Cashiers landscape architects

Landscape Lighting for Coastal Areas & Gardens

January 28, 2015

Living close to water is an idyllic lifestyle that many people only dream of, however, it does come with a certain amount of responsibility to protect the wildlife that makes the coast its home. Ample lighting to enjoy your property and gardens in the evenings is necessary for your comfort, but there are often restrictions when living on the coast. We have some tips about landscape lighting for coastal gardens that will appease all affected.

Whenever possible, use motion sensors to control lighting that is designed for safety. Well-lit pathways to garden or seating areas near the beach are an example of such lighting. Not only will you be helping to protect the wildlife environment, you will realize energy savings with such areas lit up only when in use.

Spot lights and roof-mounted lights are particularly dangerous for coastal wildlife. Since they cast light into the trees and onto the shoreline, they can put animal habitats at risk and confuse newly-born wildlife such as sea turtles. If used at all, spotlights should be prevented from reflecting light towards the sky and should be angled at no greater than 90 degrees.

There are many subtle options when it comes to landscape lighting for coastal gardens. Recessed lighting can be used to cast soft light in covered areas, deck flooring, and stair treads. New LED styles include rope lights that let you get creative. Consider using them to outline garden areas, furniture, or other outdoor features for an interesting look.

At Dargan Landscape Architects, we understand the balance between ample lighting for your night-time enjoyment and wildlife protection when designing landscape lighting for coastal gardens. As licensed and storied landscape architects, we can help perfect your oasis. Contact us to discuss your plans today.

What is the Best Way to Incorporate Evergreens into Landscaping?

January 27, 2015

Evergreens are more than just a vibrant year-round plant addition; they provide a way to gain privacy and sound buffering, change up the texture in your landscape, or provide an attractive habitat for local birds and wildlife.

Pictures and Ideas for Incorporating Evergreens into a Landscape Design

For a quick primer on incorporating evergreens into a landscape design, we recommend watching this video, created at one of this summer’s Dovecote Summer Garden Talk Salons. It will provide important background information, so you can make better choices regarding the evergreen species you choose for your outdoor landscapes.

Here are a few ideas for additional inspiration:

Make it a focal point in a formal garden planter. In this garden, which takes its inspiration from formal English gardening techniques, the evergreen yew is the focal point of the planter. The pink blooms of the mid-perimeter geraniums create a colorful contrast to the surrounding greenery, including the exterior-perimeter boundary formed by boxwoods. The fun thing about this concept is that you can prune your yew and/or boxwoods into different sizes and shapes as the years progress. It’s an adaptable canvas.

Augment a new or existing garden accessory. If a garden accessory is your focal point, evergreens can be used to showcase it. I love how the holly plants surrounding this gorgeous oversized “bird cage” accessory have been pruned to mimic its shape. The variegated leaves echo the patina on the metal, creating a complete visual package.

Use evergreens to form living boundaries, privacy and sound relief. You can customize the size and shape of your evergreen selections to meet your need for living perimeter boundaries, such as the multi-level evergreens that create depth in this landscape plan. Trees can be grown much taller than typical building codes allow for fence lines, so they are ideal for creating privacy. Soft foliage and bark help absorb sound from a busy street, sidewalk, or from a public area of your landscape to a more private seating area.

Would you like professional assistance incorporating evergreens into your landscape? Schedule a consultation with Dargan Landscape Architects.

How to Support Sustainable Gardening? Join Forces with the Highlands Biological Station

January 22, 2015

I have dedicated the bulk of my life to sustainable gardening in one form or another. My passion for plants inspired me to pursue – and obtain – a degree in botany from the University of Tennessee in the 1970s. My courses and educational contacts led me to a job at the Tennessee Botanical Gardens, which resulted in the receipt of a prestigious award for propagating a special species of Echinacea (Echinacea Tennesseensis). Thus began my passionate career as a botanist and landscape architect, or – as I like to say – my lifelong career as “a real plant geek.”

Support Sustainable Living and Gardening at Highlands Biological Station

Part of any landscape architect’s job is educating clients through the process. I have worked as an expert educator, including a professorship at Clemson University where I taught landscape architecture and planning. I continue to travel the country speaking and lecturing for various plant- and landscape-related organizations. In addition to running a successful landscape architecture firm in Atlanta with my life partner, Hugh Dargan, I also lead and represent four states – Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Georgia – in conservation and national affairs legislation for the National Garden Club of America.

Through all of these life experiences, I have maintained a very close and hands-on relationship with the Highlands Biological Station, and now you have an opportunity to personally support the long-view mission of this unique enterprise. The goal is to transform the Highlands Biological Station into a more interactive learning grounds for children and adults. The final vision includes enthusiastic children, students, and groups making their way from the botanical gardens, through the southern Appalachian swamp, back to the classrooms at the new dam and then up to an event facility overlooking the lake where they can apply the micro-aspects of what they have learned to the greater, global picture.

Do you share Dargan Landscape’s goal of saving the planet one garden at a time? Support our collective dream of sustainable living and gardening at Highlands Biological Station by visiting, donating, or volunteering. Contact Highlands Biological Station or Dargan Landscapes to learn more.

What Edging Selections Work Best for Garden Paths & Walkways?

January 21, 2015

Installing borders and edges in your garden and along pathways can easily update the look of your garden and draw attention to areas of note. Although edging can be used to beautify your space, it also has some functional benefits as well, such as retaining gravel or mulch used in your beds, holding back soil, and making mowing easier. Edging projects can be completed in hours or days, and costs range from free to very pricey depending on your choice. There are many edging selections for gardens and walkways to choose from.

Bricks
Bricks are a classic material used in garden edging projects. They are easy to install, however, installation can be time-consuming. They can be laid flat to create a wide border, often referred to as soldier edging; stood up on end to create a narrow yet prominent border, called a sailor edging; or laid diagonally to create interest. New bricks can be used for a crisp look while reclaimed bricks can add texture and interest.

Stones and Boulders
Although natural-looking placement can be difficult and heavy work, stones and boulders make great borders and edges. If you use locally sourced materials, your edging will look more natural and these types of borders work best with casual gardens. Many of our designs feature a crab orchard cobblestone edging, giving the designs a timeless look.

Cast or Poured Concrete
Edging selections for gardens and walkways are limited only by your imagination when using concrete products. There are pigments that can be added to create a wide variety of colors, textures can be designed, and added interest can be created by adding stones, glass and other items. Concrete is fairly permanent, so it is best to choose wisely.

Bender Board
Highly flexible and often made from recycled items, bender board makes a great border for your beds or edging for walkways. The material is extremely pliable which makes it easy to create meandering pathways or uniquely shaped beds.

If you would like help with your landscaping design, including edging and borders, Dargan Landscape Architects is here to help. We invite you to contact us to begin your design consultation to create your dream garden.

How Do I Prepare My Landscape for Winter?

December 31, 2014

You put too much time and passion into your garden to allow winter to destroy your efforts. Your delicate shrubs and plants cannot withstand cold temperatures without suffering damage, so they need protection. With weather becoming increasingly difficult to predict, prepping your landscape for winter will ensure that come spring, your garden will thrive anew. We have put together some great tips to help you get started.

Protective Fencing
While protective fencing is often used to protect plants along the edges of your property from salt or other melting products, it will also protect your gardens from animal activity in warmer climes.

Frost Protection
Frost can hit us at any time during the winter season, so it is essential to have frost protection fabric for your sensitive plants. If your daytime temperatures are warm, it is best to cover your plants at night when frost is expected and remove the coverings during the heat of the day.

Insulate with Mulch
To keep the soil temperature near the roots of your plants moderated, apply a two-inch layer of mulch at the base of your plants and trees. Mulch will also aid in water retention in dry winters and help prevent soil erosion in the event of a spring runoff.

Compost Protection
Some perennials that are limited in hardiness, such as roses, require compost to be mounded up to the crown to protect them in winter. Whenever possible you should use pulverized topsoil as it is less likely to cause root rot in the event of a warm, wet winter.

Pruning Tip
If you plan to prune any plants, wait until winter is almost over. By pruning later in the dormant season, the fresh wounds will not be exposed very long before new growth begins.

Prepping your landscape for winter does not have to mean an end to inspiration for your landscaping and garden wishes. Dargan Landscape Architects would be happy to meet with you to design your ideal outdoor space. View some of our project photos and contact us to learn more.

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