TierramadreLandscape.com

I am currently trying plan a design for my backyard landscape, does anyone know of anythings I should keep in mind? I live in zone 10b and have dogs and know that I want something relatively low maintainance. What are things that are more on the actual design side that I should think about?

Several things.
1. Water movement and pooling - if you have areas that are more wet, look for plants that prefer wet soil.
2. Sun - obviously know what type of light the plant likes.
3. pH. Plants that like a higher pH soil are happier next to the house in most soils. Typically, the foundation of a house is concrete which leaks lime into the soil.
4. Roots - most trees should be 10 feet from the house. Be careful with Silver Maple, Cherry and Redwood. Trees like these can actually push in the walls of a submerged basement, tear up sidewalks and wreak havoc.
5. Compatibility. Some plants are toxic to other plants. Black Walnut will kill just about everything around it.
6. Size at maturity. People buy "cute" shrubs because they like the flowers or color. 10 years later, they're living in Sleeping Beauty's castle, surrounded by a jungle.
7. Color arrangement. Consider different layers - light greens, white, reds, etc. Don't just use monotone green. Contrast the color of the house with a shrub, then put another contrast in front of that. If you have room - 3 layers is very luxurious looking.
8. Maintenance. If you don't want to trim or divide, look for things that grow more slowly. In 10b, you probably use Bermuda grass? Consider putting in solid flowerbed edging to stop or severely deter invasive runners. If you have Fescue, you don't have to worry as much.
9. Flowers. Leave limited space for annuals if you want some really amazing color. Otherwise, look at some perennials. Note, however, that Perennials get bigger and bigger each year.
10. Fire. This is more an issue in dry climates. Consider rock against the house rather than mulch. Mulch is very VERY flamable in hot dry weather. Even in the moderate areas of the Northeast, it's not uncommon for catastrophic fires to start in flowerbeds when someone flips a burning cigarette into someone's yard and it lands in the mulch.
11. Shade - put deciduous trees around the south and west sides. The leaves will reduce your power bills in the summer. But they will drop their leaves in the winter allowing that sun to warm the house. Of course - in 10b, this might not matter! Go with Palm Trees!
12. Go Native. Look for plants that are native to your area. They're more likely to survive weather cycles. Imported plants are most prone to escape and cause environmental problems. Look at Honeysuckle in the Northeast, Kudzu in the South, etc.

2007-10-17 07:06:41 by Greg S

www.WatchMojo.com presents... A look at some of the newest ideas and tips in creating a garden.

Years ago I worked in a amateur way in gardening maintenance. I realice that I liked it a lot but I don't have the specific knoledge and experience to start a landscape and gardening design business. I have the feeling that I have the creativity for doing this but of course this is not all. Could someone help me telling me the kind of tools that I would require to start this gradually? Maybe I would requiere to know some landscape design software, etc. In short, what kind of tools would be necesary to have and learn. Maybe the thing would be more complex like doing an Business plan? I'll thank any advice. Chris

mower

bobcat

trimmers

Edger


Gardener: A truck or trailer to carry your equipment and debris (although some enterprising people have even started without this). A lawn mower, rake, broom, and other small hand tools. Buy your equipment used if necessary, but shop carefully.

Landscaper: Basically you need hand tools and a truck or trailer. To start with most other tools you can rent.

Interiorscaper: A car or truck is necessary, watering cans, and assorted small hand tools.

>From the basic requirements to start it would seem that interiorscaping requires the smallest capital outlay. This is correct, but starting an interiorscape business is more difficult in other ways. It requires a better understanding of the trade. Indoor plants are much more difficult to maintain. Also, acquiring accounts is not as easy as in outdoor work. Most, if not all, interiorscape accounts will be commercial, as opposed to the residential work of gardeners.

For gardeners and landscapers a truck or trailer is a must, but as I mentioned earlier it is possible to start without one for some work. If you are doing maintenance you may be able to get accounts that will allow you to use their equipment and not require you to haul away debris. You will be expected to work very inexpensively, though. If you can get a truck do so.

For both gardeners and landscapers another source of income is from clean-ups. This is simply a one-time job of cleaning up an overgrown landscape. These jobs are hard work, but can be quite profitable.

In every business you have to contend with the government. Service businesses are no different. Before you get started investigate what is required in your area. Most likely you will need a business license from your city. The state may require a contractor's license or certification for landscape contractors. Most likely your state will require a pest control license if you intend to apply pesticides. Check out all the city, state, and federal rules before you start.


misc hand tools rakes shovels

2007-08-27 16:08:24 by Quantex

Price: $49.95

I am working on a small eco-resort on an island off the coast of Haiti. see site www.ile-a-vache.com . I am looking for someone who can help us with the landscape design plan. We want to set this up as a way to help create job in this small island.
Many thanks

Your resort looks very promising! You can get many things done using local labor and I would suggest growing much of your own food and using that as a selling point for your resort. The eco-gardens would be quite an attraction to many tourists.
Any features such as freshwater pools or jacuzzis should blend well with the landscape and I have several suggestions for natural swimming pools and ponds using native materials.
Using local artwork and practical items designed by locals in your resort will also add charm and authenticity to your resort.

I would love to help with this project. Please e-mail me, putting "Consultation" in the subject line:)

Good luck!
gg

2006-07-26 18:12:55 by patlucien

Price: $49.99 $49.99

Contains everything you need to design your ideal room, garden, small home project or entire large house, 14,000 sample home and garden plans, colors, patterns, flooring, carpets, window treatments, patios, driveways and more!
20,000 brand-name product catalog of furniture and appliances
Advanced shading and lighting, including sunrise and sunset simulation - see your house/garden at all times of day!

Go to http://sba.gov , http://score.org or http://bplan.com for sample business plans and instructions on how to write a business plan.

2008-02-03 14:38:04 by dwead_05

I am a landscape designer, but I do hand drawn plans only. I am looking to invest in software. I work for a small but busy landscape company and I just don't have the time to do it all by hand anymore.

Dynascape looks the most professional, and with Dynascape Color you can colorize a design very beautifully in a very few minutes. It is more costly than the rest, but you get what you pay for.

2009-03-30 16:36:43 by Sara