Evolution of a drawing- Here are images from our sketch process from rough to refined. We started with our plan view drawing to come up with an attractive refined perspective to help communicate the idea and project! When drawing, start fast, be loose and get tighter as you go. It’s a layered process so trace paper is perfect. The next step is having our knowledgeable and experienced installation crew bring it from paper to reality!
his landscape design has been developed to help with a back yard renovation of a homesite on Madison’s bustling east side. Please note the following features of this site, budget, and client specific landscape plan: Existing vegetation deemed healthy and non-invasive was saved and integrated into the design. We added a rain garden to help capture at least ¼ of the roofs runoff – that’s a sizable amount given the extent of roof (and proximity to the Madison lakes). Since we’ll be using tracked equipment in the back yard we are changing out the traditional Kentucky bluegrass lawn with the no-mow fescue lawngrass. This grass needs mowed once or twice a year, but otherwise it’s fine textured, elegant, lays on itself and helps keeps weeds out (once established). Oh and it needs less water! There is a focus on showy native pollinator plants to use in the designed enhancement perennial zones. We utilized a flowering native tree (serviceberry) in the back corner to provide depth, focal interest, and to screen the adjacent utility pole. Decorative fence panels (likely make of cedar) are proposed to help enclose the back yard a bit and screen some unsightly views. New native shrubs help fill some of the excessive perennial bed space as well as aim to help provide some enclosure and definition. Well placed stepping stones provide access to the gardens for maintenance as well as visually they provide depth, interest, and also help permanently fill bed space without maintenance. Remember a solid plan on the front end helps develop a phasing plan (to install) and also helps provide a budget at the outset to work with.
With the school year now over, it is a great time to introduce your children to the idea of helping with summer landscaping. Getting your children outdoors to participate in yard work can be both fun and educational! Plant native plants! Native plants come in a variety of shapes, scents, and beautiful colors which can be very stimulating for children to see as they bloom. They are also very hearty plants and require minimal maintenance, so they are not demanding on a family’s busy summer schedule.
If you are searching for a new landscape contractor, designer or landscape architect in the Madison, Wisconsin area and you prefer value with high quality craftsmanship, the following are some important qualities to look for in a landscape company: Good listener – Landscape contractors should take notes and ask good questions. Timely and dependable – Not just the first time, but every time! First free meeting – Is the landscape company willing to visit to learn more about your project? References available – This a great way to check on levels of client satisfaction and professionalism. Good/extended warranties – None are no good, so make sure you’re receiving at least the industry average. Examples of past work – A hard copy or online portfolio with project photos and a description is critical. Detailed contracts – Clear expectations start with a concise and complete agreement- Don’t be afraid to ask for more 😉
Here’s a new front yard design for one of our best clients. As you review the design please note the following: As you face the house, the right and back side landscaping was completed by us in 2007. The existing landscape is artful and somewhat abstract & modern to fit the unique architecture of the house. The house was remodeled by Associated Housewrights, one of our companion businesses, in 2006/2007 as well. Here’s a photo of the back yard –
Check our formecology’s new design for a small, urban outdoor space set between two buildings. The focus for this landscape design included the following goals: Expand & connect the outdoors with the interior space. Provide an outdoor environment that is relaxing, restorative and useful. Provide plant and hardscape materials that are hardy, durable and sustainable. Our stepping stone path will be constructed using recycled concrete pieces. Most perennial and shrub species are WI natives and will do very well in the local moisture and light patterns within the space. Other features include a cedar trellis (using scrap wood) to help screen/soften harsh architecture and wood/metal benches fashioned by a local artisan will provide seating and add more greenery and softening to the space and architecture. Native honeysuckle vine or roses will grow up the trellis & add to the ‘living wall’ idea. Overhead café lighting can be a simple and efficient way to light and add a warm ambiance to the space. A focus on connections pushed us to utilize colors & textures from the interior building space in the out of doors. Also a strong visual focus from inside looking out the door helped us see a strong linkage & potential location a focal feature in the space too. Wall art or other hanging piece will work very well here 🙂 If you have any questions or comments don’t hesitate to post a reply!!
Landscape architects will join across the country during the month of April to promote the landscape architect profession, especially to children and young adults. From residential design to community parks, there’s a field out there for any ambitious student.
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