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Using Your Home as a Powerful Hub

March 17, 2014

The hub is not only an important part of your landscape’s master plan, but it’s also instrumental in creating a visual connection between your home and your surrounding property. As mentioned in the previous post, the hub is where activity originates on your land. This focal point is typically the home in most cases.

With the home as the hub, you’ll want to be intentional about the design of your landscape on and around it. The first way to establish the home as the hub is to invest in the design of your approach and arrival sequence, which is where guests get the first glimpse of your home. Next, you’ll want to focus on hub identity and architectural composure, vistas and captured views.

Making a home appear, well, at home in the landscape can be difficult given challenges that are often present with the topography, as well as environmental issues. However, landscaping solutions can make the most of these problems by creating balance and restoring order. Adding retaining walls to level out a sloped site, for example, is just one of the many tactics that can be used to create a more balanced look.

Here are some additional considerations for understanding the anatomy of the hub:

When it comes to hub identity, is the hub approached from the side or straight on? While straight-on is a more formal layout, it can present challenges on an uneven site.
Is the ground level across the front of the building or does it slope to the side? Sloping land requires retaining walls to make a flat area at the base of the house so that plantings don’t angle downhill.
Does high or low ground around the house cause drainage problems? Solutions for drainage problems are not always attractive, so if you have them, you may want to consult a landscape designer for a more aesthetically pleasing fix.

An example of using your home as a powerful hub can be seen in this house, designed by Norman Askins of Atlanta. It sits firmly on flat land and is enhanced by the simple curve of the drive and cherry trees. Foundation plantings are minimized to emphasize the sweep of house and lawn.

Atlanta landscape architect — Home Designed by Norman Askins of Atlanta
Photo via Timeless Landscape Design

Check out our previous post on the Dargan Landscape Architects’ four-part master plan for designing timeless landscapes to learn more about establishing a timeless landscape. You can also order a copy of Mary Palmer’s book “Timeless Landscape Design” to read more in-depth information about using your home as a powerful hub in your landscape.

The Hub: Building the Visual Connection

March 14, 2014

As mentioned in previous posts, our four-part master plan is the foundation we use for creating timeless landscapes. The four components of the master plan include the approach and arrival sequence; the hub; the perimeter; and passages to destinations. When each part is thoughtfully approached, a memorable landscape is the end result.

Last month, we placed our attention on the approach and arrival sequence, and now we’re turning our focus to the hub portion of the four-part master plan of landscape design. Focusing on the hub helps build the visual connection in your landscape design. The hub is the main feature of your property, usually your home, as well as where the most activity originates. It is also one of the first things you notice when you approach your property.

Atlanta landscape architects — Dargan Landscape Architects

Optimizing the hub involves strengthening the connection between your home and its surrounding landscape, making the transition appear seamless. There are two major elements to consider when creating the perfect fit: hub identity and architectural composure and vistas and captured views. Hub identity and architectural composure addresses the environment and topography of the site, as well as the architectural style, size and mass of the house.

Hub identity involves the placement of the house on the site and how it’s situated on your property. Architectural composure refers to the style and size of the home, which is related to its placement on the site. Both of these factors should be considered when selecting plantings, trees, flowers, hardscapes and other landscaping elements for your home and property. For example, large scale plantings should be selected for grand homes.

Vistas and captured views also should be created and improved in your landscape. Vistas are scenic or panoramic views seen through a long, narrow opening between trees or buildings. Captured views refer to how your landscape looks from the windows and doors of your home. This can help build the connection between indoors and outdoors.

We’ll delve into the topics of hub identity and architectural composure and vistas and captured views later this month, so stay tuned for more information. You can also order Mary Palmer’s book “Timeless Landscape Design” for more information about building the visual connection in your landscape and the role of the hub in the four-part master plan.

If you’re ready to speak with a landscape architect about creating a four-part master plan for your own landscape, contact Dargan Landscape Architects.

Light it Up: Landscape Lighting Ideas

March 4, 2014

Spring is right around the corner, and now is the time to get your landscapes and gardens ready not only for a new growing season, but for the best time of the year. The right landscape lighting lets you enjoy your yard even after the sun has set. Imagine being able to dine al fresco and entertain in your backyard amidst a beautiful garden backdrop or simply to peer out your window to find the most stunning aspects of your landscape lit up.

Landscape lighting that illuminates entrances, driveways, garages, steps and pathways adds security and safety to homes for optimum convenience and peace of mind. At the same time, this lighting can also add subtle style to increase the perceived value and curb appeal of your home.

Atlanta landscape design — Source: The Landscape Lighting Specialist via Houzz

Porches, decks, patios and other outdoor living areas require proper lighting in order to get the most out of these spaces during spring, summer and fall evenings.

landscape lighting design ideas — Source: Casa Smith Designs, LLC via Houzz

A professional design that has a balance of task lighting and ambient lighting makes grilling, serving and dining areas not only functional, but also gorgeous and comfortable.

landscape lighting tips — Source: Urban Landscape via Houzz

Landscaping lighting can also be thoughtfully designed as focal points to highlight the most striking elements of a garden or yard. Trees, fountains, pools and other architectural features, for example, can be turned into aesthetically pleasing centerpieces at night.

Lighting techniques like uplighting, downlighting and directional lighting, can add drama and style to landscape designs. These techniques can also become an extension of your home’s character and beauty after dark. Seasonal color can even be accentuated and enjoyed at night with the right lighting.

Dargan Landscape Architects can help you achieve a landscape that radiates with personality and character both day and night. From landscape lighting to outdoor living design, our team of landscape architects is ready to help you turn your yard into a work of art that lets both you and nature speak. Contact us online or call directly to schedule a consultation.

Landscape Design Inspiration from England

February 28, 2014

Creating a landscape that expresses your point of view doesn’t have to mean reinventing the wheel. Look no further than the historical treasures of the English countryside for inspiration when planning your green space. You’ll find that these lush remnants of yesteryear hearken back to a time when life was wonderfully slower. Incorporating these timeless classics into your landscape design lends a whimsical element to your own unique perspective. Get your creative juices flowing through this virtual journey to three of England’s most breathtaking gardens, located at Barnsley House, Buscot Park and Iford Manor.

Barnsley House
The gardens at Barnsley House of Gloucestershire were designed with approachability, rather than overstated opulence, in mind. Award-winning gardener Rosemary Verey completely transformed the garden into the beauty it is today in the 1950s and went on to mentor future generations of gardeners. Trademarks of the garden include an ornamental fruit and vegetable garden, Laburnum Walk, intimate winding paths and statues by Simon Verity. The love and expertise Rosemary invested into bringing the very best out of this natural space has been appreciated by many over the decades, including the Prince of Wales. Rosemary’s use of visual illusion and color combination is a must-see in this landscape.

Buscot Park
In the heart of Oxfordshire is Buscot Park and the gardens that introduce us to this 18th-century estate. Where Barnsley House soothes, Buscot Park excites. Between the beautifully-preserved frescoes, inviting walkways and one-of-a-kind gardens, the genius of this masterpiece is evident in every cardinal direction. The eastern property features the Peto Water Garden, one of the most-admired water gardens in the United Kingdom, with its formal Italianate style and attractive stair and canal structures. To the west is the Four Seasons garden in full bloom with lilies, bulbs and flowering trees, according to the time of year. The south end is intact with mature woodlands that help border the estate, and the north boasts views of Little Lake and the Thames plain. Sir Harold Peto, the artistic mind behind the grounds, provided excellent examples of retaining walls and created seamless divisions of gardens within gardens.

historic sources of landscape design inspiration — A garden room at Buscot Park.
Photo from Timeless Landscape Design

Iford Manor
Sir Harold Peto, Master Gardener of Buscot Park, also expressed his artistry surrounding Iford Manor Estate, his own home in Wiltshire. The grounds are literally set on a pedestal, poetically situated atop a hillside overlooking the Frome River. The pastoral setting, sculptures and terrace design give the gardens an ambiance of sweeping romance. Peto was a lover of historical landscape elements himself, made clear by his use of Roman columns and Italianate and French design. Notice especially the skill with which he incorporated plants into stone to create the look of steps that have always existed — one of the many gardening feats for which he is famous.

landscape design inspiration from England — Iford Manor
Photo from Timeless Landscape Design

Ready to add some historical context to your modern landscape? Contact us at Dargan Landscape Architects so we can help you incorporate timeless elements into your design. Who wouldn’t want another reason to stop and smell the roses?

Dargan Landscape Architects Shares Tips for Four Season Gardens and Lessons from the Field

February 27, 2014

If you haven’t registered to receive Dargan Landscape Architects’ Landscape Your Life ezine, you’re missing out on some great information! Our ezines are filled with great landscape design inspiration and tips, videos from the field, our latest events and appearances and more. Here’s a look at what we shared in our latest ezine!

Tips for a Four Season Garden
Much like woodland creatures, we tend to let our gardens hibernate in the winter and early spring. However, gardens are meant to entertain us all year long! At the 1^st Camellia & Garden Symposium a few weeks ago, Mary Palmer and Hugh gave the keynote lecture sharing planting design ideas, camellia underplantings, edgings and two case studies, as well as how camellias can be used to enhance our landscapes all year long for a true four season garden.

Lessons From the Field
In another video, we show how Mary Palmer and Hugh tag teamed to transform what was best described as a “Sticky Widget” of a landscape into a lush, gorgeous landscape. With our clients’ vision in place, Hugh began work on the bare bones of the landscape, while Mary Palmer later added the embellishments to the family home landscape.

Fertile Thoughts?
With spring right around the corner, there’s no better time to make plans to turn your landscape design dreams into a reality. Think about where your landscape and home environment are now and where you’d like for it to be this year, and then contact us online or at 404-231-3889 for a free worksheet and a complementary garden design consultation.

For more landscape design tips, ideas and information, be sure to check out our blog. Also, register your email address with Landscape Your Life to receive our ezines, as well as free worksheets and webinars covering a variety of topics to help you create a healthy and vibrant landscape you and your family can enjoy!

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