As a landscape designer, we are often called on to design grand master plans encompassing the totality of hard scape, soft scape, lighting and irrigation covering an expansive property. Working with a large pallet is ofter liberating and while challenging, is not as difficult as working on a project that encompasses smaller spaces.

The economic reality we find ourselves in today, leads me to consider the unique challenges associated with these smaller and often, more detailed design opportunities.

Personally, I find that designing in these more intimate spaces is particularly challenging, where every minute detail takes on added importance and has a direct influence on the overall ambiance created. While challenging, they can and ofter are extremely rewarding because of the intensity of the results reflected in the design aesthetic. Details seem to be more immediate and the causal connection between space and time amplified and in most instances, heightening the emotional impact not always possible on a more expansive design.

 Generally, working in small spaces requires a different perspective when looking at elements in the garden from hardscape, plants, water and a lot more. Causality become more intimate and this requires a different mindset from the outset of the design process. Understanding how spaces are organized, and achieving ideas where small spaces can be set up bringing surprise to intimate settings should be an overall objective. Organization, proportion and a special focus on thinking small are useful tools to drive designing in these situations.

While there is a similar design methodology and sense of discipline that applies to all design, both small and large, it does take a different focus and application to think small.

With the arrival of spring, this week brings back the memories of my beloved Airedale Rex, who left us this time last year after a long and rewarding life as our Family dog.

Of course, he was a lot more than just a dog, and over the years he became a trusted friend, walking partner, family companion and gardening buddy. We spent many a day in the garden here in Massachusetts and also up in Vermont, where he loved the winter as much as he did the spring and summer down here in Massachusetts.

The season of spring is of course associated with renewal, and being outdoors made me reflect on my special times with my friend as I prepared bringing back the garden from the dreary days of winter to the vibrant days of spring and summer. Memories of days past and those anew with fresh ideas for the body and soul abound and I am already planning on introducing Ziggy(see picture), our new canine family member to the long hours ahead as we plan and plant the garden this season.

It is a good time to reflect on memories past and “dig up” some innovative projects to augment your garden at home. Renew your inspiration and plant something special this season and dispel the notion that spring is only for the dogs.

With the recent weekend deluge in the Northeastern USA, I was forced to will the rains to abate and finally, they have after four days of non-stop rains.

This made me focus on the topic of rain and the impact of managing water sustainability in gardens and how we design landscapes today. Just about one percent of all the water on our planet exists as fresh water suitable for human consumption. Of that, about a quarter to half of that is used for irrigation, which is why it is so important for design professionals to carefully consider viable options that minimise use of potable water to maintain the landscapes they design.

We live in a time where droughts seems to be more prevalent and when the rains do come, they seems to be more damaging and sustaining. This begs the question to be more proactive as homeowners to establish environments that capture this excess water. In so doing, we can use this stored rainwater in concert with piped irrigation and diverting the flow to storage lessens the impact on the public drainage systems and alleviates localised flooding on your property.

We need to be sensitive to the concept of “bioretention”, which uses plant materials to retard and capture water, which forces us to think differently about surface flows and the designs we create. In fact, rain gardens can and often do incorporate beautiful designs that are functional and inviting. With the increase in environmental concerns, we need to more proactive in our embracing of this concept and better utilise these elements of nature and instead of willing the rains away, say “let it rain”.

After the winter doldrums, it is a welcome sign to wake up to warmer temperatures, sun shining, snow melting and birds singing- Happy Spring!

With the season of renewal rapidly approaching, I would like to add to the excitement of the season by focusing not on the usual rituals associated with spring gardening activities, but to look at the culinary culture associated with warmer climes coming, specifically the art of outdoor dining.

Over the last number of years, the concept of the outdoor kitchen has moved from the “somewhat unusual and exotic” to the “must have” status on almost every upscale residential design.

To really understand how to artfully design these outdoor kitchens, I think it is imperative to first and foremost master and understand the cultural nuances of the art of barbeque and outdoor dining and cooking forms. No-one can deny the necessity and utility of a design professional needing to master proficiency in art and architectural history to carefully evaluate sites, home architecture and clients personal persuasions when designing an outdoor landscape. Likewise, to artfully design that perfect outdoor kitchen, I think that we as design professionals need to be well informed on the latest culinary trends of barbeque and other outdoor dining options.

The days of hibatchis and kettle drum barbeques have given way to more evolved options, with outdoor grills offering charcoal, gas, infa red, ceramic, smokers and wood burning options, to name a few. Most new grills also have the option of being built in with additional outdoor appliances like side burners, pizza ovens, refrigerators, ice makers, sinks with water and even dishwashers.

It therefore becomes critical for us to better understand how the proposed outdoor kitchen space will be utilized and knowing a thing or two about the epicurian trends associated with outdoor dining can only enhance the design results and better enhance the experience associated with this popular trend in entertaining.

To all I wish you a great spring, a time of renewal and a bon appetit!

These challenging economic times, call for a greater sensitivity relating to the spending habits of clients willing to embark on a new landscape design. Now is the time, even more than before, to positively reinforce the tangible benefits you offer your clients as part of your professional services. With clients spending more carefully, a more artfully refined approach needs to be part of your selling arsenal.

This is not necessarily bad news for the design professional. Creative design can and must offer a suite of benefits- economic as well. Good design acts in concert with nature and not against it, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Harmony and equilibrium with the natural environment allow for a broad pallet of plant types in optimum growing conditions, reducing the risk of damage due to climate extremes and also pest disease. We all know the benefits of a diverse landscape. Let’s tout these advantages to the clients- we discourage pests by limiting their food source and in so doing provide a natural habitat for control and co-existance, leading to a balanced and diverse eco-system that is partially self sufficient.

When making the right plant selection( for light, soil moisture and prevailing wind conditions) and proper placement thereof,  this will increase the likelihood of healthy growth and reduce the need for additives like water, plant nutrients, fertilizers and pesticides, resulting in lower costs and enhancing the sustainability. A well designed landscape is one that uses water intelligently and efficiently. Plant groupings with similar moisture needs, some that need little or no added moisture and a properly designed drip irrigation system will lower the costs and increase the efficiency yields with better drainage and less erosion, both good for the environment.

We can also lower energy consumption costs with an intelligent landscape design. How you ask? Careful placement of trees reducing summer sun and enhancing cooling efficiencies, screening air conditioner units with shrubs and effective windbreaks are all techniques that are designed to lower energy consumption.

Educating the client about these choices is a critical element to helping them make calculated and informed long term financial decisions that are also good for the environment. With attitudes shifting, it is easier to talk about these cost saving choices without compromising on the aesthetic outcome. A recent survey showed that when looking at the yard of the future, thirty eight percent of respondents answered that they wanted one that was self maintaining, while twent six percent said they wanted one that is a self sufficient eco-system. This was not as you might think, a survey conducted in Europe. It was done here in the good  old U.S.A!

Use these resources to your advantage and ultimately to the advantage of your client in creating an innovative and aesthetically pleasing landscape design that is economically and environmentally self sufficient. That way, both the environment and your clients wallet will be the big winners!

As landscape designers, whether or not we admit to it, we do create emotional responses from our clients.

In a sense, we are constantly stimulating emotional responses from our clients as we meander through a myriad of options, ultimately arriving at  a place and time that is satisafying to all - form and function, environmental and economic. When we succeed, we manage to tap into our clients emotional experiences and transport them along with the design and when we fail, somehow we have not created that emotional bridge that is a conduit between the clients past and present and where they want to be in the future.

The first thing I do when meeting with clients, is to get a sense of the things that are important to them- aesthetic as well as non-aesthetic. This begins with a casual exploration of design elements that have  positively  influenced choices they have made from early childhood through the adult years. Art, furniture, music and yes, even the cars they drive can and do tell you a lot about stylistic preferences. There were certainly elements from my childhood years growing up in South Africa that evoked strong emotions in me- the smell of the land after a hard rainstorm, the lashing winds off the sea and the sea swept beaches, beautiful vegetation and animals- all of which I still experience to this day even-though I have not lived there for 28 plus years. As designers, we need to be intuitive and try and take advantage of our clients emotional memories from childhood through the adult years and create design elements that emphasise these positively.

It is true that we have to design with our eyes, but I advocate that in addition, designing from the soul of the heart will unveil a unique connection between you and your client and result in a collaborative landscape design that is an overwhelming success!

Early on in my career I learnt that you cannot teach passion.

You either have it or you don’t.

While it may not guarantee success in business, the odds of success increase dramatically when you sincerely believe in what you are doing. Passion is fairly easy to convey when it is genuine and heartfelt; just as when it is not, most people will understand your true sentiments, sooner or later.

Firms that emerge from this economic downturn in solid shape will no doubt have tapped into the passions of their associates, partners and ultimately their clients. This business, like all for that matter, drives its everyday cash-flow with basic, everyday concepts- listening to the needs of clients and offering creative, innovative and functional landscape designs that conform to  budget parameters identified by the clients. Now is the time to strive to reach new heights with inventive and creative marketing ideas and affordable options when it comes to implementation, albeit in a toned down iteration.

We offer the clients- our consumers- a unique opportunity to indulge their personal passions, be they for relaxing, entertaining, eating and imbibing. An opportunity to divert the everyday stresses, kick back, unwind and enjoy with all the senses of their collective being. Most of the time, passion can trump price as well. Small, incrimental improvements can and do make a difference. Perhaps not the master plan, but phase one. That’s okay as well.

Appealing to the passions of our clients requires an equally compelling and passionate approach by us,  the landscape professionals. Perhaps it is true that we cannot teach passion. What we need to do is encourage our colleagues to learn about  what stirs the passion in others. In our profession, there has never been a more important time to unleash that passion.

Try it- and watch it make a difference!

This past week, I was lucky enough to spend some time with my wife visiting her sister in London. The weather was glorious and we took a number of beautiful walks in and around Hampstead Heath, a national and natural treasure right in the heart of London’s densely populated  suburbs. It is the largest ancient parkland in London, covering an astonishing 790 acres and is rambling and hilly, embracing ponds, woodlands, ancient and recent and at one of London’s highest points, offering a fantastic and protected view of the city of London from the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the City along with Saint Paul’s Cathedral and other notable landmarks, all in one view!

Besides offering magnificent horticultural exhibits, the heath includes multiple recreational activities from swimming year round to walking, running, tennis, picnicing and cycling. Culturally, it was a favorite setting for cloudscapes by John Constable, who lived nearby as well as inspiration for John Keats poem “ode to a Nightingale” and CS Lewis who was inspired to write the famous novel, “the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.

One cannot help but be inspired by the beauty of the place, bustling with the multi- cultural diversity that is London, or any large city today. The parallels of this human diversity were matched equally with the bursting diversity of the flora and forna living in the heart of this national treasure.

Nature and it’s blessings have so much to offer us and indeed so much to respect. As we approach summer, I urge you all to go out and be inspired by the elements of nature around us- take a walk with love ones, smell the roses and create a slice of the simple nature in your own back yard!

As As consumers, we today find ourselves drowning in a sea of green marketing. Products and services are claiming the high ground as being “eco-friendly”, “all natural” and “environmentally sound”. While some, no doubt are deserving of these labels, others it must be said, are feeble attempts to jump on this green bandwagon and are trying to coerce consumers into making decisions based on unsubstantiated marketing hype, unchecked with a dose of reality.

While marketers and vendors have a moral responsibility to help consumers understand which products truly promote sound environmental sustainability, it is ultimately the savvy consumer and their wallets that will most influence truly green from “wanabee” green products.

This made me think of challenging homeowners to  take a green inventory of their current landscaping. To do this, begin with an evaluation of the existing as is condition of the landscaping tree, shrub and plant materials, the hardscape materials, irrigation and lighting systems. Specifically, look at their age since installed, their overall condition, water and electrical consumption and costs to maintain. Also look at the fertilizers that are used on your property lawns, trees and shrubs. Like our bodies, age has a direct correlative effect on the sustainability and maintenance costs to keep existing landscaping as is in place.

Many new products available today in the landscaping arena can, and do justly tout the green label, and when incorporated in fresh and innovative landscape design plans, will  save money and enhance the environment at  the same time.

I therefore, challenge you to take the test and see how easy it is to be green with your landscaping. It all starts with an aesthetic and environmentally sensitive design created by a design professional who is trained to get the most out of less and in the process transform the way you enjoy your outdoor spaces, while at the same time having a property that won’t be the only thing that’s green- your friends and neighbors will be green with envy!

What do Companies and homeowners have in common in today’s economy?

They are frozen and afraid to make any move forward with a commitment, that’s what. For me, this is the makings of a failed strategy.

While common sense and prudence might well dictate that controlling spending is wise, companies that freeze spending will find that their awareness, goodwill and credibility will rapidly evaporate, and when this happens, demand dwindles precariously. Responsible leadership demands the creation and implementation of rational plans that are cohesive and get results, while at the same time, keeping the company and its business relevant. The best companies do expend time, money and other resources prudently, even in the most challenging times.

I would advocate that the same attitude should hold true for homeowners who have the ability to move forward with garden improvement plans this season. While the climate may not be ideal, it certainly is the right season to implement a rational landscape design plan that can be undertaken in phases, according to timing and budget considerations. Just like a business needing to keep itself and it’s offering relevant, so to do homeowners need to engage in the upkeep of their most important investment- their home.

Become a smart homeowner and spend money and other resources judiciously, even in these hard times. Be a smart homeowner and take advantage if you can!