Northland Design Blog | The Experience of Landscape Architecture and Design

Contemporary

May 11, 2012 posted in Styles

Kauffman House by Richard Neutra

Contemporary style is defined by sleek, clean lines and solid, neutral colors. Bold punches of color are added through plants, furniture and walls. Furniture is simple and low to the ground. Sculpture and views are often focal points.

Brentwood Residence by Belzberg Architects

The asymmetry of the path in relation to the shrubs is classic contemporary style and we love the unexpected lights between the steps.

Bastian Residence by Northland Design Group

Contemporary design often showcases natural materials, such as the wooden deck and stone wall at the Bastian Residence.

Brochstein Pavilion at Rice University by James Burnett

This water feature is so sleek and simple, yet adds so much to the space. It acts as a reflection pool, it creates white noise and it draws the eye across the pavilion.

Kuba Residence by AMS Design Studios

The simple color palette in this design really highlights the variation in plant texture and form.

Worth Interiors

This is such a fun way to soften the look of a staircase! You could even use a groundcover such as moss or thyme and not have to worry about mowing it.

Design by Rockefeller Partners, photo courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier

The low, simple furniture and pots in these pics work perfectly with Contemporary style.

Design by Rockefeller Partners, photo courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier

The extension of the stone wall on the house into a fireplace and then a landscape wall is beautiful.

Design by Rockefeller Partners, photo courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier

Design by Elena Colombo

One of the best things about Contemporary design is that the simple design and materials make it easy to apply to any scale and any budget. Even starting with just a few exceptional furnishings or details can transform your space.

'Chill' by Landscape Forms

'Modesto' by Real Flame

'White Oak Patio Furniture Set' by Scout Regalia

By Vanilla Design Store

Silverstein Residence by Northland Design Group

Semple Brown Design

What are some of your favorite Contemporary designs or furnishings? Please share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Posted in Styles | Tagged Bastian Residence, Chair, Contemporary, Fireplace, Mailbox, Silverstein Residence, Table, Water Feature

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Proportion Control

May 3, 2012 posted in General Design

Scale is an important element of design as it helps us to relate to a space as well as manipulate it.

The Geometric Garden at Old Westbury

Walls are extremely effective at creating a sense of scale because they define the boundaries of an outdoor room. The walls can be literal or implied, as with the picture above. They can frame views, be a focal point, create a sense of enclosure and accentuate or soften changes in elevation.

Courtesy of sunset.com Photo by Steven Gunther

Paley Park in New York City by Zion and Breen

By Lutsko Associates

Desert House by Marmol Radziner

by Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

Courtesy of sunset.com Photo by Claire Curran

Fowles Residence by Northland Design Group

Silverstein Residence by Northland Design Group

Photo courtesy of Matthew Millman

The Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle, Washington by Charles Anderson Landscape Architecture

Site furnishings, such as tables, chairs, flower pots, and small water features, act as a point of reference for human scale.

Photo courtesy of SuperStock

Courtesy of sunset.com Photo by Linda Lamb Peters

Fowles Residence by Northland Design Group

Courtesy of sunset.com Photo by Linda Lamb Peters

Lewis Residence by Northland Design Group

Courtesy of sunset.com Photo by Thomas J. Story

Variations in paving materials and mixing in some vegetation can break up the scale of a large area of hardscape.

Courtesy of sunset.com Photo by Rob D. Brodman

By Elysian Landscapes

CAEMI Foundation plaza by Roberto Burle Marx

By Mikyoung Kim

What have you done to play with the proportions in your yard? Please leave your comments in the reply box below.

Posted in General Design | Tagged Decorative Paving, Scale, Sculpture, Site Furnishings, Walls

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Why We Design

April 26, 2012 posted in General Design

‘The Cloud Gate’ at Millennium Park in Chicago. Designed by Anish Kapoor

Before beginning a blog about design, we feel that we must attempt to answer the question of, “Why do we design?”, or rather, “Why do we create?”.

“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before…Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before-colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.”

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Fowles Residence - by Northland Design Group

Fowles Residence - by Northland Design Group

The desire to create is an emotion that is deeply inherent in each of us. We’re all familiar with the rush of accomplishment that comes with taking an idea and turning it into something tangible; something that has never existed before, and that can be seen, heard, touched, smelled or tasted. Suddenly a small, intimate piece of your soul is now a part of the world.

The Tanghe River Park by Kongiian Yu

Park City Residence - by Northland Design Group

We often find design inspiration from nature, such as this Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla)

Many designers have said that the desire to create stems from the feeling that it’s what they were born to do. We each want to have a place in the world and know that we are contributing to it in our own unique way; creation is a powerful way to achieve these desires.

'Falling Water' by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. One of the quintessential examples of fantastic design that blends architecture, landscape architecture and interior design.

Window display at Anthropologie. They are always wonderful examples of great design.

Another amazing Anthropologie window display.

'Rest' - A beautifully designed bench by LandscapeForms

There is no limit to what design or creation entails. It could be a simple meal, or an intricately designed skyscraper. It could be a thousand-year old sculpture or an impromptu melody. Design is everywhere and in everything. This blog is a way to share and discuss the many aspects of design and more specifically, the art of place making, which is what we as landscape architects create.

Peterson Residence - by Northland Design Group

Fowles Residence - by Northland Design Group

Our mission at Northland Design Group is to create memorable environments that enrich lives. We strive to incorporate all aspects of design and the latest reserach into our creative process so that we can develop the best possible solutions for our clients. At the heart of each of our projects is that insatiable desire to create; to share in the collaborative process with our clients and build something that has never existed before, something that will be uniquely yours.

An inspiring print by artist Rex Ray

Fowles Residence - by Northland Design Group

The Copacabana in Brazil, designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx

A shadow from the oculus in the Pantheon in Rome, a masterfully designed work of architecture

Holly: “I must create…something, or be enslaved by another man’s…something. I will not reason or compare, my business is to create…something.”

Gerry: “Did you just make that up?”

Holly: “No, no, it’s William Blake, but I completely screwed it up… All I know is, if you don’t figure out this something, you’ll just stay ordinary, and it doesn’t matter if it’s a work of art or a taco or a pair of socks! Just create something… new, and there it is, and its you, out in the world, outside of you and you can look at it, or hear it, or read it, or feel it…and you know a little more about…you. A little bit more than anyone else does. Does that make any sense at all?”

Gerry: “Yeah…you’re saying you want to paint socks.”

Holly: “Maybe!”

P.S. I Love You (A Warner Brothers film)

"The Highline" in New York City. Designed by James Corner Field Operations, Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Piet Oudolf. Photograph by Iwan Baan

Why do YOU design? Please share your comments and inspirations with us by typing in the reply box below.

Posted in General Design | Tagged Anthropologie, Architecture, asla, Belgard, create, Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Forms, New York Highline, Northland Design Group

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Crossing the Line

April 25, 2012 posted in General Design, Site Planning

Where is the line where landscape architecture stops and architecture begins? How can you tell where the architect left off and the interior designer stepped in?

Brick Kiln House - by SPASM Design Architects

With the most successful designs there is no discernible line between disciplines. Careful site planning creates an open dialogue between all members of the design team at the inception of a project, allowing for a truly seamless aesthetic.

Chicken Point Cabin - by Olson Kundig Architects

The entire wall of Chicken Point Cabin can be rotated from vertical to horizontal with an elegant pulley system.

The aim of site planning is “to make places which enhance everyday life – which liberate their inhabitants and give them a sense of the world they are in”.

-Site Planning, Lynch and Hack

Hong Kong Villa - by Olson Kundig Architects

Landscape architects are trained to analyze the features of a site such as landmarks, views, topography, solar orientation, prevailing winds, existing vegetation and hydrology. A thorough understanding of the site informs the architecture, thus facilitating proper building placement, orientation and design.

The Frame House - by Marc Boutin

A building with large, southern facing windows and generous eaves will optimize solar height gain in the winter when the sun’s angle is low and provide shade in the summer when the sun’s angle is high.

Lewis Residence - by Northland Design Group

“When engaged simultaneously with the architecture, (landscape architecture) transforms it and makes possible connectivity between inside and outside.”

-Diana Bamori

Lewis Residence - by Northland Design Group

One way to integrate a site into the existing landscape and make the property feel larger is to incorporate elements from the surrounding landscape. The Lewis Residence used plant species and natural stone that mimic the adjacent hillside. The garden is also terraced, following the natural grade of the hillside, which helps the architecture to blend more seamlessly with its surroundings.

Lewis Residence - by Northland Design Group

Deer Valley St. Regis Hotel - by others

Landscape architects will often utilize the talents of civil engineers to find the best possible solution for grading, storm water and structural designs such as retaining walls.

Deer Valley St. Regis Hotel - by others

Armstrong Oil and Gas - by Lake Flato

photo courtesy of Interior Garden Design

Cottonwood, Utah Residence

Existing stone columns were preserved at this residence to mark the entryway and incorporate architectural elements into the landscape.

Brammy-Kyprianou Residence - by Troppo Architects, Photos courtesy of James Knowler

Notice how the kitchen counter extends through the indoor kitchen and into the outdoor kitchen

“I think the idea of the American home is being redefined. Landscape is becoming more integrated into our cities and our (domestic spaces). The growing concern for a more natural, healthful lifestyle is palpable and visible…more Americans are insisting on a domestic landscape that reflects their ideals.”

-Kathryn Gustafson

Solaris - by Garbett Homes

Each Solaris home includes solar panels on the roof, geothermal energy and only costs around $200,000

The Louisa Apartment Building - by Walker Macy Landscape Architects and GBD Architects

Landscape architects, architects, interior designers, engineers, etc. can each achieve good designs while working alone. However, when multiple disciplines are able to join forces, they can elevate their talents to a whole new level and create something that is truly awe inspiring.

Here at Northland Design Group we pride ourselves on having fantastic relationships not only with our clients, but also with our professional counterparts. Through careful site planning we ensure that each of our clients receives the best possible solution for their needs so that their investment will be functional and sustainable.

Posted in General Design, Site Planning | Tagged Architecture, building orientation, building placement, Design, Garbett Homes, geothermal energy, green roof, Interior Design, landmarks, Landscape Architecture, Olson Kundig Architecture, prevailing winds, Site Planning, solar orientation, solar power, Sustainability

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Prairie Fire Crabapple

April 24, 2012 posted in Plant of the Week

Malus ‘Prairifire’

Bright magenta blooms add a punch of color to the spring landscape

Type: Deciduous Tree

Zones: 4-8

Height x Width: 20′ x 20′

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Waterwise

Bloom Time: Spring

Bloom Color: Bright pink/red

Fall Color: Yellow/orange

Fruit: Persistent, 3/8″in diameter, red

Wildlife: Fruit attracts birds in the winter

Special Notes: This crabapple has great disease resistance to common crabapple problems such as fire blight, scab, mildew and rust.

The leaves emerge a dark purple and then turn to green.

The fall color is a beautiful mix or yellows and oranges.

Don’t let the fruit on this tree make you worry about staining your sidewalk or making a mess. They’re about the size of a Skittle and they are persistent, which means that they hang on to the tree until they are either eaten by birds or shrivel up.

This tree has great year-round interest between the bright blooms in the spring, beautiful fall color and pop of red in the winter from the berries. It’s a great ornamental tree to have.

Posted in Plant of the Week | Tagged Crabapple, Deciduous Tree, Ornamental Tree, Persistent Fruit, Spring Flowering, Waterwise

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Genius Loci

April 16, 2012 posted in General Design

Can you guess what state this residence is located in? Are there any characteristics about the landscape architecture or architecture that could identify it with a particular region? Is there anything about the landscape architecture or architecture that even tie them to each other?

Magleby Residence - by Northland Design Group

How about this residence? The landscape architecture and architecture both speak to the style of the Intermountain West. The landscape uses drought tolerant, locally adapted plants such as Karl Forester Feather Reed Grass, Blue Mist Spirea, Daylillies, and Montgomery Blue Spruce. The architecture is extended out into the landscape through the use of planter walls that use the same stone as the residence, softening the transition from indoor to outdoor. The use of timber columns and stone give the home a more rustic appearance, tying it in perfectly with the aesthetic of the Rocky Mountains.

Magleby Residence - by Northland Design Group

Embracing the spirit of a place is one of the first things we are taught as landscape architects. We often refer to it using the latin phrase “Genius Loci”, which literally translates to “spirit of the place.”

Every place has its own unique characteristics-things about it that are directly tied to your emotional memories and give it an almost palatable atmosphere. It is our responsibility as designers to identify, study, preserve and enhance these characteristics. Often the most breath-taking and memorable designs are those that embrace the true spirit of a place, rather than those that have been copied from another location or those that neglect the spirit all together.

The Lurie Garden in Chicago, Illinois by Gustafson, Guthrie and Nichol. A stunning example of embracing the beauty of the midwestern plains, even in an intensely urban setting.

“Don’t make space-make place.”

-Kathryn Gustafson

El Novillero in Sonoma, California by landscape architect Tommy Church. Sculpture by Adaline Kent. This design is iconic for California style.

El Novillero

The LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah designed by the Olin Partnership and green roof specialists Hydrotech

“Genius Loci cannot be designed to order. It has to evolve, to be allowed to happen, to grow and change from the direct efforts of those who live and work in places and care about them.”

-Edward Relph

The LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah designed by the Olin Partnership and green roof specialists Hydrotech

The green roof on the LDS Conference Center has evolved with every passing year. It was designed with seven different micro-environments. The seed mix used for the meadow consisted of 20 different grass species, allowing for nature to take its course and decide which ones would thrive on a roof-top environment. The species that were predominant in the first year are now rarely seen. The landscape has been allowed to evolve and work things out on its own.

: The LDS Conference Center

Bloedel Reserve in Washington State by Richard Haag

Richard Haag once said that during a site analysis a landscape architect should spend at least 24 hours straight on a site; that they should take a sleeping bag and even stay the night there. This way the designer can begin to truly understand the spirit of the site and see it throughout all the changes of the day-where the best spot to watch the sunrise is, the quietest place to listen to a water feature, the sunniest patch to grow a garden…

Bloedel Reserve in Washington State by Richard Haag

Santorini Hotel - by Diversity and Mplusm Architects

Island of Santorini, Greece

“To build, to plant, whatever you intend,

To rear the column, or the arch to bend,

To swell the terrace, or to sink the grot;

In all, let Nature never be forgot…

Consult the Genius of the place in all…”

-Alexander Pope

Posted in General Design | Tagged Bloedel Reserve, Deer Valley, Genius Loci, green roof, Landscape Architecture, LDS Conference Center, Lewis Residence, Lurie Garden, Magleby Residence, Morton Residence, Northland Design Group, St. Regis Hotel

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Xeriscaping

April 13, 2012 posted in General Design, Sustainability

The Utah House Kaysville, Utah

Would you believe us if we told you that having a garden like this can actually be easier for you and better for the environment than a traditional turf grass yard?

The first image is an example of Xeriscaping and here are our top 10 reasons why you should be doing it:

The average American spends 40 hours each year mowing their lawn.
The average lawn uses 10x as much chemical pesticide per acre as farmland.
30-50% of the pesticides/fertilizers used on lawns end up in our sewer systems.
Turf grass is the #1 most irrigated crop in the U.S.
Utah is the 2nd driest state in the U.S. and the 2nd largest consumer of irrigation water
Gas powered landscaping tools produce up to 34x as many carbon emissions as cars
Xeriscapes can reduce air temperature by 20°
Views of xeriscapes can increase employee productivity by 20% and sales by 40%
Xeriscapes can ease the effects of ADHD/ADD
Xeriscapes provide year-round interest

Image from Scott and Lauren Springer Ogden

There are seven basic principles that compose xeriscapes:

Planning and Design
Soil Improvement
Appropriate Plant Selection
Practical Turf Areas
Efficient Irrigation
Use of Mulches
Appropriate Maintenance

Please note that xeriscaping does involve plants. This is not “Zeroscaping”, which usually involves a lot of rock mulch, a cattle skull and isn’t doing the owner or the environment any favors.

Image from Scott and Lauren Springer Ogden

1. Planning and Design

Having a plan when you start a xeriscape is key. It’s important to understand:

which areas receive the most sun and shade
where wind breaks may be needed
where breezes are desired
where the high/dry and low/wet spots are
what the soils are like
what the USDA plant hardiness zone is
what the intended use for the area is

Rasmussen Teaching Garden at the Utah Botanical Garden, Kaysville, Utah

2. Soil Improvement

Understanding and amending the soil is one of the most important contributors to successful, healthy plants. Plants absorb nutrients from the soil. Certain conditions such as soil PH can effect a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients, such as iron. Excessive water, caused by over-watering and/or clay soils can also inhibit nutrient uptake. Amendments including compost, shale, peat moss, etc. can alter the PH and density of soil, creating optimal planting conditions.

Central Utah Water Education Garden - by Northland Design Group

3. Appropriate Plant Selection

Appropriate plants are those that are native or adapted to your region. They may require some water during the first growing season to get established, but should not need supplemental irrigation after that. Because the plants are already adapted to the region they will require less fertilization, pesticides and pruning. Native plants were born to grow in the area, so naturally they will need less attention to thrive than plants that are brought in from other regions.

: Central Utah Water Education Garden – by Northland Design Group

4. Practical Turf Areas

Due to the fact that exotic turf grasses require more water, maintenance, pesticide and fertilizer than ay other plant material, the use of it should be limited. Obviously there is no substitute for turf grass as a play surface, however, there are drought tolerant varieties should be considered (such as Buffalo grass instead of Kentucky Blue grass in Utah).

If the only time you spend on your lawn is when you’re mowing it, you don’t need it.

: In-Line Drip Irrigation

5. Efficient Irrigation

There are two types of automatic irrigation systems: one is spray/rotor sprinklers which is what most traditional landscapes use and the other is drip irrigation. While a typical sprinkler system is still the most practical application for turf areas, drip irrigation is highly effective for shrubs beds. Drip irrigation delivers water and nutrients directly to the roots of the plant, cutting down on the loss of water through overspray, evaporation and run-off.

: Central Utah Water Education Gardens – by Northland Design Group

6. Use of Mulches

Using mulch in your shrub beds will help to retain soil moisture, slow weed growth and help prevent erosion problems. Some examples of mulches include bark, wood chips, composted leaves, straw, pine needles, rock and crushed stone. If possible, try to use mulches that are local to your region.

: .

7. Appropriate Maintenance

One of the best things about having a xeriscape is that the time you would have spent mowing a lawn can be spent actually enjoying your garden. Most xeriscapes only require some pruning once or twice a year and applications of fertilizer/pesticide as needed. If you have turf grass remember not to cut it too short as this will actually dry it out and require more water and fertilizer. Grass clippings can be left where they fall and act as a natural fertilizer as they decompose. You can also re-use your grass clippings, leaves and other organic materials (egg shells, coffee grinds, orange peels, etc) as compost in your shrub beds.

: Image from Scott and Lauren Springer Ogden

If you have any questions or would like more information about xeriscaping please leave us a comment in the reply box below.

Posted in General Design, Sustainability | Tagged Design, Irrigation, Maintenance, Mulch, Turf Grass, Waterwise, Xeriscape

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‘Spaan’s Dwarf’ Shore Pine

April 5, 2012 posted in Plant of the Week

Pinus contorta ‘Spaan’s Dwarf’

Type: Conifer

Zones: 5-8

Height x Width: 4′ x 7′

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Water: Dry to Average

Soil: Well drained

Growth Rate: Slow

Special Notes: This is a very slow growing evergreen tree with a beautiful irregular form. Older specimens look like ancient bonsai. Makes a great addition to Asian inspired gardens and water features.

Posted in Plant of the Week | Tagged Asian Design, Conifer, Dwarf, Waterwise

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Date

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Contemporary style is defined by sleek, clean lines and solid, neutral colors. Bold punches of color are added through plants, furniture and walls. Furniture is simple and low to the ground. Sculpture and views are often focal points.

The asymmetry of the path in relation to the shrubs is classic contemporary style and we love the unexpected lights between the steps.

Contemporary design often showcases natural materials, such as the wooden deck and stone wall at the Bastian Residence.

This water feature is so sleek and simple, yet adds so much to the space. It acts as a reflection pool, it creates white noise and it draws the eye across the pavilion.

The simple color palette in this design really highlights the variation in plant texture and form.

This is such a fun way to soften the look of a staircase! You could even use a groundcover such as moss or thyme and not have to worry about mowing it.

The low, simple furniture and pots in these pics work perfectly with Contemporary style.

The extension of the stone wall on the house into a fireplace and then a landscape wall is beautiful.

One of the best things about Contemporary design is that the simple design and materials make it easy to apply to any scale and any budget. Even starting with just a few exceptional furnishings or details can transform your space.

What are some of your favorite Contemporary designs or furnishings? Please share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Scale is an important element of design as it helps us to relate to a space as well as manipulate it.

Walls are extremely effective at creating a sense of scale because they define the boundaries of an outdoor room. The walls can be literal or implied, as with the picture above. They can frame views, be a focal point, create a sense of enclosure and accentuate or soften changes in elevation.

Site furnishings, such as tables, chairs, flower pots, and small water features, act as a point of reference for human scale.

Variations in paving materials and mixing in some vegetation can break up the scale of a large area of hardscape.

What have you done to play with the proportions in your yard? Please leave your comments in the reply box below.

Before beginning a blog about design, we feel that we must attempt to answer the question of, “Why do we design?”, or rather, “Why do we create?”.

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Many designers have said that the desire to create stems from the feeling that it’s what they were born to do. We each want to have a place in the world and know that we are contributing to it in our own unique way; creation is a powerful way to achieve these desires.

Holly: “I must create…something, or be enslaved by another man’s…something. I will not reason or compare, my business is to create…something.”

Gerry: “Did you just make that up?”

Gerry: “Yeah…you’re saying you want to paint socks.”

Holly: “Maybe!”

P.S. I Love You (A Warner Brothers film)

Why do YOU design? Please share your comments and inspirations with us by typing in the reply box below.

Where is the line where landscape architecture stops and architecture begins? How can you tell where the architect left off and the interior designer stepped in?

With the most successful designs there is no discernible line between disciplines. Careful site planning creates an open dialogue between all members of the design team at the inception of a project, allowing for a truly seamless aesthetic.

The aim of site planning is “to make places which enhance everyday life – which liberate their inhabitants and give them a sense of the world they are in”.

-Site Planning, Lynch and Hack

A building with large, southern facing windows and generous eaves will optimize solar height gain in the winter when the sun’s angle is low and provide shade in the summer when the sun’s angle is high.

“When engaged simultaneously with the architecture, (landscape architecture) transforms it and makes possible connectivity between inside and outside.”

-Diana Bamori

Landscape architects will often utilize the talents of civil engineers to find the best possible solution for grading, storm water and structural designs such as retaining walls.

Existing stone columns were preserved at this residence to mark the entryway and incorporate architectural elements into the landscape.

-Kathryn Gustafson

Landscape architects, architects, interior designers, engineers, etc. can each achieve good designs while working alone. However, when multiple disciplines are able to join forces, they can elevate their talents to a whole new level and create something that is truly awe inspiring.

Malus ‘Prairifire’

Type: Deciduous Tree

Zones: 4-8

Height x Width: 20′ x 20′

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Waterwise

Bloom Time: Spring

Bloom Color: Bright pink/red

Fall Color: Yellow/orange

Fruit: Persistent, 3/8″in diameter, red

Wildlife: Fruit attracts birds in the winter

Special Notes: This crabapple has great disease resistance to common crabapple problems such as fire blight, scab, mildew and rust.

Don’t let the fruit on this tree make you worry about staining your sidewalk or making a mess. They’re about the size of a Skittle and they are persistent, which means that they hang on to the tree until they are either eaten by birds or shrivel up.

This tree has great year-round interest between the bright blooms in the spring, beautiful fall color and pop of red in the winter from the berries. It’s a great ornamental tree to have.

Can you guess what state this residence is located in? Are there any characteristics about the landscape architecture or architecture that could identify it with a particular region? Is there anything about the landscape architecture or architecture that even tie them to each other?

Embracing the spirit of a place is one of the first things we are taught as landscape architects. We often refer to it using the latin phrase “Genius Loci”, which literally translates to “spirit of the place.”

“Don’t make space-make place.”

-Kathryn Gustafson

“Genius Loci cannot be designed to order. It has to evolve, to be allowed to happen, to grow and change from the direct efforts of those who live and work in places and care about them.”

-Edward Relph

“To build, to plant, whatever you intend,

To rear the column, or the arch to bend,

To swell the terrace, or to sink the grot;

In all, let Nature never be forgot…

Consult the Genius of the place in all…”

-Alexander Pope

Would you believe us if we told you that having a garden like this can actually be easier for you and better for the environment than a traditional turf grass yard?

The first image is an example of Xeriscaping and here are our top 10 reasons why you should be doing it:

The average American spends 40 hours each year mowing their lawn.

The average lawn uses 10x as much chemical pesticide per acre as farmland.

30-50% of the pesticides/fertilizers used on lawns end up in our sewer systems.

Turf grass is the #1 most irrigated crop in the U.S.

Utah is the 2nd driest state in the U.S. and the 2nd largest consumer of irrigation water

Gas powered landscaping tools produce up to 34x as many carbon emissions as cars

Xeriscapes can reduce air temperature by 20°

Views of xeriscapes can increase employee productivity by 20% and sales by 40%

Xeriscapes can ease the effects of ADHD/ADD

Xeriscapes provide year-round interest

There are seven basic principles that compose xeriscapes:

Planning and Design

Soil Improvement

Appropriate Plant Selection