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From a article in today’s NY Times(Sally McGrane) . . . the last line:
“You accept death. You don’t take the plants out, because they still look good. And brown is also a color.”
Exactly, I agree 100%. Design the landscape for 4 seasons, not for the month the landscape looks the best, or for the 1-3 weeks a perennial or flowering shrub looks it’s best.
It’s more than the color of the flowers.
The Wisdom
Here’s some more good stuff from Piet
“If you have beautiful plants, it doesn’t mean your garden is beautiful. Something is complete when everything works together.”
and another;
“Normally, people who garden would have cut this back by now. The skeletons of the plants are for me as important as the flowers.”
“It’s not about life or death. “It’s about looking good.”
That is really good stuff
Design a garden that lives in and through the 4 seasons. Learning to appreciate the good and great with the not-so-good creates gardens that are more in tune with nature, more alive.
I think the absence of control is a good thing.
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Addendum: Link to the printed version of the article.
Link to the original web version of the article.
Photo’s are from the NY Times article, the photographer is Herman Wouters, here is the link to the accompanying slideshow with the article.
Of my own choosing. That’s right.
This was my choice.
I needed some strong physical divider between this terrace and the rest of the World. A separator that would not only knock out the view that direction, but would also stop others from peeking in.
To top things this wall screamed aesthetics! . . . I need aesthetics!
A wall to do many things
- A Divider
- A Separator/privacy
- A Definer of space-a clear definer of space
- Aesthetics-the wall is an integral aspect of the backyard terrace, very up close and personal to those that live there and those guest who would be in close proximity.
- Given the site, and the position of the clients, there is/was/will always be a need for classical and timeless design. In other words, this hardscape would fail badly if it was trendy, or constructed of the material of the week.
So it could not just be a brick wall, no it has to be more
[Drawn on a B&W image from my original color photo]
The above rendering was my 4th or 5th sketch of the area. I had drawn the previous sketches on trash, formulated an idea or two and decided to draw directly onto the image copy.
The client will not see this drawing. I am going to do one more in color. Something fairly loose, and flowing yet it will the the story to the client about the possibilities for this patio space.
That’s why I am done writing now, it’s almost 1:00am and time to go back to work.
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Addendum: As a Designer I have found my most creative hours are between 10:00pm and 2:00am, that’s when I draw my absolute best stuff.
This is probably a very good reason why I have failed miserably working for someone else-they do not seem to understand these hours.
Owners like to see their Designers chained to their desk; 7:00am sharp, and ready to go out in the field at a moments notice and solve emergencies. Heck I’m still sleeping or am stumbling around after my 5 or 6 hours of sleep.
So it’s good between 7:00 and 10:00pm and awesome between 10:00pm and 2:00am.
If you’re a designer, or work in another field where creativity is important, what are you’re best hours, and add in if you are self-employed or not. leave a comment, or drop me an e-mail.
I gotta go-time’s a wastin’.
Time for a few shots from the trade show floor. A smaller trade show floor than 2007, and a much smaller show floor than 2005. The show is getting smaller, and it seems everyone now notice’s this trend.
Why? I don’t know . . . there are probably several factors at work, and several reasons I’m sure I know nothing about. Most attendees I asked did not speculate the main reason for the smaller show on the impending economic slowdown-if there is even going to be one.
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| Semco Booth, a stone, paver, supplier From CENTS 2008 |
The above shows how most stone suppliers try and sell their wares, by giving us a great idea on how to design, install, sell these products. They are appealing to our senses, and we got that lifestyle thing going on. Gotta push that lifestyle thing.
Below is a nice looking fountain and I cannot find in my notes which booth this is-I will keep looking because I think this was a good one and they need the recognition, I think they need the recognition-but hey what do I know.
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| Dangit’, booth unknown, From CENTS 2008 |
Below is some pottery from the American Pottery company near Atlanta, Ga. These are high fired pots, and the glazing is really great. I considered taking some of these home with me, but I didn’t have the room at the time. Ordering and shipping seem to be in my future.
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| 100 or more in the booth, From CENTS 2008 |
There were several vendors at the show selling pottery. I do not see this trend slowing down anytime soon, that is . . . to use big pots, urns, colorful vases, “plant holders” in the landscape.
The technology for pots is getting better concerning frost/freeze resistance and that will open up markets and allow folks like me more options in designing patio, seating, walkway areas etc.
This display below was the Techo-Bloc booth, suppliers of concrete products that they want to look like stone. We all know how many different types of these products are out there( a lot), and there seems to be no end in sight. Pavers, walls, steps, columns caps . . . you name it . . . it’s made in concrete to look like stone.
Good or bad, I’m not sure . . . but it is what it is. These products are not going away.
I’m a stone freak and would always use stone but I recognize the economic impact of using the concrete product. The products are getting better in strength, color, texture, and overall aesthetic. These products are here to stay.
Here’s another image where we are looking at the other end of the display booth showing the “kitchen”.
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| Just needs a fridge, From CENTS 2008 |
That is a very, small sampling of the trade show floor. I never shoot pictures of trucks, skid-steers, etc. As for trees, shrubs, perennials I could have taken a lot of shots but for some reason I never seem to be compelled to take those types of images. Those booths always look the same.
That will do it on the CENTS Show for this year. Time to look to the season, which is one of the great things about this show. The optimism it brings to all the attendees for the season ahead. Onward we go.
I have yet to write everything I wanted to about the CENTS Show(I’d like to post a few shots of the trade show floor) and here I am writing about the ANLA Management Clinic.
Benched
Sorry to say I am not on this years schedule(maybe I was too much of a provocateur?!?) but that doesn’t stop me from attending the best educational conference in the Green Industry. Yes . . . the best in the industry
The Clinic is always held in Louisville, Kentucky at the Galt House, been that way for a long time. My guess it’s going to be that way for a long, long time.
What makes the Mgmt Clinic the best conference? Why the attendees of course . . . those folks know the value of attending these sessions, We also know the best networking is here at the Clinic.
The Staff is Great
Beyond that the ANLA staff do a great job putting together the clinic, the arrangements, the speakers, the venue, the extracurriculars, . . . heck-everything is done well . . . they do a great job.
The line-up is deep and very diversified. You can learn stuff here that you’ll get at no other conference I truly believe that. Just great stuff. Here’s an example one of the sessions I am looking forward to attending.
If you haven’t signed up-there’s still time, not much though so you need to get crackin’. I just checked there are still rooms at the Galt House, again . . . time is running out.
Muggets and more . . .
If you are going, drop me a comment or an e-mail, we’ll have a WCI Blog networking session. Hey, it’s the Clinic . . . we need plenty of networking.
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Addendum: This is not a paid advertisement, nor was I personally compensated by ANLA. I just like the Clinic, the energy. It’s a great time.
Well just like that it’s over
3 days.
3 days of classes, lectures, educational sessions, walking the trade show floor collecting catalogs, discovering new plants, new materials, catching up with old friends, and maybe making a new one or two.
3 days later a couple of bags of catalogs, fresh ideas and new perspective . . . we are now ready to hit the new season.
It’s time to make some money. It’s time for the phone to start ringing. If nothing else the CENTS show is great because we all come out of there re-charged, re-energized, and re-focused . . . ready to kick some ass(literally and figuratively).
Today’s Sessions
All 4 sessions were great today, a possible 1st for me. the longer I thought about it, the more it seemed a reality-all 4 sessions were worth my time.
- Back-to-back sessions on the Hamamelidacae family, this includes Witch Hazels, Fothergilla, and Sweetgums. Great stuff from those talks, great questions, and solid info from audience members.
- Gordon Hayward on specialized stone placement.
- Bruce Zaretsky with some good examples concerning the subtleties of low-voltage landscape lighting.
I want to post some more on the Hamamelidacae family, especially on Witch Hazels and Fothergills-2 species which we use very poorly, if we even use them. These plants should be in more landscapes.
I also want to post more about the trade show and share a few images from the floor, and we”ll get to that this week also.
After that I will be looking to jobs I am starting and notes on the 2008 ANLA Management Clinic in Louisville.
Just got back from the job fair and it was very similar to last years numbers. By this, I mean those looking for jobs and companies with booths.
After spending some time talking to companies looking(some of them seem near desperate) . . . we do not have enough good young people coming into this industry. They/we need you!
I; of course, did my usual cherry picking . . . looking for a few contractors who could use my services*. It is completely impossible to tell what may come form this search. I can say that in past years close to nothing much(but someday will) has come from spending time with these folks at the job fair.
Most want full-time people and I understand completely. Anyway . . .
Young people are needed, they are needed badly, and they are not showing up.
If you like working outside, don’t mind getting dirty, and want to make the World a better place to live there is a lot of great opportunity out there . . . literally, just reach out and grab it. This industry needs people, and needs them now.
The educational stuff this AM
There’s only one way to say it, the landscape design track today stunk, I mean stunk up the joint. There was no reason for me, or several other long-time designers to go to anything on the landscape design track.
Another year and the powers at hand simply ignore experienced professional designers. Maybe when we all stop coming they’ll take notice.
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*My long time readers know that I am always looking for some challenging design work, or graphic work. With the right opportunity I would go just about anywhere for the challenge.
I overhead a great quote from the trade show floor today about Generation X and Y’ers . . . when it comes to landscaping and their landscapes.
They’re a bunch of cellular landscapers.
More later, after a small get-together.
A very late night report,very late. Apparently there was lots of networking and I had a 1st person view of the entire event. Well a lot of the networking, anyway.
The APLD meeting went very well, the highlight was a designer from the SWestern part of the state-John DeVore. John packed so much good info, and material into his 20 minutes that I thought it was the best presentation of the day. If the CENTS people would get it together John would/should be on the program.
It’s great to hear a Designer/Installer talk with passion/desire/integrity, and enthusiasm for the work. Showing real World problems and solutions.
Great networking at dinner tonight. The best piece of advice out of the dinner conversation was the agreement on coming up with one solid solution for the client. When showing a landscape plan, or conceptuals, renderings etc. Give the client your best work, not your best guess.
Designers are paid to solve problems and come up with solutions-not options for the client to choose from.
This is great advice for you younger or beginner Designers out there.
- Listen to the client
- Follow your instincts
- Follow your convictions
- Trust your experience
- Bring solutions to the client-not options.
This is even more important as you advance your career and work your way into more complex, difficult challenges.
Higher end clients are not only paying for your expertise, and knowledge they are also paying for you to save them time. Time is the most precious commodity.
Enough, time for a few hours of shut eye, back at it tomorrow . . . er, later today.
A morning of educational seminars has come and gone; question is . . . am I any smarter for having set through it?
I’d say no, but the people with me would say they(and I) knew better. A few tidbits here and there made the morning worthwhile.
Design
Joanne Kostecky who owns Joanne Kostecky Garden Design came up with these design gems;
“Design places where people want to be.” also “Architectural elements taken from the house will strengthen you design style.”
Finally this insight into her design process;
“Some of my best designs are really tough situations.”
Good examples of her work and Joanne’s design philosophy, and design style.
Vines
Bill Hendricks(Klyn Nurseries) gave a talk on vines. The 4 types
- Twining
- Tendril
- Rambling
- Rooters
Bill did a nice job of showing several different types of holders-pergolas, trellis’, arbors, fences, post, bird feeders, poles, etc. All good examples.
What did I find out? Well I need these vines in my own yard
- Passiflora incarnata, the native passion-fruit vine
- Wisteria f. ‘Aunt Dee’ a native wisteria with great purple color
- Rosa ‘New Dawn’ or some other white, I need a white climbing rose
He ended with on of my favorite Frank Lloyd Wright quotes.
A doctor can bury his mistakes, but a architect can only advise his patients to plant vines.
On the the trade show portion of the event and the APLD meeting at 4:00 O’Clock from there-who knows.
The time of hibernation has come to an end.
I have awoken from my winter’s sleep and am now preparing to gear up for another season in the breech. Another season of stressed Landscape Contractors, Customers with unrealistic desires and expectations, and suppliers who mostly seem to be a day late and a dollar short . . . don’t you just love it?
So, where does the gearing up start?
Why the CENTS show in Columbus-of course! Where every landscape truck for hundreds of miles around shows up near the Columbus Converntion Center.
Contractors, Designers, Nurserymen, Educators Growers, Retailers all under one big happy roof. All here to further advance their businesses, their careers, their lives.
A three day mad-cap of Seminars, Exhibitions, and most importantly-networking.
Networking
It wouldn’t be the CENTS Show without lots of good networking, this networking comes in all shapes and sizes, and runs from very early in the morning to(sometimes) very late in the evening-very late in the evening. Not that I would know anything about the late, late stuff. Apparently it happens.
I am planning on doing some Blogging from the show. The posts could be from seminars or possibly; the trade show floor, it depends on the wireless set-up over in the Convention Center. If not I will post at minimum every evening to give some feedback on the days events.
So . . . saddle up . . .. here we go.
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Addendum: It’s been a quiet time away from the Blog and business, a time to recharge the batteries, to rest up, and heal up. I look forward to the coming season and the challenges ahead for 2008. A few thoughts . . .
- I am not one to see grief, despair or problems in the economy . . . I see potential, challenges, and opportunity.
- I have stayed away from the Blog to look for other ideas, topics, thoughts, etc. I enjoy writing here and sharing my thoughts on the industry, and most importantly on the work that I do and how I do it. I will continue to pass all that and more along.
- If there is a specific topic, or area of our field you wish to talk about leave a comment here or pass along a e-mail and we’ll take a look.
- I have not answered e-mail or comments for several weeks now-so look ahead to later in the week for me to respond. I’ll be back home on Thursday after a side trip from the CENTS Show, to begin answering mail and comments, thanks for your interest and questions.
- I hope everyone’s holidays went well, and that the New Year came in smiling with enthusiasm and opportunity headed your way.
The hibernation is over . . . time to get to work.
My hope is to use this site to spread some info about the art and practice of Landscape Design. It is a very misunderstood profession; I do not cut grass like the next door neighbor's cousin who carries 3 mowers and a blower in the back of his truck.
I will also pass along comments on industry happenings, events, etc., and any maybe a few other adventures going on in my world-after all this is "my" blog. Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. Questions? Drop me an e-mail.
rick (at) whisperingcraneinstitute (dot) com
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