Cashiers landscape architects

Enhance Your Landscape’s Functionality & Aesthetic With an Arbor, Loggia or Pavilion

April 17, 2014

One method for enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic of your landscape’s perimeter space is to add an arbor, loggia or pavilion. They can provide shelter, highlight an existing hardscape feature — such as a fountain or planter — or serve as a decorative addition in their own right, amplified by other landscape elements.

Learn a little more about these attractive enhancements to your backyard and garden spaces before selecting the right one(s) for your landscape design.

Arbors
The arbor may be one of the most popular of these three landscape enhancements. They’re designed with vertical supports capped by a horizontal or arched canopy and are used as an elaborate trellis to support climbing plants. The effect is both cooling and sensual, complete with the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze and the fragrance of blooming flowers. Arbors can be used to shelter a seating area, outdoor dining room or to provide a perimeter entry between garden areas.

Jacksonville FL landscape architects — Dargan Landscape Architects
Photo Featured in Timeless Landscape Design

landscape architect Mary Palmer Dargan — Dargan Landscape Architects
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Loggias
The loggia has been used in landscape designs for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations. They’re characterized by a series of columns topped by a canopy of some sort. They served as a respite from hot summer days in Italian country homes and as colonnaded extensions of interior rooms. This idea, made popular by 16th century Italian architect, Andrea Palladio, is how we tend to think of loggias today. Upon entering the stately covered breezeway, guests enjoy a sheltered, alfresco view of Mother Nature. They may also be used as a porch, complete with an overhead fan to stimulate airflow.

Atlanta landscape architects — Classic Loggia at Iford near Bath, England
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Pavilions
Pavilions fueled the decadent lifestyle of the French royal circles throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. They’re elegantly designed structures were created to house all manner of entertainment, from dining and social gatherings to parties and concerts. Modern pavilions are built as permanent, open-air buildings and are versatile additions to a perimeter landscape.

Cashiers NC landscape architects — Dargan Landscape Architects
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Buckhead GA landscape architects — Dargan Landscape Architects
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For more information about incorporating arbors, loggias and gazebos in your landscape design, purchase a copy of Mary Palmer Dargan’s book, Timeless Landscape Design, or contact Dargan Landscape Architects for professional assistance in creating a master plan or tune up for your landscape.

Landscape Design Inspiration from Near and Far

April 15, 2014

One of the best parts of planning a new landscape design is digging through photos of gardens from all over the world – or even visiting them – to find the perfect blend of elements and styles for your property. Of course, with an array of timeless landscape design features, historic gardens are some of the best sources for garden inspiration. In continuation of our series on historic sources of landscape design inspiration, today we’ll take a look at the Palácio de Fronteira, Villa Gamberaia and the Gardens of Historic Charleston.

Palácio de Fronteira
Along with the palace, the grand formal gardens at the Palácio de Fronteira were created in the 17th century for the first Marquess of Fronteira, whose descendant – the current Marquess – still resides there today. The gardens of the Palácio de Fronteira have been called “stunning,” not just for their classic formal layout and design. The utilization of azulejos – colorful blue tiles – by Portuguese garden designers in place of masonry, makes a wonderful backdrop and juxtaposition of color. When viewed up close, the azulejos tiles depict scenes of battles, hunts and religious images.

Atlanta GA landscape architects — Palácio de Fronteira
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landscape architects in Atlanta GA — Source: Golisbon.com

Villa Gamberaia
Because of excellent design and form, the gardens of the Villa Gamberaia are not only enjoyed by gardening enthusiasts, but they’re also officially studied by gardening professionals. Begun in the 17th century with the building of the Villa, each owner over the centuries has made additions to the gardens and – remarkably – improved upon the design. With manicured yew hedges, statuary, multi-level walkways and staircases, water features and garden rooms, the gardens at the Villa Gamberaia are very near to perfection in the Italian style.

landscape architects in Buckhead GA — Villa Gamberaia
Photo Featured in Timeless Landscape Design

The Gardens of Historic Charleston
Unlike the previous two garden settings, the gardens of Charleston, South Carolina, are directly adjacent to private homes located in the center of Historic Charleston. Existing behind high walls, in the shadow of two- and three-story homes, these “shade gardens” make use of bright azaleas and hydrangeas in spring and colorful shade loving annuals in summer and fall. Charleston’s gardens are notable for their small size, as well as their balanced scale and proportion to hedges, plants and statuary. Common elements are brick walls, walkways, plus iron gates and fountains.

Charleston SC landscape architects — Garden Designed by Loutrell Briggs
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Which historic gardens do you look to for landscape design inspiration? Share with us in a comment below.

Are you ready to incorporate design inspiration from a historic garden into a master plan or tune up for your landscape? Contact Dargan Landscape Architects for a consultation. Hugh and Mary Palmer Dargan and the rest of our team are ready to speak with you and share how we can help plan your new garden oasis.

Blending Functions: Linked Perimeter Spaces

April 11, 2014

When warmer weather begins, homeowners are looking for ways to spend more time outside. The perimeter of your landscape offers you the opportunity to enjoy the spring and summer by extending your living space into the great outdoors. Perimeter spaces are the landscaped areas that can be immediately accessed by stepping outside your home, including dining areas, grill gardens/outdoor fireplaces, swimming pools and more.

Linking perimeter spaces gives your landscape a whole new dimension, allowing you to spend more uninterrupted time outdoors. Linked perimeter spaces are connected by pathways throughout your landscape, so that they can easily flow from one to the other.

Today’s linked perimeters are reflective of the trend toward multifunctional outdoor spaces, which are necessary for smaller lots. Rather than walls, designers use other techniques to designate where one activity area begins and the other ends, such as changes in elevation, texture changes, planting beds and even open lawns.

When creating a perimeter dining area, you’ll need to consider the amount of seating required, the size of the terrace where it will be staged and the amount of available flat space. Having a furniture plan will help ensure success. Several dining tables may be needed for large groups, while side tables and etageres also can add functionality to dining areas.

Grill gardens and outdoor fireplaces are commonly found near dining areas in linked perimeter landscapes. Placing the grill near conversation-friendly areas keeps the chef engaged with guests and makes the cooking process a part of the entertainment. Outdoor fireplaces can serve as an attraction in themselves and can also be used for cooking food and providing warmth.

Growing kitchen gardens and flower gardens around the perimeter makes it easy to step outside and water plants, as well as pick fresh flowers or herbs. Besides these conveniences, you can enjoy looking at beautiful flowers and plants growing outside your window and throughout your yard.

Western NC landscape architects — Dargan Landscape Architects
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While it can be a challenge, incorporating swimming pools in linked perimeters is possible with careful planning. Even narrow lots can accommodate a lap pool, which can also serve as an art piece in the landscape viewable from both the outdoors and indoors. Adding an infinity pool on the other hand can help make your property appear larger, while also capturing views of nature.

Sea Island Ga landscape architects — Dargan Landscape Architects
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Open lawns are the area rug of outdoor living spaces. These are the ultimate multifunctional spaces because they can be customized to the owner’s lifestyle. Whether a space for recreation is needed or just a visual break in the landscape, grassy areas should be factored into the perimeter of your landscape.

Florence SC landscape architects — Dargan Landscape Architects
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Could your landscape benefit from a design featuring linked perimeter spaces? If so, contact Dargan Landscape Architects to discuss developing a master plan or tune up for your property.

A Look at the ASLA’s 2014 Outdoor Design Trends

April 9, 2014

Are you looking to spruce up your landscape before summer arrives? Whether you’re completely overhauling or just trying a new project, now’s the perfect time to get your yard in shape. For inspiration, check out this year’s hottest outdoor design trends, which are based on the results of the 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Gardens and landscaped spaces. When it comes to use of space, gardens and landscaped spaces are expected to be the most popular, with outdoor living spaces — outdoor kitchens and entertainment spaces — coming in second, and outdoor recreation coming in third.

Atlanta landscape architects Mary Palmer and Hugh Dargan — Dargan Landscape Architects

Outdoor lighting. Demand for outdoor lighting solutions is rising as homeowners seek to extend enjoyment of their outdoor living areas into the night. Good lighting is necessary for safety, as well as to create ambiance. Outdoor lighting can be integrated into deck posts and stairs, added to pathways, and set on timers to conserve energy.

Cashiers landscape architects — Source: Facebook.com/theoutdoorlights

Also expected to be in demand are seating/dining areas, fire pits/fireplaces, grills and installed seating, such as benches, seat walls, ledges, etc. All these features make outdoor living spaces more welcoming by bringing the comforts of the indoors out.

Terraces, patios and decks. Landscape structures add architectural interest and are the foundation of many outdoor living areas. Terraces, patios and decks in particular, are garnering the most interest this year, followed by fencing, pergolas and decks.

Buckhead-Atlanta GA landscape architects — Dargan Landscape Architects
Photo Featured in Timeless Landscape Design

Low-maintenance landscapes. If you’re like many homeowners today, you may want to scale back your landscape to make it more manageable. You can still have a beautiful yard without all the upkeep. Try reducing lawn space, an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option. You could replace some of your lawn with hardscapes or perhaps consider a dry garden or xeriscaping.

Decorative water elements. Traditional swimming pools and spas remain popular, but this year’s trend leans towards decorative water elements, including waterfalls, ornamental pools, splash pools, grottos and water runnels or bubblers. Design is in the details!

Sustainable/eco-friendly design. Interest in conserving natural resources and improving the environment is still increasing. The most popular projects in this category include incorporating native/adapted drought-tolerant plants, drip/water-efficient irrigation, permeable paving, reduced lawn and recycled materials into the landscape.

Let us know which trends you’re most interested in by leaving a comment below.

If you’re ready to discuss the possibility of a master plan or tune up and want to incorporate any of the ASLA’s trends for 2014, contact Dargan Landscape Architects. We’d love to schedule a time to speak with you and talk about how we can help you turn your outdoor living space into your own oasis.

The Perimeter: Extending Your Living Spaces to the Outdoors

April 7, 2014

Lately, we’ve been discussing the points of our four-part landscape master plan. These points include the approach and arrival sequence, the hub, the perimeter and passages to destinations. Today, we will focus on the perimeter.

In her book “Timeless Landscape Design,” Mary Palmer offers this definition of the perimeter: “The perimeter consists of the outdoor spaces immediately adjacent to the house and within easy reach of interior rooms.” For example, the patio or deck off your kitchen or dining room is part of the perimeter of your landscape. However, the perimeter can be accessed from the living room, spa, basement and other rooms as well.

These perimeter areas invite you into the landscape, but without wandering too far. The perimeter is an extension of your home and should be customized to suit your lifestyle. Its purpose is convenient enjoyment of your landscape. Perimeter areas may be connected by adjoining pathways where one outdoor space flows into the next, or they may be completely contained as separate rooms within themselves.

How do you go about building up the perimeter? Since it’s an extension of your home, consider using similar building materials your home is constructed of to create a seamless visual flow. A simple grass lawn with a few large paver stones may be all you need to create a perimeter space that blends easily with the rest of your home. However, most homeowners benefit from the additional living space provided by the perimeter. Ideas for these types of spaces include the creation of paved terraces, swimming pools, gardens featuring outdoor fireplaces or fire pits, loggias, arbors, dining pavilions, kitchen and herb gardens and raised flower beds.

Uses of perimeter spaces are as numerous as indoor spaces. They may be used for dining, reading, napping, sunning, cooking, swimming, playing, working alfresco, entertaining on a large or small scale and gardening, just to name a few. Functional pieces such as arbors, grills, pools, tables, swings, etc., in different combinations and in different settings work together to define the uses of the space.

The perimeter is just one part of what makes up a gorgeous and thoughtfully designed landscape. Contact Dargan Landscape Architects for help designing a four-part landscape master plan that fits your lifestyle. For additional information, purchase a copy of “Timeless Landscape Design” today.

Cashiers landscape architects

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