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Genius Loci: Spirit of Place

Part of what makes landscapes unique is the “genius loci”, a Latin phrase we use in landscape design meaning “spirit of place.” Identifying or describing the genius loci of your property is essential to creating a timeless landscape that best suits you.

The concept of genius loci dates back to 18th century England, when it was first described by poet, classical scholar and gardener Alexander Pope. In a place and time when it was most fashionable to recreate French and Italian gardens, Pope advocated for a landscape style that considered the inherent qualities of a place first and foremost. In other words, let nature be your guide.

The easiest way to understand genius loci is to tap into your senses. Touch, taste, smell, sight and sound all contribute to spirit of place. Considering these aspects should help with more concrete parts of the decision-making process involved in any landscaping project such as Dargan Landscape Architect’s Four-Part Master Plan.

To identify your genius loci, observe your land and the surrounding area and what is naturally occurring there. Here are some things to consider:

  • What is the local topography?
  • What kinds of plants are already growing and doing well?
  • What are the prominent natural features–a creek, pasture, etc.?
  • What are some of the naturally occurring raw materials and color palettes?
  • What kinds of rock, stone and earth abound?
  • What kind of wildlife inhabit the area?
  • Are there any subtle sounds or smells?
  • How does the sunlight hit your property throughout the day?
  • What is your home’s architectural scale and style?
  • What building materials are used on the house?
  • What are the house colors, forms and textures?
  • What is the neighborhood like, and are there any vernacular building styles?
  • Does the neighborhood have lots of trees, hills, or other features?
  • Are the houses modern or traditional?
  • Are there straight or winding streets?

spirit of place in landscape design

For more information about the concept of genius loci, order a copy of Mary Palmer’s book “Timeless Landscape Design.”

Contact Dargan Landscape Architects for help identifying your genius loci and incorporating it into your landscape master plan.

The Dargan Landscape Design Process – Part 2

Recently, we began a discussion on the landscape design process that we follow here at Dargan Landscape Architects. Our landscape design process consists of 12 steps that are intended to help homeowners achieve a beautiful landscape through meticulous planning. Our previous discussion covered the first six steps in the process, which include making a survey; developing a base plan; taking an inventory of the site; analyzing the site; developing a program wish list; and creating a functional diagram. Let’s continue the discussion today with a look at the final six steps of our landscape design process.

7. Develop a concept diagram. The concept diagram plays off of the functional diagram, putting more details and ideas into the vision for your landscape design.

8. Sketch alternative plans. You may discover through creating your diagrams that some ideas you had hoped for your new landscape won’t be ideal based on site conditions, space and other factors. A sketch of alternative plans gives you a “plan B” to fall back on.

9. Verify field conditions. Verifying your field conditions is a way to test your landscape design on the site before your plan and drawings are finalized. This can be done by taking measurements of the space you’re working in and marking it accordingly. By verifying the field conditions you’ll avoid costly construction mistakes.

10. Create a master landscape plan. The master plan shows the locations of the project and boundaries of the area to be designed. It also includes features to be built like walkways, buildings and other structures, as well as flower beds, focal points and more. Your master plan should include the approach and arrival sequence, hub, perimeter and passages to destinations.

master plan

11. Make implementation drawings. Making implementation drawings is one of the final parts of the landscape design process. These final drawings will guide the contractors and designers that will build and install your new landscape. 

12. Get it built! Now it’s time to get started on your property’s new look. Once you’ve signed an agreement with your contractor and set the date, construction can begin.

For more information on our landscape design process, purchase a copy of Mary Palmer Dargan’s book, Timeless Landscape Design. If you would like to discuss a master plan or a tune-up for your property, contact Dargan Landscape Architects for more information.

Register Now for the February Sprout-to-Grow Landscape Design Workshop

Spring is just around the corner, and what better way to get ready for spring gardening than by brushing up on your landscape design knowledge? Dargan Landscape Architects is offering a virtual landscape design workshop starting in mid-February 2014 that you don’t want to miss.

sprouttogrow_150

The Sprout-to-Grow virtual workshop kicks off with a one-day intensive lead by landscaping expert Mary Palmer Dargan, owner of Dargan Landscape Architects. Mary Palmer will help you rediscover your home PLACE (Potentials Layers Agenda Create Enjoy) and take the first step toward a revitalized landscape and lifestyle. Get one-on-one landscape design advice and ask all your questions to help plan your dream outdoor oasis.

Students of the virtual course will use Pinterest to create an online inspiration board for their landscape and home. When your inspiration board is complete, you’ll be able to share it with your family and friends and add to it in the future. It also makes a great resource to share with your contractor when you’re ready to begin work on your landscape. You will also leave the course with our Sprout-to-Grow Virtual Blueprint System to kick start your plans.

Dargan Landscape Architects
Dargan Landscape Architects

The Sprout-to-Grow landscape design workshop is the first level in the PlaceMakers program, a unique branded system created by Mary Palmer that allows you to get the best use of your property using the PLACE method mentioned above. It is based on Mary Palmer’s 30 years of designing hundreds of landscapes for private clients.

Other levels in the program offer more knowledge and experience to meet your growing needs as a designer. The program is a three-month home-study course that includes downloadable videos, audio, DVDs, access to an interactive forum and an inspirational photo gallery.

The February 2014 Sprout-to-Grow landscape design workshop is almost here. Visit our website for more information on the course, pricing and to register for the course!

Historic Sources of Landscape Design Inspiration

Part of creating a timeless landscape is looking to historical sources for design inspiration. Some of our sources for inspiration are the gardens of England, Scotland and Wales, as we’ve mentioned before in our post on Hidcote Manor & Garden. In this post, we will discuss the allure of several other properties and what aspects you might incorporate into your own landscape. These include The Laskett in Herefordshire, England; Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Sissinghurst, Kent; and Stourhead near Warminster, Wiltshire.

The Laskett
Known as the largest private formal gardens created in England since 1945, The Laskett Gardens were designed by Sir Roy Strong, a historian, and his wife, Dr. Julia Trevelyan Oman, a set designer. The couple transformed the property, which boasts some 30 garden rooms, over nearly 40 years. What makes it special is how personalized the landscape is, featuring inscriptions of meaningful phrases and handmade garden ornaments, for example. It also undeniably beautiful, showcasing the artistic principles of balance, repetition, rhythm, focalization and light and shadow. In the end, the gardens make a strong statement about who the owners are.

The Laskett Gardens
The Laskett Gardens
(Screen Shot of Image Taken at www.thelaskettgardens.co.uk)

Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Another couple, Vita Sackville-West, a poet and writer, and Harold Nicolson, a diplomat and author, cultivated the Sissinghurst Castle Garden, which features a collection of enclosures laid out around the surviving parts of an Elizabethan mansion. Each room has a theme with specific plants and colors supporting the theme. Besides being a study in color and plant selection, the garden also shows how layering can create seasonal interest.

Sissinghurst
Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Stourhead
Also built around a historical home are the better known Stourhead gardens, created in the 18th century. The centerpiece of the grounds is a man-made lake, which serves as the backdrop for well-placed features such as classical temples, a fabulous grotto and majestically mature trees. This property reminds us of the power of a circular walk and the use of architectural elements as focal points in the landscape.

Stourhead
Stourhead

Feeling inspired to get to work on your own landscape? For more ideas and help transforming or planning your property, contact Dargan Landscape Architects.

Hugh and Mary Palmer Dargan to Speak at the Quitman Camellia and Garden Symposium

We’re less than two weeks away from an exciting new horticulture event taking place in Quitman, Georgia. Wednesday and Thursday – February 12 and 13, 2014 – will be our first ever Camellia and Garden Symposium honoring Betty Sheffield. The event, co-sponsored by Destination Brooks and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, will feature nationally-noted speakers, including Hugh and Mary Palmer Dargan, while also offering attendees the opportunity to learn about plants and gardening in the South.

designing with camellias
Betty Sheffield Camellia
Source: American Camellia Society

Betty Sheffield was an inspiration to many as she worked tirelessly to beautify her hometown of Quitman while simultaneously helping countless others to beautify their own properties with dynamic landscape designs teeming with trees, shrubs and camellias. Sheffield also became quite renowned for her work with camellias, giving us such stunning varieties as “The Betty Sheffield” and the “Betty Sheffield Supreme” among many others.

To celebrate Sheffield and her passion for plants, the symposium will include tours of her historic garden as well as other famous landscapes. Attendees will also learn all about Sheffield’s namesake flowering plants with segments like “The Camellias in Art” and “Camellias in Floral Design.”

The itinerary for the two-day event is packed full with fascinating presentations and hands-on activities. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about specific plants and techniques for achieving beautiful and thriving gardens and landscapes in the South. Highlights of the event will also come out of impressive roster of key-note speakers including Hugh and Mary Palmer Dargan, who will give a lecture entitled “Timeless Camellias: Timeless Landscape Design.” Other impressive designers, landscape architects and garden experts will share their expertise at the symposium as well. Finally, there will also be a garden marketplace where attendees can find the latest garden tools and accessories as well as unique plants to put their knew gardening

Click here to see the agenda and find other event details such as registration and lodging options. Let the Dargan Landscape Architects blog be your resource for landscape design inspiration and info on gardening events throughout the South. Stay tuned or contact us to learn more about how Hugh and Mary Palmer’s team can transform your property into a work of art that heals the earth and lets nature speak.