Need Landscape Design Advice & Opinions
Berob
front yard that are either dead, dying, diseased, or simply planted in the
wrong place. In deciding what to plant, I'd like to know if it is advisable
to stick with one tree theme, say Dogwoods, or if I should mix and match
with say a Dogwood, a Styrax, a Redbud, a Sourwood, and something else. I
didn't know if true landscape architects recommend the continuity that using
the same tree multiple times provides or whether they recommend the interest
that comes from many different things. I realize it ultimately comes down
to what I like but I'm wondering what professionals think. Thanks in
advance for any advice, opinions, or experience.
Berob
Pam
garden and should reflect your tastes and preferences rather than some
artificial construct devised by designers. Continuity in landscape design can be
achieved in ways other than by selecting the same plant material - the same
plant 'form' will work, repetition of foliage or flower color, the style of your
garden - all play a part. Personally, I prefer to see repetition in materials
used in hardscaping rather than the duplication of just a few types of plants -
makes for a very boring landscape, IMHO. Look through some books or mags on home
landscaping - I'll bet the gardens that strike you as the most appealing are
those that have a range of plant material thoughtfully and carefully combined.
As an aside, I'd want to know what happened to the dead, dying or diseased trees
before I invest what could be substantial funds in replacements. Is there
drainage issues or perhaps soil-borne fungal problems or are these just disease
prone Eastern dogwoods?
Pam
gardengal designs
David J. Bockman
My $0.02...
Of course there is no black and white here, but your design decisions depend
a lot upon what effect you hope to achieve. Dogwoods are a classic choice in
my area. They are a ubiquitous understory tree. I rarely use them in my
designs (Cornus floridiana) because they are so prevalent. It doesn't matter
how pretty the blooms are, by the time you've seen it 5,000 times in a
square mile area, the bloom lacks resonance and 'vanishes'. Add to that
their recent decline from Anthracnose and you'll see why I feel there are so
many other better choices.
I like to break down design choices and tree selection by analyzing first
where the tree should be placed and then the effect I'm hoping to achieve
with that placement. Trees can be structural anchors, borders, groupings,
windbreaks, screens, etc. They can also be categorized by type and use:
fill, special, ornamental, specimen, etc. For example, I would probably
consider Styrax to be an ornamental or specimen, and thus place it carefully
in a corner, or off by itself in order to be fully appreciated. Having a
whole slew of them is like gorging on Godiva chocolates-- too much!
Sourwoods are an excellent indigenous tree with great fall color. I might
use that as a shade providing specimen or large grouping knowing that the
fall show will be wonderful.
Dave (who works as a Landscape Designer when not doing bonsai!)
--
David J. Bockman, Fairfax, VA (USDA Hardiness Zone 7)
Bunabayashi Bonsai On The World Wide Web: http://www.bunabayashi.com
email: d...@bunabayashi.com
Berob <ber...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
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dr....@megapathdsl.net
shade
flowers
summer/spring/winter/fall interest
easy to grow, fast growign, maintenance
remember that there are tall trees and you can underplant with disease
resistant kousa dogwoods or rhodies, etc.
Ingrid
Pam <grdn...@home.com> wrote:
>Your choice is entirely dependent on your preferences.
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