Dargan Landscape Architects

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How Architectural Design Integrates with Landscape Design

How Architectural Design Integrates with Landscape Design
Source: Dargan Landscape Architects via Houzz

A well-designed landscape complements the home while blending it into the natural surroundings. The best way to ensure a landscape design that enhances property value is to take cues from the home’s architectural style.

Each architectural style is associated with building materials that can become the foundation for a fantastic landscape design. Whether it’s a combination of brick and wood or fieldstone and stucco, the colors and textures of building materials can help to harmonize the home with the landscape to create a naturally beautiful and cohesive design. These materials can specifically be used for freestanding walls and paved areas, creating a direct connection between the home and landscape.

Here are some other questions that can help to jumpstart a landscape design based on the home’s architectural style:

  • What are the dominant hues of the home and building materials?
  • What is the size and mass of your home? Is it a little architectural gem, cottage/bungalow, mini-mansion, or mega-mansion?
  • What is your home’s relationship to the ground plane?

Taking cues from architecture goes far beyond materials. Scale, for instance, is determined by the home’s size and is paramount in designing terraces, parking courts, foundation plantings, and other improvements.

Foundation plantings, such as ivy and boxwoods, are a popular design element for anchoring and merging the home into the rest of the landscape. Before drainage solutions like gutters, paving ran right up to the edges of homes, and architects like Andrea Palladio – a sixteenth century Italian architect – mastered the art of stand-alone home designs. Now, landscape designs can incorporate foundation plants that not only ground and balance the home, but add to its attractiveness.

In the past, consistent architecture and limited planting options made integrating homes rather self-explanatory. Today, however, with the melding of architectural styles and the variety of plants available, knowing how to create a planting scheme that will marry with the landscape, scale, and style of the home is paramount.

For larger homes and mansions, large-scale shrubs and shade trees can bring it down in scale to connect it with the landscape. When designing for cottages and little architectural gems, go for plants that create an intimate and personal atmosphere. Historic homes and old photographs can be great inspiration for planting schemes.

Dargan Landscape Architects would love to help bring your home to life with a landscape design that highlights its best architectural features. Contact us to learn more.

Designing Backdrops for Beautiful Landscapes & Vistas

Designing Backdrops for Beautiful Landscapes & Vistas
Source: Dargan Landscape Architects via Houzz

Location, location, location. It’s the single-most important factor in real estate, not only because of proximity to work, schools and other requisites, but because of the natural views and surroundings. What many do not consider, however, that location can be a pretense. With the right landscaping, you can build in your own views to enjoy from inside and outside your home.

Landscapes can be designed with fantastic focal points and gorgeous features that not only catch the eye and add interest, but create naturally beautiful views and vistas. Are your landscape views lackluster? Here are some great things to consider as you start thinking of how your landscape might benefit from a new design with built-in backdrops:

  • Walk out to the street or edge of your property. How well does the landscape reinforce your house? Walk around to take in each vista or long view from the front, back and side. Imagine what plantings and structures could improve each vista as it blends the home into the natural surroundings.
  • Go through each of the main rooms of your home and look out the windows. Picture how a vista might be framed by a design element that draws the eye to it.
  • Take a look at your neighbor’s landscape, and see how you might be able to borrow a view by carefully incorporating it into your landscape’s backdrop.
  • Choose a view from a window or outdoor room that could potentially benefit from a sculptural piece or garden ornament.
  • Could a wall or fence add privacy while blocking unsavory sights? Picture your wall or fence dripping with elegant climbing plants.

Take lots of pictures as you survey your property and its views and vistas. These will come in handy as you dig into the first phase of the design process. A great trick is to overlay photos with tracing paper depicting sketches of possible new plans to visualize, experiment and play with different options as you discover what will work and look best.

Need a little professional help to amp up your views and vistas? Dargan Landscape Architects can help you create and implement a brand new, custom design with stunning views. Contact us to learn more.

Reducing Stress Through Gardens & Pets

Reducing Stress Through Gardens & Pets
Source: Dargan Landscape Architects

While the stress of negative consequences can sometimes be what motivates us to get through the most hectic of work weeks, stress is not something to take lightly — in fact, it’s a big factor in determining your long-term health.

Most of us have lifestyles unique to us, but whether you are focusing on work, dealing with family, attempting to find personal time, or coping with lessening energy, chances are you’ve encountered some stress along the way. When we become stressed, our body reacts by releasing cortisol into the blood stream. Over time, this process has a far-reaching effect on the body and contributes to aging and other health issues.

Finding ways to effectively reduce stress is crucial in maintaining a long, happy life. Today, we want to discuss two research-supported methods to help you take a deep breath, step back, and enjoy some much needed (and stress-free) personal time.   

Gardens

Recent research suggests that when people visit gardens, their cortisol levels can be reduced. We recommend designing your landscape to help meet the challenges of every day life. For instance, a garden can lower your blood pressure and release endorphins — the “feel-good” hormones. Amazingly, a daily garden visit can also curtail the need for pain medication! 

The deeper connection you can make with your garden environment, the better. Breathe deeply, walk among and touch your plants, and feel free to meditate. It’s the perfect place to do so! 

Pets

For generations, pets have brought us comfort and companionship. Pet therapy is enlisted by therapists to rehabilitate their patients and ease depression. To attract furry friends to your landscape, try setting up birdhouses, ponds, and feeding stations.

Keeping these well-stocked is a fantastic way to attract a variety of species. Additionally, a well kept landscape is a great place for cats and dogs to roam around in and play. Across the board, animals offer multiple health benefits that can’t be ignored. 

We’d love to help come up with some ideas for a relaxing outdoor landscape of your own. Feel free to browse through our photos for inspiration or contact us at Dargan Landscape Architects to start planning.  

Tranquil Garden Events Happening in April 2015

Tranquil Garden Events Happening in April 2015
Source: Wilkerson Mill Gardens

April is bringing us much more than showers for May flowers. This month is chock-full of fabulous garden events for homeowners, gardening enthusiasts, landscape designers, and architects. You won’t want to miss out on these opportunities to play in the dirt, learn from experts, and see some of the most stunning gardens in the Southeast!

April 15-18: The Garden Conservancy Comes to Atlanta

First, we are excited to announce that the Garden Conservancy Board of Fellows will be coming to Atlanta to see Dargan gardens and more during the third week of April. 

April 16: Peachtree Garden Club House Show

Mark your calendars for this wonderful house show at 8:30 a.m. on April 16. We always recommend attending any event the Peachtree Garden Club is involved in, and this one is no different. This passionate organization is dedicated to stimulating gardening and conservation through education. 

April 20-21: Zone VIII Annual Meeting at Palmetto Garden Club in Columbia, SC 

Next, we’re looking forward to the Zone VIII Annual Meeting in Columbia, SC. These meetings are always fascinating and provide a perfect opportunity to connect and collaborate with your community. Not to mention, there are always great hands-on workshops and activities to give your green thumb some exercise.

April 28 – Cherokee Garden Club goes to Serenbe Community & Wilkerson Mill Nursery 

We are thrilled to join the Cherokee Garden Club on a special trip to Serenbe community. Located on the edge of Atlanta, the Serenbe community is a progressive residential neighborhood focused on happiness, health, and well-being through fresh food, fresh air, and a strong connection with nature. Serenbe is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but can offer incredible inspiration and education when it comes to sustainable, environmentally-designed communal living. Join us as we visit the organic gardens at Serenbe, and take in the jaw-droppingly gorgeous hydrangeas at Wilkerson Mill Nursery. 

Garden Week in Georgia may be April 19-25, but we’ll be celebrating it all month long throughout the entire Southeast! Be sure to look for me – Mary Palmer Dargan of Dargan Landscape Architects – at one or more of these events, and do come say hello! 

Tell us what garden events you’re looking forward to, or share with us how you’re celebrating Garden Week in the comments. 

How Can I Use Aromatherapy for Medicinal Purposes?

How Can I Use Aromatherapy for Medicinal Purposes?
Source: Pixabay

When practices and traditions are sustained for thousands of years, it’s a safe bet there’s a good reason why. In the case of aromatherapy, the ancient form of alternative medicine is known to benefit the mind, mood, cognitive function, and overall health.

What is Aromatherapy? 

Aromatherapy is a time-proven type of alternative medicine that uses aromatic plant compounds and essential oils to lift a person’s mood and improve their health and quality of life. What’s more, the scents involved in aromatherapy can greatly help those who suffer from interrupted or poor quality of sleep. For example, neuroscientists have discovered that the rose scent can reduce sleep disturbances. Since ancient times, mankind has utilized fragrances from nature for many purposes and continues to do so to this day. 

How does it Work?

When essential oils are used and inhaled, the part of the brain connected to smell is stimulated. Known as the olfactory system, this part of the brain sends a message to the limbic system, which retrieves our stored memories and controls our emotions. The resulting chemicals released by the brain cause the patient to feel relaxed and calm, or even invigorated! Essential oils can be used to target our sense of smell, but they can also be applied internally and topically to yield different beneficial results. 

What are Common Uses for Aromatherapy? 

While the process of aromatherapy might not work for everyone, the list of ailments it can help with is quite impressive. Here are just a few: anxiety, stress, insomnia, body aches, headaches, and muscular aches. Also, aromatherapy can help with pesky issues including circulation, digestive, menstrual, and menopausal problems. The risks of aromatherapy are low unless you suffer from certain types of allergies or illnesses. 

As licensed and experienced landscape architects, we have the expertise you need to create your very own relaxing oasis, filled with aromatic flowers that can enhance your quality of life. Contact us to discuss your plans today.