ASLA Residential Landscape Design

New Chairpersons Announced

2007-09-28T10:57:00.000-05:00

ASLA is pleased to announce the new chairpersons for the Residential Landscape PPN. Kristin Faurest, ASLA and Jeff Michell, ASLA have come forward to volunteer as the new chairs of the professional practice network. Each will bring a wealth of knowledge to the group. A third individual has expressed interest and has selected to participate in the creation of a possible new
professional practice network on plants. We look forward to this new development which may be of interest to our network members.

Congratulation!!!

ASLA Roundtable Session with Home Builders

2007-09-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

The session entitled Client Roundtable: Home Builders may be of interest for my of the residential landscape design PPN members. Moderated by Dean Hill, ASLA, the panel consists of Henry Delozier with Pulte Homes, Michael Roy Nagel with Remodel One Inc, and Scott Sevon with Sevvonco. The session is Monday, October 8 at 8:00-9:30 am in Moscone West 270 of the Moscone Convention Center. The session host is Rosheen Styczinski, FASLA, the out-going residential landscape PPN chairperson.

ASLA Student Award Project of Interest

2007-09-11T07:59:00.000-05:00

ASLA has announced the National Student Awards. One of the winning entries is on a topic of interest to residential designers.

Go to the recent LANDOnline (9/10/07) and check out all the winners and especially this entry:

RESEARCH HONOR AWARD
Living Lightly: Minimizing Impact and Maximizing Function of Suburban Yards
Mike Teed, Student ASLA University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC,
Canada Faculty Advisors: Ronald Kellett and Patrick Condon, ASLA

PLEASE NOTE!!!
The Residential Landscape Architecture PPN meets on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the Moscone Convention Center at 1:30 pm -3:00pm.

See you in San Francisco!!!

PPN Seeks New Chairperson

2007-08-29T14:53:00.000-05:00

The Residential Landscape Design Professional Practice Network is looking for someone who is interested in leading the group as chairperson. Current Chairperson, Rosheen Styczinski, has decided that it is time for new leadership. The chairperson is responsible for communications throughout the year, leading group meeting at the annual meeting, and attending PPN Leadership sessions. ASLA is launching some new exciting website vehicles which will make it easier to publish. The ASLA staff is extremely supportive. If you are interested, please call Rosheen at (414) 918-1475 or Rachel Shaw at ASLA.

Rosheen Styczinski will be attending the Annual Meeting in San Francisco in October. The new chairperson is invited to attend and be introducted during the group meeting.

2007 ASLA Annual Meeting

2007-07-18T16:12:00.000-05:00

Residential Design is a Key Component of the ASLA Annual Meeting
Field sessions, tours, education programs, and awards focus on largest market sector.

Landscape architects specializing in residential design will find a lot to love at the 2007 ASLA Annual Meeting & EXPO, October 5–9 in San Francisco. Residential design will be a major highlight of field sessions, tours, education programs, and the annual awards programs.
Recognizing that more than 70 percent of ASLA firms offer residential design services, and numerous studies project tremendous growth in consumer demand, the Society called on leading experts and award winners in the field to create programming to meet the needs of residential practitioners. These experts will be on hand to serve as faculty and networking resources throughout the meeting.

Fascinating field sessions and tours
Part education session, part professional tour, 100 percent valuable. This year, an unprecedented seven field sessions and tours will highlight residential landscape architecture topics. These sessions are being planned and led by prominent designers who can provide a behind-the-scenes look at a number of extraordinary projects. Field session and tour space will be limited and require a ticket, so register now to purchase tickets to these great events.

Residential Gardens in Napa Wine Country with Terri McFarland SOLD OUT

Legacy of Thomas Church: Hillsborough Area with Richard McPherson, Landscape Architect

Legacy of Thomas Church: San Francisco/Sonoma with Richard McPherson, Landscape Architect

Bay Area Urban Housing – High Density to Single Family with Jeffrey E. Miller, ASLA and Kyla E. Burson

Bay Friendly Gardens: Beauty and Ecology at Home with Michael Thilgen, ASLA, Tamara Shulman and Cynthia Havstad

Private Gardens with Andrea C. Cochran, ASLA and Ronald M. Herman, ASLA SOLD OUT

Emerging Urban Neighborhoods with Marta Fry, ASLA, and representatives from the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association and the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency

Exceptional education programs
In addition to important universal topics such as sustainability, plants, and design technology, several of the 2007 education sessions will focus specifically on residential design and will feature some of the most celebrated landscape architects in practice today:
Outdoor Kitchen Design with Cooking Light writer Arricca Elin SanSone, J’Nell Bryson, ASLA, and Charles D. Hyams, ASLA

Inside the LA Studio: Steve Martino/Cactus City Design

Inside the LA Studio: Jeffrey K. Carbo Landscape Architect

Inside the LA Studio: Andrea Cochran and Associates

Inside the LA Studio: MESA

Inside the LA Studio: Design Workshop

Inside the LA Studio: Sanchez & Maddux, Inc.

Client Roundtable: Home Builders

Client Roundtable: Architects
Creating Inclusive Communities with Andrew Nothstine

Media Roundtable: Consumer Publications, featuring editors from Garden Design, House & Garden, Better Homes & Gardens, Sunset, Southern Living, Cottage Living, and Cooking Light.

Great Patrons and Landscape Architecture with Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA

Designing Extraordinary Mixed Plantings with Scott C. Scarfone, ASLA

Charles Birnbaum, FASLA

Amazing awards
The ASLA 2007 Awards program recognizes design excellence around the world, and will feature the popular Residential Design Award category again this year. Co-sponsored by Garden Design, the awards will be presented on Monday, October 8, during the ASLA awards ceremony, along with the premier of the 2007 awards video featuring the winning projects. A special champagne reception sponsored by Landscape Forms will be held following the ceremony to honor all award recipients, their clients, and student advisors. For a closer look at the award-winning designs, visit the ASLA Commons during EXPO hours where the winning entry binders will be on display.

At press time, more than 2,500 attendees had registered for the 2007 ASLA Annual Meeting & EXPO and the most popular field sessions, tours, and hotels are filling up quickly. Click here to register today!

Writer Seeks Great Backyard Gardens

2007-05-21T16:12:00.000-05:00

Writer Barbara Ballinger has contacted our group in search of projects to feature in her next publication. See her letter in this posting.

Dear ASLA Members,
I am working on a special garden magazine for home owners and professionals;
it is the second "edition," and again to be titled "Backyard Ideas." It
will also again be sold nationally and published by Harris Publishing out of
New York City. I saw a lovely garden from your group in Metropolitan Home
magazine.
I am looking for wonderful residential gardens of all types: large, small;
rocky, flat; with water and without. Each garden submitted must come with two
high res color 300 dpi photos, 8" X 10" sent to me on a disk with a name for
identification purposes and to keep straight all the submissions.
I will then do an interview by phone with the landscape designer or
architect and the home owners if they want to speak; I am happy not to quote
homeowners by name if they prefer. We will also include a plant materials list and
all credits for garden design and photos. If the gardens have been used
elsewhere that's fine as long as not in my prior issue!
I look forward to seeing your submissions.
If you have any questions, please
call me at 314-692-9881, email me at _bbbuch@aol.com_
(mailto:bbbuch@aol.com) , or just send me your fabulous gardens. Let's talk before you send your
submissions, though if you want send them to me AFTER May 22 to Barbara
Ballinger, 30 Briarcliff, St. Louis , Mo. 63124 .
Thanks very much in advance.

Sincerely,
Barbara Ballinger

Big Wow for Landscapes from the NY Times

2007-04-12T18:15:00.000-05:00

Check out this entertainment feature for that special client - outdoor theater

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/12/garden/12theaters.html?ref=garden

If you need a pool to go with your theater- try this idea. It's about time we rethought pools!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/05/garden/05pools.html?ei=5070&en=4f076f9200020aa5&ex=1176350400&adxnnl=1&emc=eta1&adxnnlx=1175910447-aGANPHDG0u9sTwXQFDZ0fw

ASLA Announces 2007 Residential Design Recipients

2007-04-09T14:28:00.000-05:00

At this very moment, ASLA has released the names of the recipients of the 2007 Residential Design Awards. With 11 winners, the Award of Excellence went to the Elie Saab Residence, Lebanon, design by Vladimir Djurovic of Lebanon (pictured)

Go to http://www.asla.org/ to view the pictures and descriptions of each project.

Reading and Research for landscape architects

2007-04-06T13:22:00.000-05:00

Landscape Architecture magazine editor, Bill Thompson, recently asked if landscape architects make time for reading. In my 25 years of practice, I have integrated reading and research as a vital element of my work. If you visit my office, you will find shelves and shelves of books and magazines. There may be 300 books or more. I frequently find myself drifting toward bookstores when I travel or shop.
Most importantly, I will pull down a book for reference each week. A book is in hand as I eat lunch and I will read in the evening as I relax after a tough long day. Magazines are also a great resource for trends and products. Many of the books are still relevant 10 year later.

So, what am I reading now? At work, I am reading Blue Ocean Strategy, a marketing book about creating new market space. It was recommended by a friend in the marketing business. For fun, I am reading, The Namesake.

So, what are you reading for work and fun?? Share with the PPN by responding to the listserv or this post.

Designer Profile: Barry Landry, ASLA

2007-04-02T09:15:00.000-05:00

1.Name : Barry Landry, ASLA
2. Company Name: Root Design Company

3. email address : barry@rootdesigncompany.com

4. Website: http://www.rootdesigncompany.com/

5. Where do you live and work? Austin, Texas

6. Where did you go to school? Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge BLA 1982

7. What type of practice do you have? or do? Primarily private high-end residential estates plus a few unique and interesting commercial projects

8. What is your favorite aspect of residential landscape design? People and plants, and especially "plant people" :-)

9. What are the current issues affecting landscape architects in Texas? Drought and water conservation, fire prevention and design, biofiltering and "green" building

10. What types of marketing does your firm engage in? What works best and why? We rarely spend on direct advertisement, most work is through word-of-mouth among our established clientele, also producing editorials, articles and having feature stories of our work in publications such as exclusive magazines and gardening books helps. Having practiced in Austin for eighteen years, much new work comes from long-time clients, their families and friends. We have a handsome project sign that also does the trick in enticing potential new clients.

11. Your firm is known for pool and water design, what should landscape architects know about working with water? Landscape architects should consider water as a building material just like stone, brick, plants or tile. We as landscape architects already have to deal with living (and dying), growing and perishable materials with our use of plants in design. Water is another material that has an ever-changing, ephemeral quality that can be molded, captured, guided, lighted and played with for unlimited desired effects. Water is viewed as an important program element in developing a thorough Master Plan - from drainage mitigation to highly ornamental and recreational water features.

12. Tell us about your 25 year career?

My career history began in Naples, Florida, interning with one of the all-time masters of residential design, Jack Lieber, FASLA. Under Jack's mentorship, I realized the magnitude of really great residential landscape architecture. During the mid-eighties, landscape architects had not gained much respect as "fine gardeners" and an interest in residential design set one apart (not in a good way) from the big-gun trendy planners clique, so I felt as though I was a fish out of water with my lofty goals of residential design in mind. I decided that in order to continue my education beyond school, I was going to attempt to infiltrate big firms with this new "American Garden' attitude. I took a job with the New Orleans office of EDAW and enjoyed working on plans for the World's Fair in 1984, among other projects. I headed a team which won first place for the design of the New Orleans Botanic Gardens, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1985. This led to a position with the SWA group in Sausalito, California.

I lived and worked in the San Francisco area for three years, all-the-while experiencing the great work of Tommy Church, Garrett Eckbo, Robert Royston and Isabelle Green -- to name a few, first-hand.These influences strengthened my desire to make horticulture and planting design my forte and passion. While at the SWA group, I was able to quickly claim a niche in handling planting design and implementation. SWA had such cool projects all over the country that it kept me constantly learning new plants and design concepts. Often I would be granted an assignment that had already been detailed hardscape-wise for me to "fill in the blanks" with plants to soften the overall harsh effect of too much architecture and paving. This allowed me to do site analyses in situ, flying to wherever the site was to get a better idea of appropriateness of plants, etc. I managed to work on the Reagan Library, Arizona Center in Phoenix, a couple of Beverly Hills estates and a number of other high-profile projects throughout California and the west.

I left California two weeks after the earthquake in 1989 and moved to Austin to work with James David, landscape architect, in his design firm associated with the nursery, Gardens. James is an incredible, well-traveled plantsman who has impeccable taste and incredible design panache. I was fortunate to work on high-end residential projects with rare and unusual plants and colorful native stone as my palette. After riding the high-tech dot-com bubble for five years, I worked with Rosa Finsley, landscape architect on the World Birding Center facilities in south Texas, renovations to San Antonio's Market Square ad Main Plaza, estates in Austin and the exclusive neighborhoods of Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills and have since settled down to working with Root Design Company, a landscape architecture and swimming pool implementation firm, where I am Senior Landscape Architect. Current projects include adaptive re-use of a warehouse complex for the new offices of Alamo Architects and OCO Architects in the trendy South Flores District, ranch and estate gardens in the central Texas area and beyond.

What advice do you have for a recent graduate considering a career in residential landscape design?
My advice for new graduates would be to broaden your horizons and push the envelope every opportunity you have to ultimately carve a niche within this profession to have the ability to express your own personal passion. Learning by no means stops once you get the sheepskin...it is just the beginning...follow your bliss.

"The only limit to your garden is at the boundaries of your imagination" - Thomas Church, Landscape Architect

Design Course of Interest

2007-03-27T11:45:00.000-05:00

American Horticultural Society Garden School's
"After Dark in the Garden: Creating Landscapes for Evening Enjoyment"

You are invited to an exclusive American Horticultural Society Garden School on April 26 & 27 at River Farm in Alexandria, VA, the Society's national headquarters.

During "After Dark in the Garden: Creating Landscapes for Evening Enjoyment," you'll discover how to optimize your garden for evening enjoyment through plant selection, design, and lighting. You'll hear from nationally renowned speakers including:
--Scott Ogden, author of The Moonlit Garden
--Karen Bussolini, co-author and photographer of Elegant Silvers: Striking Plants for Every Garden
--David Inouye, professor of biology at the University of Maryland, College Park
--Suzy Bales, author of A Garden of Fragrance and Garden Parties
--Mark Oxley of Outdoor Illumination
--Roger Foley, an award-winning photographer specializing in landscape architecture and
garden design
--Elin Haaga, a landscape designer who teaches at George Washington University
And, to top it off, Robert Lyons of the Longwood Graduate Program and professor at the University of Delaware will serve as Guest Horticulturist for this outstanding program.Space for this program is limited, so register today. AHS members are eligible for discounted registration rates. To register, please click here or call AHS Education Programs Coordinator Jessica Rozmus at (703) 768-5700 ext. 137.

Colorado ASLA Awards Residential Design

2007-03-26T14:11:00.000-05:00

The Award Detective rode out Colorado way via the internet and checked out the Awards program. We turned up a few resiential design winners from 2006. The photography was beautiful (when isn't a photo of the Rockies spectacular!) Winning entries were by R Design(top), Land Designs by Ellison, Inc(center) and Bluegreen.(bottom)

Kudos also go to the Colorado Chapter ASLA for particpating with the Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs to organize Garden Tours in 2007.

2nd Annual Rose Design Competition

2007-03-16T16:11:00.000-05:00

The 2nd Annual Designing with Roses Competition is open for entries. I had the wonderful opportunity to be one of the judges for last years competition. It was a great opportunity to review beautiful entries. The gardens were amazing and the AARS were a great group to work with.
I encourage members to enter. Your garden project does not have to be all roses. We are also looking for projects with roses integrated into the overall planting scheme.
For more information, go to www.rose.org.

More Award Winning Works from Boston

2007-03-08T15:46:00.000-06:00

Surfing through the Boston Chapter ASLA website, we detected more fantastic award winning design. Take a break and check out the residential gems from the Boston area designers: Stephen Stimson Associates, Thomas Wirth Associates, LTD, and Bruce John Riddle Landscape Architect, LLC and more.

http://www.bslaweb.org/2006Awards.htm

Residential Design Award Detective

2007-02-28T13:58:00.000-06:00

Since landscape architects are a talented but humble group, the award detective is snooping the web for evidence of blatant attempts to get recognized by their peers. The best part is finding outstanding works!!

First stop, we checked out the ususal suspects in Illinois at the
Chapter website http://www.il-asla.org/. Under the awards section, you will find several beautiful residential design projects by NLH Landscape Architects, Mariani Landscape, and Douglas Hoerr landscape Architecture, Inc.

Congratulations!!!

Residential Development Roundtable

2007-02-28T13:33:00.000-06:00

As you may have heard, ASLA is planning a new series of four Client Roundtables for the 2007 ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO, October 6-9, in San Francisco .

One of the roundtables will focus on the residential market and we are very interested in hearing your suggestions for whom to invite to participate on this panel. Ideally, we are looking for panelists who design and/or build homes at all scales:

National home builders
Senior living and multi-family home builders
Custom home builders
Architects (both who design luxury and mid-market homes)

We want to recruit a diverse panel to share their perspectives on what consumers want, emerging trends, what landscape architecture amenities add value to communities and to individual homes, how they currently work with landscape architects, what their needs are and how landscape architects can help, and much more.

In addition to providing our attendees with valuable market information, these panelists will be able to network with literally thousands of landscape architects, take advantage of an amazing continuing education program highlighting residential design, and tour the incredible EXPO trade show. It’s a great public relations opportunity for ASLA to impress a group of the profession’s largest clients.

Please send me your suggestions and any contact or background information you might have via reply email.

Thank you so much for your help!

Ann Looper
Director of Public Relations and Resource Development
American Society of Landscape Architects
636 Eye St., NW
Washington , DC 20001
202-216-2369 phone
202-842-0861 fax
alooper@asla.org
www.asla.org

Marketing Opportunity-Don't Miss this One!!

2007-02-16T13:54:00.000-06:00

ASLA received an inquiry from the Home & Garden Television website, http://www.hgtv.com for photos of landscape and hardscaping design. These photos will only be used for the web, and all will be credited. This is excellent exposure as this is the number one visited Home & Garden site on the web.

Specifically, they need:
hardscaping photos in the mid-economic range ($20-40,000)
fruit gardens (no orchards, rather fruit plants incorporated into the landscape)
They will be using these photos in upcoming features, so you'll need to submit as soon as possible, if interested.

Photos should be submitted directly to HGTV at the contact information provided below. Please cc Ashley Owens of ASLA as well so they can give you proper credit in our outreach materials. Thanks and have a great weekend!

HGTV Web contact:
Caren Baginski Assistant Editor
(865) 560-3900
cbaginski@scrippsnetworks.com

Editors Special Request

2007-02-05T11:40:00.000-06:00

We’re writing to encourage you to enter your residential work in the 2007 ASLA Professional Awards. Award recipients in the Residential Category are featured in both Landscape Architecture magazine and Garden Design magazine, as well as other industry and general media publications. It’s a great way to garner recognition for your work and reach potential residential clients.
The deadline for receipt of entry forms is Friday, February 9, and submissions are due February 23. Entry forms are available online, as well as tips for improving your submissions.
Good luck!

Bill Thompson, FASLAEditor in Chief, Landscape Architecture magazine
Bill MarkenEditor in Chief, Garden Design magazine

Winning Strategies from ASLA

2007-02-05T09:58:00.000-06:00

ASLA has provided a helpful guide for anyone considering a project awards program. Whether it is a local competition or national - these points are absolutely terrific. I have always found entering a project benefical even if we are unsuccessful. You gain great written narratives and photography that can be used for marketing material etc.... You should be spending the money anyhow. You can also enter more than one competition with the same pictures and copy. So, remember to take those pictures at the right time - when things look the best.

http://www.asla.org/awards/2007/rules_entries/winning.html

That reminds me, in a past job, my co-workers and I used to look for dead shrubs in industry trade ads. You would be surprised at how bad the plants look in the pictures!!

Garden Rant worth the Visit

2007-02-01T09:49:00.000-06:00

One of our favorite fellow blogs is Garden Rant. It is oriented toward the interests of residential garden designers. They also consider the ASLA blog , "The Dirt", to be a favorite of theirs. Check it out!!

See the beauty of a field of red twig dogwood. . . . .

www.gardenrant.com

ASLA Survey Highlights Trends

2007-01-08T16:05:00.000-06:00

Landscape architects will bring the party in 2007, according to a recent ASLA trend survey posted at yubanet.com finding that people are calling for more fire pits and outdoor fireplaces.In general people seem to want to spend more time outside. Perhaps it's the suspiciously warm weather.
In that vein, prospective clients also seem more aware of climate change and possess the will to do their small part to help improve the environmental situation.Steve Martino, FASLA, of Phoenix - recipient of both the ASLA Design Medal and the ASLA Residential Design Award of Excellence in 2006 - says that clients are coming to him for "green solutions" for their homes.

Climatic Changes Effect Plant Choices

2007-01-02T15:41:00.000-06:00

The ASLA's The Dirt online newsletter recently posted an article (Dec. 21, 2006) from the New York Times about the effect of climatic changes on vegetation and gardening. Have you noticed any changes? Check out this article for some enlightening information.

http://www.asla.org/land/dirt/blog/index.cfm?mode=entry&entry=A8660DBE-1422-17E0-F81FAAAAA00BCC0A

Research Site of Interest

2006-12-11T09:24:00.000-06:00

I have mentioned this website before. Associate Professor Linda Chalker-Scott provides answers for burning questions that have bugged you for ages, such as mulch teas and peat moss. This is a website that exposes us to research that pertains to our work. It is food for thought. Check out the Horticulture Myths.

http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~Linda%20Chalker-Scott//research.html

Annual Meeting Proposal Requests

2006-12-08T12:37:00.000-06:00

Dear PPN Members,,

ASLA is accepting proposals for Annual Meeting sessions until January 10, 2007. We are accepting proposals now!!

Please consider submitting a proposal in concert with other members of your PPN. We’ll also be asking PPN members to review Annual Meeting proposals and forward the strongest ones to the Annual Meeting Steering Committee. We want to make sure that the Committee has a lot of sessions representing PPN areas to select from.

ASLA ’s PPN website provides background information about various types of Annual Meeting programming: http://www.asla.org/members/ppn/annualmeeting.htm.

Here’s the link to submit your session online: https://www.eshow2000.com/asla/2007/abstract_collection_form.cfm.

Thank you!
Jennifer

Jennifer Fraulo Strassfeld
Manager, Professional Practice
American Society of Landscape Architects
636 Eye Street, NW Washington , DC 20001-3736
(202) 216-7852

Ephemeral Gardens

2006-12-08T11:14:00.000-06:00

The Canadians have a thing for garden design events. This one sounded interesting.

The Ephemeral Gardens will be an artistic event where creators from different horizons are invited to bring an artistic viewpoint on the major themes of Québec City's 400th anniversary.

This viewpoint will be expressed through creator gardens : outdoor creations using mediums that combine different elements, including plant materials. The gardens will be on view at Espace 400e , a focal point of the festivities to be created alongside Louise basin in downtown Québec City. The goal is to create 6 contemporary art gardens. This call for proposals is aimed at seasoned and budding creators. They may be architects, landscape architects, or visual artists and may be from Québec City, Canada, or countries historically linked to Québec City: France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Registration deadline is January 31, 2007

Link: Québec 400: Ephemeral Gardens

Contest Winner Gets a Landscape Architect!!

2006-12-04T14:52:00.000-06:00

I recently came across this advertisement in Real Simple Magazine. Aveeno, maker of skin products( i.e. lotions and such), is holding a contest entitled "Seeds of Goodwill Contest". You can enter your local community garden which needs a makeover. The winning garden get a $5000.00 gift certificate to a garden supply store as well as a session with a local landscape architect(valued at $1000.00). To nominate your garden, visit
www.realsimplerewards.com/aveeno.

Winter Continuing Education Opportunities

2006-11-30T13:17:00.000-06:00

Ah, winter! A chance to catch your breath, catch up on reading, and work on your marketing plan. It is also a time to attend a few delectable escapes and listen to someone talk about their works. Horticulture Magazine always puts on a good show around the country. They have two traveling show entitles "The Great Garden Debate" and "Harmonious Planting Design".

Check out their website for more information.

www.hortprograms.com

Annual Meeting Reflection

2006-11-06T12:35:00.000-06:00

The 2006 ASLA Annual meeting in Minneapolis was a great success. Several attendees remarked on the high quality of educational sessions and large Expo Hall. I also want to comment that we had adequate seating for the sessions.

OK, enough with the raves. I was a little disappointed with the sustainable display in the Expo Hall. It was a good idea and hopefully, we can do a better job in San Francisco. We also did not have enough time for the PPN meeting. As usual, we had to conclude with so much more to say.

We had 30 attendees at the PPN meeting. Topics of discussion included contract content and language, and Expo products. This being an international meeting, we also welcomed landscape architects from Monterey, Mexico.

Outcomes from our discussion will be a survey of residential practice. We will provide the results to the PPN members. So, if you get a request to fill out the survey - PLEASE DO IT!!

ASLA Award Winning Book on Rainwater Harvesting

2006-10-02T09:08:00.000-05:00

ASLA awarded this book and it should be of great interest the residential designers interested in this topic. You can find out more about this information rich book at www.asla.org under the 2006 ASLA Professional Awards for Communications.
Forgotten Rain: Rediscovering Rainwater Harvesting, by Heather Kinkade-Levario, ASLA, Phoenix, AZ.

"This is a strong piece of work on a very valuable subject. A must-read for landscape architects and other designers."
— 2006 Professional Awards Jury Comments

The purpose of this book is to help educate the public on how to do rainwater harvesting, to show the components of a system, and to eliminate the idea that the process is complex. The author has had multiple requests for information, requests for presentations, and requests for providing class materials, which demonstrated a need to get the information into one document and out to the public for education purposes. Several state manuals and international books exist for the subject, but no one book/document is as comprehensive with history, component information, case studies, details, and references.

You can also go to the website www.forgottenrain.com for more info on how to purchase the book.

ASLA Annual Meeting Countdown - 16 days to go

2006-09-19T11:04:00.000-05:00

Landscape architects are gathering in Minneapolis and residential design topics are all over the schedule. Yeah!!
Please find time to tear yourself away for an hour and attend the Residential Design PPN Meeting at 9:30am on Sunday, October 8th. You will need to check at the Convention Center for the location.
While you browse the Expo floor, please keep a list of the vendors you found helpful as a residential designer. You can share them at the PPN meeting.
Bring your business cards to share.
If you get an email from ASLA requesting that you fill out a questionaire regarding your practice-please do!! This is a valuable chance to get some statistics about our practice, plus you get a discount on the Business Indicator Survey.

Design with Roses Competition Winners

2006-09-15T07:58:00.000-05:00

See the results of the Design with Roses Garden Design Competition. The results are posted at the AARS website www.rose.org.

Or click on this link http://www.rose.org/site/epage/32917_429.htm

Congratulations!!!!

Special Exhibit on Sustainability-Just for Us!!

2006-09-11T17:46:00.000-05:00

I just got word on this juicy tidbit for an exciting feature to check out in Minneapolis. You will have to visit Sustainability with Style - the ASLA and Garden Design magazine LIVE residential demonstration project - Sustainability With Style - in the ASLA EXPO on Saturday and Sunday. Join designer Dean Hill, ASLA, host of the Do It Yourself Network's Grounds for Improvement, and explore stylish, elegant, and sustainable residential outdoor living spaces that bring kitchens, dining areas, family rooms, and even bedrooms outdoors. A must see for the latest in outdoor living elements including pavers, lighting, furniture, cooking and heating products, and much more.
I will share more information when I get it. The project is still developing according to ASLA staff.

ASLA Releases Survey-Residential Design is prominent

2006-08-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

From the August 7 LandONLINE:
ASLA Releases Results of Consumer Awareness SurveyResults demonstrate an increase in awareness of landscape architecture.

In June 2006, ASLA conducted a survey to measure the general public’s awareness and understanding of the landscape architecture profession. The results of this survey will help to establish a benchmark against which to measure future public awareness efforts.
The survey asked a sample of 2,000 U.S. adults to describe their level of familiarity with the term “landscape architect,” rate the likelihood that nine various activities would be performed by a landscape architect, and identify the level of education they believe is required of a landscape architect.
Data from this survey and a similar survey conducted in 1998 demonstrate an increase in awareness of landscape architecture among general consumers since that time:
Eighty-seven percent of respondents in the 2006 survey indicated that they have at least heard of the term “landscape architect,” and 65 percent claimed to be at least somewhat familiar with this term. Twenty-one percent rated themselves as “very familiar” with the term—almost twice as many as in 1998, when only 12 percent rated themselves as “very familiar.”
In the 2006 survey, older U.S. adults (those aged 45 and older) were more likely to be at least somewhat more familiar with this term than their younger counterparts. Sixty-nine percent of those aged 45 and older indicated that they are at least somewhat familiar with this term, compared to 65 percent of those aged 35–44 and 60 percent of those aged 18–34. In the 1998 survey, 15 percent of those aged 35–54 rated themselves as very familiar with landscape architecture, 12 percent of those 55 and older were very familiar with the term, and 9 percent of those aged 18–34 were very familiar with it.
Familiarity with this term increases with education. The 2006 survey showed that 78 percent of those with at least a 4-year degree were either somewhat or very familiar with this term, versus 64 percent of those with some college education but no degree and 57 percent of those with no college experience. In the 1998 survey, 21 percent of those with at least a 4-year degree indicated that they were very familiar with the term landscape architecture, 12 percent of those with some college education but no degree did, and 8 percent of those with no college experience indicated that they were very familiar with it.
In the new survey, a higher portion of those with annual household incomes (HHI) of $75,000 or higher indicated that they were at least somewhat familiar with this term (81 percent, versus 61 percent of those with HHI of $50,000 to $74,999, 67 percent of those with HHI of $35,000 to $49,999, and 56 percent of those with HHI of less than $35,000). The 1998 survey measured slightly different income brackets. In that survey, 18 percent of those making $50,000 or more were very familiar with the term, while 9 percent of those in the $35,000 to $50,000 range and 11 percent in the $20,000 to $35,000 range were very familiar with the term.
The top three activities that respondents in the 2006 survey identified as being performed by a landscape architect were improving the landscape of a home (72 percent), designing a public park or recreational facility (65 percent), and making a downtown street more attractive to increase retail customer traffic (54 percent). In the previous survey, the top three activities identified were restoring a historic park (91 percent), planning a town or city (82 percent), and laying out plans for a large office complex (77 percent).

Great Show in Montreal

2006-07-18T09:10:00.000-05:00

The Canadians know how to show off their profession or maybe I just have a thing for Canadian design. While we struggle with modern versus tradtional, they embrace it all!! Check out this website for the 2006 International Flora Montreal.
The event runs from June 16-October 9, 2006. I hope that the city of Chicago can develop their event to a similar level.

This is worth a trip over the border. heck, it is worth a trip to it's website!!

www.floramontreal.ca

ASLA 2oo6 Annual Meeting-Residential Interests

2006-07-11T10:48:00.000-05:00

From the pages of ASLA ONLINE Posted July 10, 2006:

Landscape architects specializing in residential design won’t be disappointed at the ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO, October 6–10 in Minneapolis. Residential design will be featured in field sessions, education programs, and in the annual professional and student awards programs.
Recognizing that more than 70 percent of our members’ firms offer residential services, and numerous studies project tremendous growth in consumer demand, we called on many of the leading experts in residential design to help us create programming to meet the needs of residential practitioners. These experts will be on hand to serve as faculty and networking resources throughout the meeting.
Fascinating field sessionsPart education session, part professional tour, two of the 2006 field sessions will highlight local residential landscape architecture. They are being planned and led by prominent designers who can provide a behind-the-scenes look at a number of extraordinary projects. Field session space will be limited, so register now to reserve your tickets.

In addition to important topics such as sustainability, plants, and design technology, a number of the 2006 education sessions will focus specifically on residention design and will feature some of the most celebrated landscape architects in practice today:
*A Sustainable Approach to Residential Landscape Designwith Jim G. Hagstrom,
*ASLAUrban/Residential Design with Shane Coen, ASLA, and Thomas R. Oslund, FASLA
*Residential Design in the Midwest with Douglas Hoerr, ASLA

as well as

*Inside the LA Studio: Residential Design as a Testing Ground with Pamela Burton, ASLA, and Mia Lehrer, ASLA
*Inside the LA Studio: Residential Design with Tom Oslund, FASLA, and Ken Smith, ASLA
*Inside the LA Studio: Residential Design Lessons from the Southwest with Steve Martino, FASLA
*Inside the LA Studio: Residential Garden Splendor with Peter Wirtz, International ASLA
*Inside the LA Studio: Residential Design Challenges in the Southeast with Raymond Jungles, ASLA, and Mario Nievera, ASLA
*Creating the Landscape of Home with Julie Moir Messervy, Affiliate ASLA
*Inside the LA Studio: Residential Design in the Pacific Northwest with Charles Anderson, ASLA, and Steven Koch, ASLA
*Inside the LA Studio: Residential Design in the Northeast with Ed Hollander, ASLA, and Stephen Stimson, FASLA

Amazing awards The ASLA 2006 Professional and Student Awards program features the Residential Design Award category again this year. Cosponsored by Garden Design magazine, awards in this category will be presented on Monday, October 9, during the ASLA awards ceremony. A special luncheon honoring all award recipients, their clients, and professors will be held following the ceremony.
Award-winning entry binders will be on display for attendees to peruse in the ASLA Commons during EXPO hours. The 2006 awards video featuring the winning projects will premier during the awards ceremony, and copies will be available in the bookstore.Register now and save $100.
The most popular host hotels will fill up quickly, so please reserve your room today.

Landscape Architects in Kiplinger's Personal Finance

2006-07-07T17:04:00.000-05:00

ASLA members were featured in a recent Kiplinger Personal Finance. See good advice and great pictures at
http://www.kiplinger.com/personalfinance/features/archives/2006/07/backyard.html

The information on how landscaping , especially professional design, can add value to a property is great marketing points.

ASLA Design Medal Goes to Residential Design Innovator Steve Martino, FASLA

2006-07-06T10:57:00.000-05:00

Steve Martino, FASLA has been selected as the recipient of the 2006 ASLA Design Medal.
The ASLA Design Medal is awarded to an individual landscape architect who has produced a body of exceptional design work at a sustained level for a period of at least ten years.
Steve Martino, FASLA, is the principal of Phoenix-based Steve Martino & Associates and a Fellow of ASLA. Martino has won countless awards throughout his career. Most recently, he received ASLA's 2006 Award of Excellence in Residential Design.
As powerfully regional and distinctive as Martino's work is, it has influenced landscape architecture far and wide. He has been in the vanguard of green design in the southwest for decades, using native and low-water plants to create lush, modern landscapes. His work has taught us all how to better appreciate what nature has given us and to live wisely wherever we live. Martino uses native plants in highly imaginative and artful ways, convincing his clients to use this approach and inspiring practitioners across the country.
Go to http://www.asla.org/awards/2006/medals/awarded/martino.htm and read the nomination letter from the Arizona Chapter of the ASLA and support letters from Raymond Jungles, ASLA, Bill Marken, Editor-in-Chief of Garden Design magazine, Frederick R. Steiner, FASLA, Reed Kroloff, Dean of Tulane UniversityÂs School of Architecture, Rosheen Styczinski, FASLA, Darrel Morrison, FASLA, and John Douglas, FAIA ASLA.

For a visit of the Steve martino and Associates website, click on http://www.stevemartino.net.

Sustainable Residential Landscapes

2006-07-06T10:22:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite blog sites, Inhabitat has posted some information on sustainable practices for residential landscapes. I found this tidbit through the ASLA "The Dirt" eNewsletter (gotta love web editor Dave Connell and his wit!).

Go to the July 5th posting on http://www.inhabitat.com for more info on the topic as well as other interesting stuff.

Outdoor Living Space and Amenities Increasing in Popularity

2006-06-09T13:54:00.000-05:00

Residential architects report that there has been a sharp rise in the popularity of outdoor living space, upscale landscaping, and outdoor amenities. More attention and investment is now being devoted to enhancing individual properties as the overall size of U.S. homes has begun to level off after decades of expansion. These findings are from The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the first quarter of 2006 that focused specifically on overall home layout and use, and compared these trends to the 2005 results . . . . . more

To see the rest of this report from the AIA, click on link below.

http://aia.org/release_060806_Q106_design_trends

ASLA Press Release provides "talking points"

2006-06-06T09:47:00.000-05:00

Ever have that tongue-tied feeling when the press comes calling for your input on a article. The best advice I received was from a press savvy gardening-celebrity friend. She suggests that you take a deep breath and say that you would love to provide some comments but would like to have some time to think about their questions. Ask them what questions they have and you will call then back within 24 hours or by their deadline. This gives you time to sound sane and provide better answers. Writers are looking for good quotes and information. This is where the "talking points" are valuable. ASLA has put together a nice little press release with some answers for the topic of Energy Saving Tips for Homeowners. You can personalize the tips with local examples or how you implemented these points with some cool and creative solutions. See press release below.

Simple Steps to Save Homeowners Money and Make Homes Environmentally Friendly
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2006 As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners should consider alternative ways to help lower their bills and help the environment by making their homes more green. In recognition of National Landscape Architecture Month, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is raising awareness of the need for sustainable, environmentally sensitive design and how homeowners can help achieve this goal.
ASLA is doing its part to become more green by installing a green roof covered with vegetation on its downtown Washington, D.C., headquarters. Green roofs last up to twice as long as conventional roofs, save significantly on heating and cooling costs, improve community air and water quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect in the summertime. While its not feasible for most homeowners to retrofit their homes with green roofs, there are other steps you can take to minimize your homes impact on the environment:
· Use trees and vegetation to cut your summertime air conditioning use by shading all east- and west-facing windows. Shade windows from the outside with a covered pergola, strategically placed trees, or trellises with vines for a beautiful look inside and out. Create outdoor rooms for your family, such as cooking and dining areas. Spending more time and cooking outdoors reduce the need for air conditioning indoors.
· Replace exposed concrete and asphalt driveways and walkways with pavers, which stay cooler, look better, and can even be placed to allow vegetation to grow through. Exposed concrete and pavement get heated by the sun, reradiating unwanted heat indoors.
· Use native plants common to your area to reduce watering and maintenance. Keep traditional lawn areas to a minimum or consider using ground-cover plants many are sturdy enough to allow for play areas for children and pets. Use mulch in garden beds to reduce the need to water, and install a rainwater tank to collect stormwater for watering. Many landscape architects are working with clients to use graywater (such as condensation from a homes air conditioning) for irrigation and water features.
· Recycle kitchen waste into garden compost. Its an effective and affordable way to keep your plants healthy and reduce garbage. Many good resources are on the web to help homeowners get started, including the U.S. Composting Council web site (www.compostingcouncil.org).

ASLA Award Winner Featured in New York Times

2006-06-01T17:36:00.000-05:00

There is a nice article featuring one of the residential design winners of the ASLA Design Awards.

See link http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/01/garden/01natu.html

Rose Design Competition Opportunity/Deadline Approaches

2006-05-22T18:04:00.000-05:00

The deadline is fast approaching for the All-America Rose SelectionsTM 2006 Designing with Roses Competition, which honors and celebrates excellence in landscape design for residential and commercial gardens. The AARS will accept entries from February 21 through July 7, 2006. All entries must be received by July 7, 2006 to be considered. Please fill out the official entry form found on the website www.rose.org and return it by June 15, 2006 to receive the official binder.

Who Should Enter?
The Designing with Roses Competition seeks submissions from professional and student landscape architects that have designed creative and innovative gardens that utilize roses as a core design element.

Awards & RecognitionWinners of the Designing with Roses Competition will be selected at the AARSTM Annual meeting in August 2006 and will receive featured coverage in the All-America Rose Selections newsletter, the AARS web site, the ASLA newsletter, as well as other landscape trade and general interest garden publications.

Winners will be announced and honored in August 2006 at the Awards Presentation Ceremony at the 58th annual Garden Writers Association symposium in Valley Forge, Penn.
JudgingWinners of the AARS Designing with Roses competition will be selected by a jury of experts including Better Homes & Garden Editor Elvin McDonald, Sunset Magazine Writer Lauren Swezey, ASLA Fellow Rosheen Styczinski, ASLA Member W. Gary Smith and Pasadena Tournament of Roses Director Wendy Matthes.

YES-The ASLA Firmfinder does work!!!

2006-05-03T12:14:00.000-05:00

As the ASLA Vice -president of Communications (a past life), I was very involved in the development of the ASLA website and it's products. We had already experienced the wildly successful JobLink and thought a firm finding product would also be a great thing. Well, it has had a slow start. I had an enhanced presence on the site. In the last two years, I have had an increasing number of clients finding me through the ASLA Firmfinder. The majority of the individuals have been looking for a residential landscape designer. So, if you have not considered an enhanced listing-you may want to check it out. This week,I signed a design contract through this source.

Go to www.asla.org for more info.

National Landscape Architecture Month at NBM

2006-04-18T12:01:00.000-05:00

National Building Museum Events:
The National Building Museum is once again helping to spread the word about National Landscape Architecture Month by partnering with ASLA to present a series of lectures and tours throughout the month of April. One of the featured speakers is a well-known and innovative residential landscape architect.

Spotlight on Design: Steve Martino
Wednesday, April 26 6:30–8:00 PM
Landscape architect Steve Martino, FASLA, designs landscapes that demonstrate an understanding of the cultural significance and character of a site. He has pioneered the use of native and low-water plants, bold forms, and conservative use of water to achieve dramatic, lush, and livable landscapes that celebrate the desert. His Sonoran desert projects are known for introducing new technical innovations in design and horticultural practices. The principal of Phoenix-based Steve Martino & Associates will discuss the juxtaposition of man-made elements with natural ecological processes in projects including public art commissions, private gardens, and commercial projects.

This tidbit is found at the recent ASLA Online.

Residential Stormwater Management Featured

2006-04-18T09:13:00.000-05:00

Our friends in California are on the cutting edge of stormwater management at the single- family residential scale. Are we surprised? This article is great example of what a homeowner can do. It also shows how a knowledgeable professional can help or is an important component to the process.

http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-water13apr13,1,6706611.story?coll=la-headlines-home&ctrack=1&cset=true

April is here!!

2006-04-07T15:17:00.000-05:00

As April seeps it way into our schedules, I figured it would be a good time to look at topics for the PPN Newsletter. A few members have responded with the following suggestions:

Rain Harvesting
Water Conservation
Material costs changes due to catastrophic weather
Green Roofs for residential
Sustainable Materials
What other organizations do residential landscape architects belong to?

What do you think? Are there any other topics you would like to know more about?

If you want to respond (I know you do!) please email me at neweden@sbcglobal.net.

Special thanks to Tim, Ted, and Annie for your feedback. I would also like to thank the PPN members who responded to the ASLA PPN survey. You comments are greatly appreciated.

ASLA Provides Guide for Residential Landscape Design

2006-03-26T13:30:00.000-06:00

ASLA has recently updated a consumers guide in the value of good design and selecting a landscape architect. The icon for the page is on lower half of the ASLA website homepage. It is also linked to the FirmFinder page as well. Check it out.

http://www.asla.org/residentialinfo/

HOME Magazine Features PPN Members

2006-03-20T11:16:00.000-06:00

The April issue of Home, a magazine for home improvement, features two ASLA members in an article about hiring landscape design pros. Rosheen Styczinski and Kelly Fore Dixon were referred by ASLA to writer Jessica Dheere. So . . . if you get a call from the media, it may be a referral from your PPN chairperson or ASLA. If you are interested in being a media source, just email your PPN chairperson at neweden@sbcglobal.net.

Read the article by clicking the link below:

http://www.homemag.com/article.asp?section_id=29&article_id=495

Pruned-Webblog to be seen

2006-03-16T09:32:00.000-06:00

If you have not already discovered this webblog, you should bookmark it. It is fun and interesting.

http://pruned.blogspot.com/

Designing with Roses Competition Announcement

2006-03-09T18:03:00.000-06:00

All-America Rose SelectionsTM is pleased to announce its 2006 Designing with Roses Competition, which honors and celebrates excellence in landscape design for residential and commercial gardens. The competition recognizes specific works of landscape architecture or gardens designed professionals and /or students. Entries of all scales of design, from small gardens to large private landholdings to commercial properties areencouraged. ASLA is cooperating with AARS by providing judges, promotion, and prizes.
DEADLINE: for Entry Forms is June 15, 2006
DEADLINE FOR ALL ENTRIES: Must be received by July 7, 2006.

For more information:
http://www.rose.org/site/epage/32917_429.htm or call Erin Walsh at (415) 348-2731.

New Study Shows Landscaping is Top Choice!

2006-03-01T10:09:00.000-06:00

A new study, "Driving Design: From the Front Seat to theFront Porch", fielded by Harris Interactive and Therma-Tru Doors, looks at how American homeowners find inspiration for the exteriors of their current homes or the new homes they are building. Curb appeal and landscaping is shown in this study to be a dominant influential factor.
Of course!. . . .we say, but isn't it nice to have it backed up with statistics? There is also some valuable information that can be used in developing your marketing plans.

Click on this link to the article for more information.

http://www.thermatru.com/PressReleases.aspx?link=DrivingDesign

Great Websites to See

2006-02-27T13:37:00.000-06:00

It has been a busy winter for this Midwestern designer-I miss the annual winter break. While cruising the net I came across few websites with some great information and works. I like to check out what is happening other parts of the world.

This first site is from Australia and they do a good job with a few good pictures. Check out the project portfolios-plans and photos.
www.goodmanors.com.au

The second website hails from Vancouver, BC (site of the next Olympics). This website is just plain full of information. I like their explanation of the design process - that is pronounced with a long O sound -like in profess. That is Canadian speak.
www.space2place.com

We would like to thank Garden Design magazine for the wonderful issue featuring the 2005 ASLA residential design award winners!!

Another Chance to be Seen

2006-02-07T09:59:00.000-06:00

Once again-another items found on ASLA'S LandOnline:
Two publishers are asking ASLA members to submit their projects for possible publication in upcoming books. One publisher is looking for specific residential projects, while the other is looking for public spaces that were created with community involvement. Please see the listings below for more information:

HomeTips, a California-based book developer, is producing a new book for Sunset Magazine and Books called Patio Roofs & Gazebos. This book will present ideas, inspiration, and plans for a variety of covered garden, patio, entry, and deck roofs; trellis-type overheads; and freestanding structures such as gazebos, arbors, and spa overheads. For this book, HomeTips is seeking photographs with, ideally, plans of these types of structures. Any available construction shots, step-by-step photographs, or before-and-after shots are also requested. Designers and photographers will be credited in the book.For submissions, please send transparencies or high-resolution scans (300 dpi, Macintosh format Tif or Jpeg files). For questions or more information, contact Gabriel Vandervort at mailto:gabriel@hometips.com.

WorldChanging is publishing a book with a section on the creation of great public spaces. Specifically, they’re looking for “grassroots examples of groups who have created neighborhood places through a combination of community cooperation and citizen action on urban design.” If you have a project that fits the bill, click here, and describe the project in the comments section.

Design by Nature (Hurricane Wilma)

2006-01-26T09:36:00.000-06:00

The ramifications of the Fall hurricanes in Florida are revealing issues for the landscape industry. We are seeing increased wood prices through out the country as well as shortages in tropical plants. An article in the January 26 New York Times tells how landscape architects and garden design are affected as well. Mario Nievera, ASLA, lead a tour of his Palm Beach gardens at the Annual Meeting in October, just weeks before the the hurricanes wrapped up their work.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/26/garden/26mario.html

Thanks for the comments!

2006-01-24T09:46:00.000-06:00

Several of our members have responded to information posted. If you are interested, just click on the 'comments' icon at the lower right corner of each posting areas. The number of comments are also there.
If you have an itch to comment - please do so. Just click on 'comments' on the lower right corner and follow the instructions. Your comment will be sent to your chair and then posted to the website.

Thanks.

Sweet Find at Mid-Am

2006-01-24T09:08:00.000-06:00

I attended the 2006 Mid-Am Expo in Chicago last week. After walking endless miles with bags of catalogs, brochures, and freebies, I came upon a lovely display of blooming hydrangeas. This delightful treat (on a cold blustery day) also introduced me to the latest development in hydrangeas, the new Endless Summer 'Blushing Bride'. The Original Endless Summer® Hydrangea has been the hottest plant in the industry in many years. And now Bailey Nurseries are introducing the next Endless Summer® Hydrangea to be sold through Independent Garden centers only in spring & summer 2006. This plant has pure white blossoms that mature to a blush pink or blue depending on soil acidity and features glossy dark-green foliage. And like its parent the Original Endless Summer®, it has kept that wonderful reblooming ability. Bred by Dr. Michael Dirr at the University of Georgia in 2001, Dr. Dirr calls this Hydrangea macrophylla “my most significant introduction to date”. Tests across the country have shown Endless Summer® Blushing Bride to have the hardiness of the Original with an even faster rebloom! For the next two years we are going to rate the hardiness zone of this plant as 5 - test zone 4. Blushing Bride did survive the winter of 2004 in zone 4.
Midwest Nurseries are striving to increase it's tree stock and selection. Most tree sources are having plenty of trees at 3" caliper or less but still struggling to keep enough trees on hand to grow into bigger sizes.

Have you seen anything of interest in your tradeshows? Let me know and I will pass it on.

Direct from the fertile pages of "The Dirt"

2006-01-16T11:04:00.000-06:00

The January/February issue of Garden Design arrived in our mailbox yesterday, and it
includes 20 gorgeous pages dedicated to the residential design winners of the 2005 ASLA Professional Awards. Garden Design partnered with ASLA last year on the residential awards, and the magazine’s editor-in-chief Bill Marken, who sat on the jury, writes about the experience in his letter to the editor. “It was a boom time for both quantity and quality in our awards program,” Marken writes. Unfortunately, you can’t get the issue or the articles online, but you can pick them up on your newsstand—and if you attended the ASLA Annual Meeting this year you should be getting your issue in the mail soon. And if you want your project to appear in Garden Design in the future, the best thing to do is enter your residential projects in the 2006 ASLA Annual Awards

Thanks to Dave Connell, The Dirt editor

Reflecting Hortica

2006-01-13T16:06:00.000-06:00

Here is a blog that reminds us why we love plants. The blogger is the photographer and her pictures are amazing.

Check it out: http://www.theizelcottage.blogspot.com/

News from ASLA's "The Dirt"

2006-01-06T09:26:00.000-06:00

Keeping ahead of the trends-here is an interesting thought on the future of the residential landscape . . .

From the January 6th posting on The Dirt:

Is the Boomer Gardening Bubble Going Bust?New York Times garden writer Anne Raver reports that the late 1980’s gardening boom is slowing as baby boomers feel their age. Edmund Hollander, ASLA, says, “If there’s any trend it’s toward simplicity. Instead of trees in flower from March through September, people want hydrangeas and buddleias.”

More media opportunities via ASLA

2006-01-05T14:49:00.000-06:00

A freelancer writing for a gardening magazine devoted to gardens of all types - rose gardens, gardens that are private, garden walkways etc. - is looking for projects that fit the following descriptions.
If you're interested in submitting a garden project, please send to Ashley Owens at ASLA:
- the category that your project fits into
- a brief description of the project - include plants used and for which zones, the challenge for the design, and the favorite outcome of it
- project location
- two photos of your project, 300 dpi high resolution with one in a large 8" X 10" format that takes up an entire page and the second photo a smaller 5" X 7" or 4" X 6". (you must have these photos to be considered) If you have before shots, send those as well, but it's not required.
- a plan, if available DEADLINE: JANUARY 9, 2006 if possible.
*Note: residential gardens only

The specific gardens she is looking for include:
1. Front walk
2. Front area garden by windows and doors
3. Back yard gardens all over the U.S.
4. Driveway
5. Side yards (hiding the air conditioner and trash cans), multiple versions
6. Perennial garden
7. English country garden
8. Cutting garden
9. Annual garden
10. Wildflower garden
11. Woodland garden
12. Garden by outdoor kitchen
13. Garden for cooking-herbs and edible flowers
14. Secret garden with borders and beds
15. Multicolored garden
16. Color themed garden
17. All white garden
18. Rose garden
19. Fragrance garden
20. Garden with trees and bushes for privacy or year-round seasonal joy such as fruit trees and topiaries
21. Garden for a retaining wall including espaliered greenery
22. Deck or patio gardens, multiple versions
23. Porch garden
24. Fence garden with greenery and flowers
25. Container garden
26. Seaside yard garden
27. Garden for pergola, trellis or archway
28. Water gardens, above ground, pond, fountain, with maybe a sidebar on incorporating water with colored lights
29. Rock garden
30. Small garden
31. Zero garden or small gardens, multiple versions
32. Shade garden
33. Semi-indoor garden on a screened porch
34. Tropical garden
35. Regional gardens from different parts of the country
36. Before and after feature with specific problems and solutions, several examples
Please send all information to me by Monday, January 9, if possible.
as well, but it's not required.
- a plan, if available
*Note: residential gardens only

CONTACT:Ashley Owens
Manager, Public Relations
American Society of Landscape Architects
636 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-216-2371
Fax: 202-898-1187
aowens@asla.org
www.asla.org

While in France. . . . .

2006-01-05T09:26:00.000-06:00

If you happen to be in France and have some free time . . . . check this out.

International Forum
“VIEWPOINTS AND PERSPECTIVES”
At the occasion of the International Forum
“VIEWPOINTS AND PERSPECTIVES”

JACQUES SIMON, one of the most talented landscape designer of the world,
will personally give workshop, sign and illustrate the book
“French Landscape Designers and their creations”
You can meet him in Paris, from february 26th until march 03rd, 2006

To know more about the forum, please contact us :

ART & NATURE INTERNATIONAL
Email : edcris@easyconnect.fr
http://www.aninter.com
135, avenue Jean Baptiste Clément
92100 Paris Boulogne, FRANCE.
Tel. 00 33 1 55 38 91 54 – Fax 00 33 1 55 38 02 11

National Exposure Opportunities

2006-01-05T09:17:00.000-06:00

Here is an opportunity for national exposure.

2 HGTV Media Opportunities
HGTV in conjunction with KPI-TV (NY) and NBC (NY) are looking for landscape architects with projects for two shows: “Extreme Rooftops” and “Great Outdoor Rooms.”

Media Opportunity #1:
DETAILS: KPI-TV (NY) is working with HGTV on a special program called "Extreme Rooftops". They're in the process of shooting now and need some additional projects to feature. They're looking for rooftop projects that might be in bloom now, preferably open air (not greenhouse type roofs).

Any project submitted for consideration must be:
Residential (not a condo or apartment building – private homes only)
In bloom now
Available for taping this month
PROJECT SUBMISSIONS DUE BY JANUARY 9

Media Opportunity #2:
DETAILS: NBC (NY) is working with HGTV on a program entitled "Great Outdoor Rooms". They're looking for landscape architects that will be creating an outdoor room in the spring, or that will be finishing one up in the spring. Again, the focus is residential.

Any project submitted for consideration must be:
Residential (not a condo or apartment building – private homes only)
Scheduled for construction and completion this spring (January to April)
Available for taping between January and April
PROJECT SUBMISSIONS DUE BY JANUARY 17

If you’re interested in submitting a project for the HGTV producers, please send all information to Ashley Owens at http://us.f815.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=aowens@asla.org or contact her at 202-216-2371. Please include the media opportunity you are interested in and provide a brief project description (3-4 sentences or more); the beginning and completion dates of the project; the location; and, the landscape architect’s name.

We realize that these shows have many constraints and specific requirements, which is why we’re reaching out to all of our members. These are great opportunities that we should take advantage of. We hope someone has a project that fits the requirements – great exposure for you, your firm, and ASLA!

Ashley Owens
Manager, Public Relations
American Society of Landscape Architects

Events Featuring Landscape Architects/CEU's offered

2006-01-03T11:13:00.000-06:00

Here are a few upcoming events that present topics of interest for residential design practitioners, offer CEU's, and feature landscape architects as experts.

PENNSYLVANIA: Upcoming Seminar for Landscape Professionals:"Native Landscape Design: Reality Versus Perception"
January 31 & February 1, 2006 at Villanova University, Villanova, PA Continuing Education Units for Landscape Architects will be offered

Each year this symposium features expert speakers who share innovative ideas and practices for designing naturalistic landscapes.
Topics for this year's symposium include how people perceive nature, human activity and whether it is compatible with a healthy forest ecosystem, landscape disturbance as a management tool and creative ways to reduce garden maintenance.
Featured speakers include David Foster, director of the 3000-acre Harvard Forest at Harvard University, Gerould Wilhelm, a renowned botanist and teacher of ecological restoration and stewardship from the Chicago area, and Carol Franklin, FASLA, principle with Andropogon Associates, a Philadelphia-based firm that offers landscape architecture services from an ecological perspective.
The conference is designed to bring together people from a variety of disciplines including landscape architecture and design, horticulture, ecology, and botany.
Click here for complete brochure with registration form. You can print the registration form and fax it to 215-247-7862. (pdf, requires Adobe Acrobat reader)
Sponsored by the Connecticut College Arboretum, the Morris Arboretum, New Directions in the American Landscape, and the PA/DE Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects

INDIANA: P.L.A.N.T.S 2006 - Annual INLA Conference and Tradeshow
January 4-6, 2006 at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN

This event is just around the corner but it is interesting to note that two landscape architects are featured speakers at this event, Greg Pierceall and Sandra Y. Clinton, FASLA. Greg is presenting a pre-show seminar and Sandra is the featured speaker for the ASLA Luncheon.

More Interesting Research: Rooftop Gardens, etc...

2005-12-23T09:21:00.000-06:00

Visit the website of Nova Scotian firm, Ekistics Planning and Design for some interesting white papers on research about rooftops garden microclimates, riparian vegetation, and more.

http://www.ekistics.net/publications.html

Holiday Greetings!

2005-12-22T10:48:00.000-06:00

Go ahead and take breather. Forget the end-of-the-year deadlines and take time to share the goodwill of the holidays. You deserve it.

Landslide 2006: Spotlight on the Garden

2005-12-14T10:13:00.000-06:00

Historic buildings are not the only treasures on our nation's cultural endangered species list -- America 's landscape legacy of gardens is also at risk. In an effort to raise awareness for these nationally significant resources, the Washington, D.C.-based Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) along with Garden Design magazine, have issued a Call for Nominations - Landslide 2006: Spotlight on the Garden.

They are now accepting nominations for Landslide 2006: Spotlight on the Garden . If you know a garden that is worthy of inclusion in this call to action, please download and submit an application. Deadline is January 31, 2006.

http://www.tclf.org/landslide/2006/index.htm

Stormwater Research for Residential Landscapes

2005-12-13T08:55:00.000-06:00

Finally, research for the residential scale project! The University of Vermont is studying the effects of stormwater run-off on residential neighborhoods. Read more about it in The Mercury News or the University of Vermont websites below.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/13367200.htm

www.uvm.edu/~ran/ran/ toolbox/bmp/index.php.

Establish a Standard

2005-12-12T17:13:00.000-06:00

If you want to set a standard for the quality of plants on your projects, one of the best resources is the American Standard for Nursery Stock from the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA). I keep a copy at my desk. You can refer to it in specifications or use it to evaluate plant deliveries. The document is now available as a PDF document on the ANLA website.

Click on the address below for document (warning- it is 129 pages)
http://www.anla.org/applications/Documents/Docs/ANLAStandard2004.pdf

Food for Thought

2005-12-12T09:11:00.000-06:00

Nature does nothing uselessly.
Artistotle (384BC-322BC)

Plantsman Gets Credit

2005-12-07T10:17:00.000-06:00

Landscape architects have been accused of not knowing our plants. Piet Oudolf has proven that we know our plants and they are as important as the structure of the garden. In this article in the Washington Post, he has some great comments on how effective plants can be.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/30/AR2005113000429.html

International Garden Festival

2005-12-06T10:50:00.000-06:00

Our neighbors to the North have a wonderful garden competition which was recently featured in our own Landscape Architecture Magazine (November 2005 issue). The next International Garden Festival will be at the Reford Gardens in Quebec on June 24 through October 1, 2006.

Click on their website at www.jardinsmetis.com/english/index.htm for cutting edge ideas and the latest news.

Potomac and Maryland Chapter Awards

2005-12-02T11:38:00.000-06:00

The December 2 update of the "The Dirt" features the Potomac and Maryland Chapter Awards. Check out the residential projects.
There is also a review of the new book by Dominique Browning, The New Garden Paradise, by the Washington Post.

www.asla.org/land/dirt.html

Professional Enrichment Opportunities

2005-12-01T09:30:00.000-06:00

This website will provide information on education programs that have potential interest for our members. CAUTION: Not all programs may satisfy the CEU standards of your state. You should verify with the programs organizers and your state licensure board.

The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association has launched a new education program called the ILCA Institute. The courses are designed for designers and contractors. It is especially appealing to landscape architects in residential design and design-build. Several ASLA members are instructors. For more information, go to www.ilcainstitute.com.

Horticulture Magazine is hosting it's annual symposium on design, plants, and garden-making. The event is entitled Romancing the Site. This event is always a high quality program with accomplished speakers featuring authors, plantspeople, and designers. There are several location and winter dates around the country. For more information, go to www.hortmag.com.

The Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show (Mid-Am) will be January 18-20, 2006 at the Lakeside Center at McCormack Place, Chicago, Illinois. This is the premier Midwest horticuture event. Besides the huge trade show, there is an expanded midwinter conference and pre-show management workshop. Midwestern designers are familiar with this annual pilgrimage and people wonder what we do in the winter, hey? For information, go to www.midam.org.

Finally, here is another website that has good information. Check out the Links area for horticultural groups of interest. www.hardyplantsociety.org.

If you know of an upcoming event that may be of interest to our group, contact your chairperson via email at neweden@sbcglobal.net.

Designer Profile: New Eden Landscape Architecture

2005-11-29T13:56:00.000-06:00

Designer Profile will be a new feature of our website. As we cross paths, I will interview and feature different residential landscape designers and share their responses to a few questions. To start this adventure, the first designer profile is your chairperson. A few people have asked me to introduce myself and I figured this would be a great way to start.

Name: Rosheen Styczinski, FASLA
Company Name: New Eden Landscape Architecture
Where do you live and work: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Email: neweden@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.newedenlandscape.com

What type of practice do you have?
I am a sole proprietor with a practice that comprises of both residential and commercial clientele. I also focus on the healthcare industry and therapeutic landscapes. My practice is 2 years old, so I am still in the start-up mode. I have been practicing in this area for 25 years with previous experience in urban design and design-build.

How did you become a Fellow in ASLA?
I have served as an ASLA Vice President of Communications in 1999-2001. It was a great experience and a lot of work. I would not trade the experience for anything. A benefit is that I know how ASLA works and who to contact if I need an answer. It is possible for a humble landscape architect in a design-build practice to become a Fellow.

What is your favorite aspect of residential landscape design?
I like the fact that my work affects people's lives. The creative process is energizing but unless it is appreciated and affecting, it is not complete.

What books are you currently reading that you would recommend to LA's?
I am reading The Martha Rules by Martha Stewart. It is a good book about starting a new business. It also is a good conversation piece and she knows what she is talking about.
I also recently started Trading Up by Michael Silverstein and Neil Fiske. It discusses consumer trends that are affecting our industry.

What advice do you have for designers considering the leap to independence as a professional?
I suggest that you do your homework. Read as much as you can and ask yourself some hard questions. Be prepared to not make money for a few years (at least).

What has been your best marketing tool?
Networking has been my best source of work as a new practitioner. I have gotten work from every opportunity. I attend trade shows, belong to professional associations, and volunteered with local business and neighborhood associations. As people get to know you, they will be more comfortable to call and work with you.
I also recommend purchasing a good camera and good photography. I purchased a digital camera and have used it in everything from site analysis to marketing. I remember Jim Van Sweden mentioning it in his interview in Landscape Architecture magazine. The first step to getting published is great pictures, so either have a great camera or hire a good photographer. I have 15 year old pictures that still get published.

Are you more comfortable charging by the hour or lump-sum fees?
I tend to lean toward lump sum quotes. I like to challenge myself to be as profitable as possible. Clients are less likely to question the fees in the end.

What mistakes do you think most residential designers make as businesspeople?
They underestimate the value of a good contract with clients. I have seen some pretty weak documents. You need to protect yourself and invest in some professional advice.

OK, that is enough about me. Next time, I will seek out another interesting designer and ask those probing questions.

More Native Landscaping Resources

2005-11-29T10:25:00.000-06:00

Networking is key to linking up with more client contact potential. Sounds kind of techy-right? If native landscaping is your niche, check out the resource area at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website. This should be your Online Resource for Native Plant Information in North America. You can also be listed as an expert in it's directory. Landscape architects have been active in the development of this wonderful facility and organization. Click on the link below and I suggest that you bookmark this resource.

http://www.wildflower2.org/index.html

The winter months are often called our "slow season". Frankly, I do not mind, it gives me time to clear my head and catch up on my continuing education. I intend to stay as busy as possible. This website will post continuing education information and programs. If you know of a great CE opportunity - let me know at neweden@sbcglobal.net.

ASLA Professional Awards Program

2005-11-21T10:23:00.000-06:00

It's not too soon to start thinking about entering the ASLA 2006 Professional Awards. The call for Entries is now available online at www.asla.org. Many entries have already been received. Take advantage of this opportunity.

For information on the Residential Design Category click on http://www.asla.org/awards/2006/rules_entries/residential.html

Winners are featured in Garden Design magazine. For members who may not know, ASLA started Garden Design magazine, so we are happy to have partnered with this great publication. It is one of the few American magazines that respects the role and work of landscape architects.

Your web editor will be spending the Thanksgiving week away from computers in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Have a great holiday.

Art and Craft of Stone

2005-11-16T17:01:00.000-06:00

Dry stone structures have been identified as "what's hot in 2006" by Canadian magazine Gardening Life. I remembered a few interesting websites for stone wall junkies like me. Whether you like to get dirty and build a wall or in search of a craftman to install them for your clients, these two organizations seem to be at the top of the rock pile. Their publications are not too shabby either.

www.jboyweb.com/drystonewall/index.html

www.stonefoundation.org

2006 Annual Meeting-Proposals

2005-11-15T12:05:00.000-06:00

We have barely returned from ASLA's 2005 Annual meeting, and the deadline is already approaching for proposals for programming for the 2006 Annual meeting. Proposals will be accepted until January 9, 2006. Instructions for submitting are online http://www.asla.org/meetings/am2006/minneapolis.html. Members of our network can submit proposals so that our areas of expertise are well represented in the programming.

If you are interested, members of a Professional Practice Network can participate in establishing the content of the 2006 Annual Meeting by volunteering to review proposals in advance of the Annual Meeting Steering Committee's review. Only PPN members participate in the first round of review. The review process will begin shortly after the January 9 proposal deadline. You can contact your PPN chairperson at neweden@sbcglobal.net or contact Jennifer Strassfeld at jstrassfeld@asla.org.

ASLA Expo Review

2005-11-11T11:18:00.000-06:00

Now that I have had time to catch up since we got back from Fort Lauderdale, site of the ASLA Annual meeting and Expo, I had a chance to get through my beach bag of goodies from the show. Other than a stray chocolate chip cookie, I discovered all sorts good brochures, catalogs, and memories. Tradeshows tend to lean towards the region they are located in but I found some interesting new vendors of interest to our group. The following rating are purely based on my jaded interests but this is what I saw.

Best New Vendor - The Branch Studio from Pontiac, Michigan,
Handcrafted containers, garden structures, and furniture
www.thebranchstudio.com

Best Give Away - Mimosas from Artist Pokey Park

Software with Potential - SketchUp by @Last Software, easy to use 3-D software
Demos were fun and energetic.

There were all sorts of great things to see, touch, and demo. The show was huge and I wish I had more time to spend with all of the vendors. Finally, I wonder who won the Mini Cooper and the biggest golf club (driver) I had ever seen.

Northwest Sustainable Landscapes

2005-11-11T10:38:00.000-06:00

Northwest region designers have great resources. I came across this website for the Oregon Extension Service. Check out some of the links at the end. There are some good basic information.

http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/html/ec/ec1534/ec1534.html

Native Landscaping - Where the Wild Ones Roam

2005-11-10T11:00:00.000-06:00

Native Landscaping is nothing new to most landscape architects. However, most homeowners need to be educated on what "natural" really means. The Wild Ones, an organization formed by individuals with a common interest and passion for native plants, is a great resources for designers and clients. The Wild Ones has grown from a small renegade group to a nation-wide movement. Visit their website at :

www.for-wild.org

Horticultural Myths Exposed

2005-11-04T13:25:00.000-06:00

As you go through the years, how many times have you given a client advice and found out later that you were wrong? Well, here is a website that I came across that helps decide which is folklore and what is scientific fact.

http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~Linda%20Chalker-Scott//Horticultural%20Myths_files/index.html

I am passing on this information, but you have to decide for yourself what works for you.

If you know of a website or resource that you would like to share - email the information to neweden@sbcglobal.net. Please send items that pertain to landscape architecture issues and especially for residential design.

ASLA Residential PPN Creates Weblog

2005-11-04T12:26:00.000-06:00

As requested, we have created a weblog for the ASLA Residential Professional Practice Network. It is a long name so I will often use Residential PPN. This weblog will be the primary communication tool for the PPN. If you want to contribute information to the blog, please email the information to neweden@sbcglobal.net. As editor of this blog, I will be responsible for posting the information.