April is National Landscape Architecture Month – but where are they?

By Terry Orr

Where have all the Landscape Architects gone?

For over six years and untold number of (wanta-be-landscape-designers) have caused me to wonder if there are real, honest to goodness Landscape Architects exist in the National Capitol Region. 

One, who really is one with nature, understands the surrounding environment, drainage concerns, what products really work well in the area, designing a plan that is in harmony with God creatures.

I should have known something was amiss when it took four different land and landscaping companies near six years to get my lawn looking green and healthy.  There are plants, flowers and trees that have been planted in both sunny, partial sun and shade areas dying. 

Having a garden and yard that is bird, butterfly, bee, and other critter friendly – has been one of the long poles in the tent from the start.  Helping our outside friends through all the seasons.

This is 2013 and all of the folks that I have interviewed over this time period simply do not want to use the automated tools available for their design efforts.  Why? 

• Making changes becomes a chore
• Depicting growth impacts on your landscape drawing is nearly impossible without different layers
• Maintenance by the owner and understanding basic of those improvement to the property are challenging
• And the list goes on and on

Is there someone out there up to the challenge of developing a master plan and help implement that plan into something that all parties can be proud of and invite others to learn from this adventure?

Have you found a good landscape architect/designer that has satisfied your needs?

Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

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By Diane Forrest

When my brother was in high school, he acquired a fondness for drawing.  He took an art class in school, and became quite good at drawing flowers and fruit and still life.  I on the other hand have trouble staying within the lines while coloring a picture.  I love art, and I get thrilled when someone I know is artistic, I consider them like a rock star.  My cousin's daughter is 13.  She has developed a talent for painting and drawing.  I take a certain amount of pride in her achievements since I gave her one of her first sets of colors.

Art can be found everywhere.  Art is not just drawing or painting.  Art is music, acting, photographs, anything that pleases your eyes, ears and other senses.

While I can't draw, I love to sing.  I participated in the school and church choirs since I was small.  As I grew older, I sang in my church's choir, and continued singing until my husband became disabled.  He would love to watch me sing, and would tell me I looked like an angel.  I haven't been able to make it back to the choir since his death, but I am hoping to ease my way back.  Music is so emotional for me, and I sometimes find myself sobbing during particularly moving songs.

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My son is so entertaining.  When he was younger he could produce tears at the drop of a hat, and the next instant be rolling with laughter.  I always told him he should be an actor, and he participated in a few skits at school and church.  He has a rare gift of making people laugh.

Since my father retired he spends alot of time in his wood shop.  He has learned how to make beautiful furniture and turn wooden pens on his lathe.  A local reporter recently published a five page article and pictures of his works, and that article has drummed up alot of "business" for him.  He doesn’t sell his works of art, however if someone wants something he makes, he will "sell" something for a donation to the local Children's Home.

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Today is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day.  Art can be found everywhere you look...whether it’s a painting, photograph, music or architecture. Even the worn lines in a person's face or the pink cheeks on an infant, all of these will bring a smile to your heart or tears down your face.  So, today, take some time to look around you, take a stroll down your town's downtown area, and look at the buildings.  If you have a museum, walk around there and take a look around. Maybe you will even be inspired to show a little of your artistic side.  It’s never too late to get started, after all, Grandma Moses was in her 70's when she started painting, and she became one of the country's best selling artists!  Find your inspiration today.

National Landscape Architecture Month

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By Akindman

In honor of National Landscape Architecture Month in April, landscape architects across the country will host a variety of activities to celebrate the profession and explain how their work contributes to the public’s well-being. In keeping with this year’s theme, many events will demonstrate how green design can encourage healthy living.

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When we moved into our new home six years ago, one of the first things we did was hire a good landscape architect to help us establish a five year plan for our land/hard scape.  The first criterion was to work equally well with both my wife and me – she did that very well.  Our back yard had over 21 mature trees which reduce the amount of sun exposure – so we needed to develop an environment for shady area.

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While we have modified our original plan several times – the basic concept is still intact and our plan has been a good one.

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Link:

www.asla.org

Frederick Law Olmsted
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