landscape architecture tips

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.

Atlanta landscape architects — Source: Viewpoint Lighting via Houzz

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.

Integrating Hardscapes into Your Landscape with Ease

February 24, 2014

Hardscapes are important features of any landscape design. They offer benefits such as erosion control, less maintenance, increased property value, increased accessibility to gardens and water conservation. How do you go about integrating hardscapes into your landscape?

To achieve a cohesive and harmonious look between your hardscapes and landscape, use these helpful tips:

1. Use traditional design principles in non-traditional ways – While most of us don’t have very large properties or formal gardens anymore, techniques used in these types of spaces can still guide you today. When it comes to integrating hardscapes into your landscape, seek symmetrical balance, a timeless design principle. Create a generous path and place an equal number and type of plants on either side. The formal lines and balance of the arrangement can be updated with new materials and less formal plants for a more modern look.

2. Use repetition and rhythm to achieve balance – We’ve emphasized the importance of repetition and rhythm before, but it’s worth mentioning again because it’s a great technique for creating unity and cohesion. For example, to complement a linear hardscape, such as a sidewalk with a fence, place several different plantings at measured intervals to create rhythm. This will make the setting appear harmonious. Such a technique can also be used on walkways and stairs with plantings on two sides. By using the same plants on both sides, you achieve repetition and rhythm.

landscape architects in Atlanta — Source: The Design Build Company via Houzz

3. Let plants spill over onto the hardscape. Nothing makes a deck, patio or other hardscape look more natural than draping plantings around them. This technique also softens the harsh lines of hardscapes. Just be sure to maintain plantings, so they don’t become too overgrown!

Looking for more hardscape inspiration? Check out photos of some of Dargan Landscape Architects’ hardscape projects on Facebook, and let us know which ones are your favorite.

If you’re in need of assistance in creating a new look for your landscape, contact us. Whether you need a master plan for your property or just a tune-up, Dargan Landscape Architects can help you find the timeless look you’ve always wanted for your landscape. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Protecting Your Landscape from Winter Weather

January 31, 2014

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your landscape and hardscapes if they’re left unprotected. But a little maintenance can help prevent serious damage to plants, pathways and more.

Source: Personal Touch Lawn Care, Inc. via Houzz

Here are some tips:

Landscape

First, you need to determine which of your plants are the most sensitive to cold and frost. Many plants are cold-hardy and don’t need special care, but some species such as gardenias, aucuba and lantana do, according to gardening expert Walter Reeves.

To keep plants frost-free, you can place old towels and sheets over them with tree stakes or poles. The idea is to keep the materials from resting directly on top of the plants while still keeping them covered. This preserves air flow to the plant. During the day, covers should be removed to allow plants to absorb sunlight. Hedges or shrubs can be wrapped thinly with burlap, just not directly on top. Be sure your mulch is deep enough to offer adequate insulation as well. Potted plants should be brought indoors.

Black plastic sheeting can also be used to cover and protect plants from cold. Similarly, evergreens can be wrapped in twine prior to a snow or ice event to offer additional protection. Smaller trees can be anchored to taller, more sturdy trees with rope.

Hardscapes

Hardscapes are just as important as landscapes when it comes to cold weather protection. Be sure to seal and reseal your hardscapes such as driveways, paths and patios to prevent damage from the freeze/thaw cycle. You should also paint or seal any wooden hardscape features such as arbors and decks for the same reason.

Be sure all patio furniture is covered, and watch out for rusting metal, which can stain hardscapes in damp weather.

Draining out water in your swimming pool and above ground ponds will help prevent damage from the freeze/thaw cycle. Pools should also be professionally winterized and covered for the season.

For more landscaping tips and ideas, follow Dargan Landscape Architects on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

The Four-Part Master Plan of Timeless Landscape Design

January 21, 2014

Timeless gardens and landscapes have the ability to make an impact on individuals and speak to us for years on end. As Mary Palmer says in her book, “Timeless Landscape Design,” gardens that were created centuries ago “still speak to use as places of unmistakable beauty as relevant today as ever before.” Your home environments hold the same potential.

To design a timeless landscape that will “Let Nature SPEAK” as we like to say, you should focus on four main components, which we call the Four-Part Master Plan: the approach and arrival sequence; the hub; the perimeter; and passages to destinations. In this post, we will define and discuss these four topics in general and delve into them more deeply in future posts.

The approach and arrival sequence
Approach and arrival are all about anticipation and setting the scene. The approach and arrival area of the property is between the street and the front door, and it is the first impression of your home as told by your landscape. This is where curb appeal comes into play and where you can begin to express your personality and style.

The hub
The hub is the central focus of your property, where all the activity originates from. Once you identify your home’s hub you can use your landscape to accentuate it. You will want to envision both inward- and outward-looking views of the hub to guide your landscaping choices. The landscape in this area should help the home blend into its natural surroundings.

Cashiers landscape architects — Dargan Landscape Architects

The perimeter
The perimeter refers to the outdoor spaces that surround your home and can be accessed from the interior of your home. Perimeter areas can be used for a variety of functions such as dining, reading, entertaining and more and allow you to still be connected to what is going on inside.

Charleston SC landscape architects — Dargan Landscape Architects

Passages to destinations
Passages to destinations not only are functional but also are elements of landscape design. These paths around your landscape help connect outdoor areas such as gardens and pools as well as define the look of your space.

atlanta landscape architecture and design — Dargan Landscape Architects

By including these four components in your landscape design plan, you are laying the foundation for a beautiful and memorable space that is timeless. Defining these areas also helps divide the large task of designing an entire landscape into smaller, more manageable pieces.

For more details on this topic, order a copy of “Timeless Landscape Design” by Mary Palmer Dargan, and contact Dargan Landscape Architects for professional landscape design services. Our team is ready to discuss your needs, be it a master plan or a tune-up!

Secret Gardens: Creating Your Private Oasis

November 19, 2013

Have you ever wanted to escape to a place where nothing and no one can disturb you? A secret garden may be just what you need. Not only will it give you the opportunity to retreat to a private space outside of your home, but it will allow you to surround yourself in the beauty and tranquility of nature.

Total immersion in a hidden garden can help you forget your worries and reconnect with nature to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Call it the ultimate therapy session.

No matter what your style and how you plan to use your secret garden – whether for reading, meditating or private contemplating – it will need to be designed in a way that makes it partially hidden from the rest of your property. This can be done by creating a garden within a garden using tall shrubs and trees.

secret garden design ideas — Source: Philip Nimmo Design via Houzz

When selecting the spot for your hidden garden, choose somewhere somewhat tucked away and quiet. A neglected side yard, for example, can provide the perfect enclosed area for serene secret garden. However, for some homeowners, the entire landscape can become their own private retreat where only a select few are invited to visit.

We love Karen Chapman‘s idea of adding to the experience of entering the secret garden by building a little suspense and mystery with a winding path that twists and turns until it suddenly opens up to a small clearing. Envision a meandering stone path, for instance, that leads to a charming gate or arbor entryway where you are then greeted by gorgeous colors and textures and a charming flagstone patio with a lush live carpet.

Amidst vibrant plantings and cascading containers, your secret garden can feature an elegant fountain, a stately statue or other piece of art as the focal point and centerpiece. A bench, a pair of lounge chairs or a bistro set with a small table and chairs can be used for creating a sitting area within your secret garden.

Are you enchanted by the idea of having your own secret garden? Dargan Landscape Architects in Atlanta can help you achieve the secret garden you thought only existed in movies and dreams. Contact us at 404.231.3889 to set up your design consultation. We can work with you virtually or in person and look forward to helping you create a space where you can Let Nature Speak!

For more information on creating a timeless landscape design or a secret garden, check out Mary Palmer’s book, Timeless Landscape Design.

landscape architecture tips

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