautiful.
The colors of White, Silver, or Gold can be used.
Metal represents the Dui Trigram (7) in the West. Dui is a soft metal such as gold. It is also the Qian Trigram (6) in the North West. Qian is a hard metal like steel.

Water
Water is the what give life on our planet. Without it, we would not exist. Our bodies are mostly water. In Feng Shui, Water is a very useful element. Water, when needed, should be clear and flowing. Stagnant water can create more problems than it solves. A simple aquarium, or even a small “metal” fountain can be used. Do not use ceramic or other earthen fountains. This is a common mistake. The Earth element blocks water and neutralizes the positive effect of the Water. Outside, a metal trough, a fountain, or even a fish pond can act as an environmental solution.
Water has always been synonymous with power. Water has been used as an elemental solution by the emperors in the form of moats and by placing their palaces near bodies of Water. If you look at most capital cities today, they are either located near the water or have large lakes or rivers nearby. Most ocean-side and lake-side homes are sought after and usually more expensive.
Water can be represented by the colors blue or black.
Water represents the Kan Trigram (1) in the North.
To conclude, it must be said that you should not use any of these elements haphazardly. Ideally, a proper Feng Shui analysis should be performed by a qualified practitioner. Used incorrectly, the elements can cause harm to relationships, health, or money prosperity. When used correctly, they can strengthen relationships, health, and money.

Landscape Design Projects

2006-12-15T00:30:00.001-05:00

Our Recent Online Landscape Design Project. Oct - Nov.

1. The Par 3 Golf Course in Calgary, Alberta.
Project. To create a 9 hole, par 3 for a Provincial Park.
Budget. Over 4 mil.

2. The Estate Home. Uxbridge, Ontario.
Project. To create a complete Landscape Master Design.
Budget. 1/2 mil.

3. The Front Yard. Chilliwack, B,C.
Project. Full Front yard design for a home in Chilliwack, B.C.
Budget. 30,000. for complete project.

4. The French style new home in Toronto, York Mills.
Project. Complete Master Plan for a 4.3 million home at York Mills & Bayview.
Budget. 185,k for complete installation including pool.

Pictures will be added soon.

All Designs have be supplied to the clients via the Internet. Please visit our Online Landscape Design Office....Designed Landscape.

Landscape Master Plan

2006-12-14T16:55:00.000-05:00

Landscape Master Plan completed for a developer in Lagoon City. This property is a summer residence for the family. A good mix of new trees, shrubs and perennials make up the base of this design. It was a clean slate when I walked onto the property. I will post photos once the installation is completed

Swimming Pool product links

2006-12-13T15:50:00.000-05:00

A Small list of products for your information.

Hello,

Here are a few links for those looking for product information on Swimming pool accessories.

Salt water systems

Kafko Pool Kit Systems
pool kits & liners (pool shapes & sizes)

Swimming Pool Products

Other Links
http://www.pentairpool.com/index.htm
http://www.hinspergers.com/
http://jandy.com/
http://www.srsmith.com/

Landscape Designs for free

2006-12-11T19:12:00.000-05:00

A Selection of Landscape Designs for you at no charge.

Hello, and welcome to a selection of free landscape designs. These designs have been complied over 15 years. Please feel free to copy any of the ideas from the designs. They work well for the homes they were designed for.

I have received 18 national Design awards for my Landscape Design work over the years, including an award at a National Exhibition

Just click on images

More to be added shortly. I will improve the quality of these designs a.s.a.p. Please help me to continue to post more designs by visiting the advertisements on this page.
______________________________________________________

Thank you for reviewing the Landscape Design present above and visiting the advertisers....time for me to hold up my end of the deal. Thank you.

I will be posting another Free Landscape Design Posting soon. These design will have images and plant list.

Swimming Pools

2006-12-10T16:12:00.000-05:00

Selecting a swimming pool for your lot,

your budget and your Family.

When making the decision to install a swimming pool you have to ask a few questions.

What is the Budget for the swimming pool itself?
What type of swimming pool fits my lot? elevation changes?
Resale value of the home? Over spending only hurts you.

Vinyl Lined Swimming Pools.

An in ground vinyl lined pool, because of aesthetic, cost and usability due to weather, are the most popular swimming pools installed in Canada, and northern parts of the United States.
These swimming pools are constructed with wall structure of prefabricated steel or composite panels supported by braces. The pool bottom is formed by a cement mixture that gives a hard, smooth surface. The vinyl liner is held in place by a track coping around the pool perimeter. When the swimming pool is filled with water, the liner will self-adjust to contours of the pool.
These swimming pools and liners come is a vast array of shapes and sizes. The selection of liner patterns and colours help you create a customized swimming pool. The liners are usually updated yearly and can be changed with minimum cost and issues to update the swimming pool. Vinyl liners are well-known for an easy-to-maintain surface that will provide years of trouble free enjoyment.

Concrete Swimming Pools

The ability to create the most complex designs come with a concrete pool. From a guitar shape pool, for a professional musician, to a negative edge pool, this type of swimming pool is the most expensive. These pools are constructed entirely on site by first forming a network of steel reinforcing rods throughout the designed shape of the pool excavation. Concrete is then sprayed or poured in place to provide the extraordinary strength that these pools are known for.
Further to the customisation of your concrete swimming pool, the interior can be completed with custom glass or ceramic tile patterns, specially coloured plaster, durable paint or specially reinforced vinyl liners. The options you have in design and finish are endless when you consider a concrete pool.

Fiberglass Swimming Pools

Another option for an in ground swimming pool is a one piece Fiberglass swimming pool. These swimming pools arrive at your lot complete with a selection of inset tile work. These pools are popular for their ease of maintenance and simplicity of assembly. Although more limited in available size and shape, these pools can still be customized with a variety of colour, finish and engineering options and work well in all soil conditions.

Above Ground Swimming Pools
There are many reasons for the popularity of these. If budget are limited and your family whats to enjoy an inexpensive way to install a swimming pool, than an above ground pool is a great choice. Some of their key advantages include;· Ease of installation · No need for heavy equipment· Advantage of portability. A great selection of design choices. do-it-yourself kits.

Structures are made from steel, aluminum, composite plastics or pre-finished wood. Selection of liners colours and patterns are vast.

Soft Sided swimming Pools

The structure is designed to be fully self-supporting and as the water level rises, an inflatable or foam-filled collar keeps the walls up. Made from a special heavy-duty reinforced vinyl, these pools do not require a special structure to keep a liner in place and while larger versions may require some additional supports, the concept remains the same- maximum swimming time with minimal installation.

On ground swimming pools.

Made of heavy steel, aluminum or wood panels, on-ground swimming pools are specially designed for uneven ground. If you have a uneven lot and budgets are a concern, these pools offer a solution. The panels and braces are built strong enough to have some of the pool above the surface while other parts may be buried in the ground. For many homeowners, this is an ideal pool that gives the look of an in ground pool without the same costs. Decking choices abound as you can customize the look to whatever suits your needs. Some of these pools feature a built-in deck, stairs and fencing these pools making them ideal for yards with limited space. As with most other pools, you will have many options of liner colours, accessories and options.

Permits must be reviewed with your Municipality.

Landscaping adds value

2006-12-09T18:03:00.000-05:00

The value of Landscaping and Designs.

Curb Appeal Sells your home and Landscaping gives you the best return for your money

Before

After

A variety of studies reveal that landscaping can increase the value of residential and commercial property from five to as much as 20%. Landscaping, as a home improvement project, has a recovery value of 100-200% if it is well done and harmonizes with the nearby surrounding. This compares to a kitchen overhead of 75-125% or a bathroom redesign of 80-120%. Money Magazine.
Before

After

Researchers at Clemson University conducted a study of home sales and compared the results based on varying levels of landscape quality. Not only were type, size and condition of the plantings considered but also the overall design. Landscapers were rated "poor", "good", or "excellent". Well designed landscaped homes had faster sales because of first impressions... Research Group, Clemson University

A Survey revealed that 95 % of the appraisers responding to the survey believed that landscaping adds to the dollar value of residential real estate, while 99 % of them said it enhanced the sales appeal of residential real estate. Society of Real Estate Appraisers

Consumers Value a landscaped home up to 11.3 % higher than its base price... Research Group, Clemson University 2001

In 2001 homeowners spent $37.7 billion caring for their property, up from 22.5 fives years previously, The National Gardening Association.

This information collected for you.

Contractor selection

2006-12-09T12:24:00.000-05:00

Experience. How many years has the company been in business?

References. Not just letters, ask for phone numbers or visit a project or two.

Payment Schedule. Pay as the job prgresses not all at once.

Make sure you and your contract understand the complete job. Less means less.

Licensing. Review permits, company licences with your City where applicable.

Guarantees. Ask your references if the company stands by their contracts.

Work Changes. How does the company deal with unforeseen site changes?

Landcape Design Tips

2006-12-09T12:02:00.000-05:00

Tools Needed.

25’ hand held measuring tape
100’ tape for the property.
A simple, clip on line level, and string will help you with elevation changes.

TIPS

Make a couple of copies of your plot plan (survey) and use them to record measurements.
A clip board and good pencils will make all the difference in the recording of your measurements.

Help with the measuring
In order to produce a Landscape Design, proper measurements of your property are needed. The following steps will assist you with measuring you property for the design process.

1) Property Measurements

Use the copies of your survey (never use the original stamped copy) to make notes of all items on your property. You can also use a blank piece of paper and sketch your house and property lines in but this is more time consuming.

Sketch in items such as trees, sheds, driveways, walkways, existing gardens, utilities and other such items. When Measuring trees and shrubs make a note of the size of the tree canopy, the canopy is measured from the center of the tree to the outside trip of the branches.

The house features should also be drawn in on the plan, items such as doors and windows. Draw all of these items (in pencil) on one or two of the copies of the survey (plot Plan) or hand sketch. These items do not have to drawn in exactly but the measures should be as close as possible. Make note of the top and bottom of slopes.

Tip: The best way to measure trees is to pick a couple (corner of building) of zero points and triangulate from each point.

2) Elevation changes.

For yards with slopes and retaining walls.
To measure the slopes of your yard, use the sting line and the string line clip on level to estimate the slope. Secure one end of the string to the high point, on the ground, tied to the screwdriver and on one measures reference mark, i.e. the corner of the house or a tree. Pull the string towards the lower point on the lot. Make sure that these two points are measured and know. Make the string tight and clip the level on the string line. With a measuring tape in one hand and the sting in the other move the bubble in the level into the centre of the level and measure from the string to the ground. Make a note of that measurement and repeat this operation where necessary.

3) Taking Photos.

“A picture is worth a thousand words” so take a minimum of 15 photos for your records. Capture each outside wall of the house and all other structures. Make sure the items you measured are in the photos. i.e. doors, windows, utilities, steps and other items.

Walk the extent of the property line stopping in each corner and halfway point to take the photos of the property.

Now take photo of items of interest, i.e. retaining walls, patios, slopes, utilities and other items.

Landscape Design Start

2006-04-23T01:14:00.000-04:00

Here are a few items to check before starting your plan:
Information needed

Make copies of your survey or plat plan.
Inquire about municipal rules for certain specific installations.
Determine your hardiness zone.
Identify the prevailing wind direction.
Check sunlight exposure (at different times of day).
Find the north.
Have the soil analysed to determine its composition.
Are there undesirable vistas as opposed to vistas you would like to enhance?
Do your neighbours’ windows and balconies offer a view onto your yard?
Identify your needs.

Your Needs List.

Establishing your needs will allow you to take everyone’s tastes into account and fully profit from your environment.
What are you seeking from your outdoor landscaping?
What is the main purpose of the landscaping: relaxation, play, swimming, etc?
With proper planning and by following the ensuing points, it will be easy to prepare your own landscaping plan.

Drawing plans

Make a complete list of the structures and fixed elements such as paths, the shed, the swimming pool, as well as indicating their dimensions. Play around with their positions on the plan. Don't be satisfied with the first design; leave room for changes and for your imagination. Never forget, correcting a landscaping error is easier on paper than in the yard. Before drawing the lines of the planting beds, gather ideas from various magazines or horticultural manuals. You'll find numerous suggestions for shapes and dimensions.

Choosing your plants
When choosing your plants, it is important to respect the plants’ sunlight and maintenance requirements. If a parcel of your yard receives less than two hours of sunlight per day, you should use shade plants; on the other hand, if the parcel of the yard receives four to six hours, use semi-shade plants. If the sun is present for more than six hours, use sunlight plants.
Schedule
A successful landscaping project takes place over a few years. Divide the job into phases that will allow for changes throughout the project. Be aware of your financial capacities and the time you can afford to spend on the project. Establish a realistic schedule; this way, your landscaping won’t become a chore in lieu of a source of pleasure. For big jobs like paving, electricity and irrigation, get professional help. All jobs that require heavy machinery should be done first (swimming pool, parking, main entrance, pond).

With good planning and by following a few basic rules, it can be an easy and agreeable exercise.

Landscape Design Ideas

2006-04-23T00:25:00.000-04:00

Creating an Oasis
It takes more that just good taste to set the stage. The blooming of a plant is without a doubt its primary attraction and generally you want to consider two things:

when the plant comes into bloom and
the colour of its flowers.

Once you've got these points straight for a given plant, you can then set up a colour scheme and have a steady display of flowers all summer long.
Suggestions for Colours:

Strong contrasts create a dramatic effect (bright red with light yellow, pure white with dark blue, dark orange with blue);
A monochromatic theme makes for a softer display (pink in various tones and nuances);

A dominant colour with accents of its complementary colour makes for a colourful but harmonious display (cold shades: dominant blue or purple with complementary accents of yellow, warm shades, dominant red or crimson with complementary accents of blue);
Adding a bit of grey can tone down a contrast that is too strong or buffer two colours that don't mix well together.

Foliage for Colours and Textures:
Fine foliage lightens up a display (birch, honey locust);
Dense foliage makes for a fuller look (Norwegian maple, cedar);
Fanned-out foliage lets the light through to a shaded or semi-shaded area ('Drummondii' maple, 'Elegantissima' dogwood);
Foliage with contrasting colours attracts attention ('Crimson King', 'Golden Globe' cedar, 'Diabolo' ninebark);
Foliage with special autumn colours can make for a striking portrait (serviceberry, red maple, ginkgo).

The size
The size of a plant at maturity should be a factor in deciding where to put it in your overall picture. A large plant can eventually overwhelm its neighbours and prevent them from growing properly and it can also end up overpowering your yard and upset the balance. Choosing slow-growing species or species that stay small can be an option for the short or medium term.

The form.

The form of a plant describes the shape the plant will take on if left to grow naturally and is not pruned. If you are looking for a particular effect (umbrella) it's best to choose a tree that has that particular form naturally).

Plants adapted to their environment

Not too many people are born with a green thumb. It comes through observation and a basic understanding of what needs plants have. The primary characteristics of soil that affect the growth of plants are drainage and the pH (degree of acidity). In this Guide you will generally find descriptions of the prefered soil type for the different plants listed. Exposure to light refers to how much sunlight a given plant needs and this will vary:
full sun, 6 hours or more of direct sun per day;
partial-shade: 3 to 6 of filtered sunlight;
shade: 2 to 3 hours of filtered or direct sunlight. Having too little or too much sun can affect the growth of a plant and the quality of its blooms and can even kill certain species. How easy a plant is to care for depends on how tolerant it is to disease and pests, how fussy it is about soil type and nutrients and whether or not the plant requires regular pruning. Some plants are delicate and require special care while others can stand up to almost anything and require almost no care. Hardiness refers to a code attributed to a plant based on its capacity to thrive through winter. It is a useful tool to help you choose the right plant for your region of the country. (See the hardiness zone map in this Guide). However, bear in mind that the hardiness zone attribution of a given plant can be affected either up or down by extraneous conditions such as a microclimate, a wind, a heavy blanket of snow, etc.
The safest bet in choosing plants for an easy-care garden is to follow the criteria mentioned in our descriptions. However, there's nothing stopping you from trying out new and different species or a species considered risky in your garden. Sometimes they produce the most spectacular results.

Landscape Design around Pools

2006-04-23T00:19:00.000-04:00

When you have a swimming pool, no matter whether it is in-ground or above-ground, it'll be vacation time all summer long at your place! However, since a pool is a permanent fixture and since it tends to take up a lot of room, it is always in view, so this "garden accessory" has to be carefully integrated into your overall landscape.

Landscaping around a pool

When integrating a pool into your landscape picture you don't want to necessarily hide it, neither do you want to accentuate its presence. Keep in mind that the true stars of the scene are your plants. Vegetation around a pool is key to creating a sense of unity. Plants serve as the link between structural elements (house, pool, patio, walkways, etc.) and all the rest of your yard. They are ideal for softening the coldness of these structures and for creating a sense of warmth and welcoming.

Use plants to:

Create points of interest, flower beds, centres of attention and colourful group plantings that soften the dazzle of the blue water.

Break up the starkness of the concrete around an in-ground pool with plants, either in beds or in containers.

Do the same around the patio adjacent to the pool to create a natural link between the two structures.

Hang plants around the side of an above-ground pool or off the fence around an in-ground pool.

Hide the pool pump behind plants.

Give yourself some privacy and at the same time create a microclimate by planting a conifer hedge or by installing a trellis that you can cover with climbing plants.

What to plant:

Plants around a pool get lots of sun and soakings of chlorinated water which can burn the leaves and roots. You can protect them by spreading organic mulch (western bark or cocoa hulls) around their base. Also, succulent plants tend to be more resistant.
Plants suitable around a pool
If you love flowers around the pool, but not in the water, opt for low-growing annuals and perennials as opposed to trees and shrubs.

Plants suitable around a pool
Perennials and Annuals

Daylily, Begonia, Sedum, Thyme, Grasses.

Shrubs and Conifers
Winter creeper, Weeping mulberry, Wild rose, Juniper, Bearberry, Mugho pine, Cotoneaster Cedar.

There is one very important thing to be careful to when planning a garden around the swimming pool: don't let plants block your view from the windows of the house to the pool. You'll want to be able to keep an eye on the pool at all times, especially if there are children in the water.

Landscape Design Online

2006-04-22T23:56:00.000-04:00

The Virtual Landscape Design Office

Designed Landscapes was created to provide Online Landscape Designs and Landscape Concept plans to home owners and contractors around the world. Landscape Designs are created with assistance of the home owner or contractor via a simple, very interactive process.

How it Works.

Landscape Design clients provide a few pieces of information including their plot plan or survey, simple measurements and a theme direction to their Landscape Designer. The Landscape Designer assembles all of this information, and uses Global Information System Data (GIS), which is detailed satellite information, to create a preliminary Landscape Design (hand sketch). This Landscape Design is sent to you for your review and comment. These comments are noted and changes are made to your Landscape Design. Your Landscape Designer will then begin inputting all of the information in a Computer Assisted Design Program (CAD). Your Landscape Designer will send this Landscape Design, in a PDF format, to you for further review and comment. With this stage of the review process complete, your Landscape Designer will prepare your final copy of your Landscape Design including Quantity take offs. The Quanity take off provide you with the amounts of materials for your Landscape Design project. A few examples are; square footage of concrete, flagstone and even soil for the garden beds.

Congratulations… you have just saved hundreds even thousands of dollars by having a simple yet professional design created for estimation and construction purposes. Control of the project is now in your hands.