Garden Designing & Landscaping (Landscape designing): The Professional Perspective

Dr. P. Rajendran, PhD. Biotech, Post-Doc. Biotech & Mol. Biol (IARI), Post-Doc. Mol. Genet. (KFU, KSA).Associate Professor & Head, Associate Professor & Head, Cashew Research Station, Anakkayam P.O Kerala Agricultural UniversityKerala Agricultural UniversityMalappuram Dist, Kerala, India 6735930483 2848239, 9447186158Email: crsanakkayam@kau.in menon_r15@yahoo.com

Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land, including but not limited to:

living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly referred to as Gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful environment within the landscape.

natural elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation, or bodies of water;

human elements such as structures, buildings, fences or other material objects created and/or installed by humans; and

abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions. Landscaping is both science and art, and requires good observation and design skills. A good landscaper/landscapist understands the elements of nature and construction, and blends them accordingly.

Landscape comprises the visible features of an area of land, including physical elements such as landforms, living elements of flora and fauna, abstract elements such as lighting and weather conditions, and human elements, for instance human activity or the built environment

The word landscape comes from the Dutch word landschap, from land (directly equivalent to the English word land) and the suffix -schap, corresponding to the English suffix "-ship".

Landscape, first recorded in 1598, was borrowed as a painters' term from Dutch during the 16th century, when Dutch artists were on the verge of becoming masters of the landscape genre. The Dutch word landschap had earlier meant simply 'region, tract of land' but had acquired the artistic sense, which it brought over into English, of 'a picture depicting scenery on land'

Landscape architecture involves the investigation and designed response to the landscape. The scope of the profession includes architectural design, site planning, environmental restoration, town or urban planning, urban design, parks and recreation planning. A practitioner in the field of landscape architecture is called a landscape architect

Landscape architecture is a multi-disciplinary field, which includes: geography, mathematics, science, engineering, art, horticulture, technology, social sciences, politics, history, philosophy and more recently, ecology. The activities of a landscape architect can range from the creation of public parks and parkways to site planning for corporate

1

office buildings, from the design of residential estates to the design of civil infrastructure and the management of large wilderness areas or reclamation of degraded landscapes such as mines or landfills. Landscape architects work on all types of structures and external space - large or small, urban or rural, and with "hard"/"soft" materials, hydrology and ecological issues

The breadth of the professional task that landscape architects collaborate on is very broad, but some examples of project types include:

The planning, form, scale and siting of new developments Civil design and public infrastructure Stormwater management including rain gardens, green roofs and treatment

wetlands Campus and site design for institutions Parks, botanical gardens, arboretums, greenways, and nature preserves Recreation facilities like golf courses, theme parks and sports facilities Housing areas, industrial parks and commercial developments Highways, transportation structures, bridges, and transit corridors Urban design, town and city squares, waterfronts, pedestrian schemes, and

parking lots Large or small urban regeneration schemes Forest, tourist or historic landscapes, and historic garden appraisal and

conservation studies Reservoirs, dams, power stations, reclamation of extractive industry applications

or major industrial projects Environmental assessment and landscape assessment, planning advice and land

management proposals. Coastal and offshore developments Ecological Design any form of design that minimizes environmentally destructive

impacts by integrating itself with natural processes.

The role of a landscapist:The most valuable contribution is often made at the earliest stage of a project in generating ideas and bringing flair and creativity to the use of space. The landscape architect can contribute to the overall concept and prepare an initial master plan, from which detailed designs can subsequently be prepared. He or she can also let and supervise contracts for construction work, prepare design impact assessments, conduct environmental assessments or audits and act as an expert witness at inquiries on land use. He or she can also support or prepare applications for capital or revenue funding grants

History in briefThe first person to write of "making" a landscape was Joseph Addison in 1712. The term "landscape gardener" was invented by William Shenstone in 1754 but the first professional designer to use this term was Humphry Repton in 1794. The term "landscape architecture" was invented by Gilbert Laing Meason in 1828 and was first used as a professional title by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1863. Lancelot Brown, (also known as

2

"Capability" Brown), who remains one of the best known "landscape gardeners" actually called himself a "place maker". During the nineteenth century, the term "landscape gardener" became applied to people who build (and sometimes design) landscapes and the term "landscape architect" became reserved for people who design (and sometimes build) landscapes. This use of "landscape architect" became established after the American Society of Landscape Architects was founded in 1899 and the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) in 1948.GardenA garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the display, cultivation, and enjoyment of plants and other forms of nature. The garden can incorporate both natural and man-made materials. The most common form is known as a residential garden. Western gardens are almost universally based around plants. Zoos, which display wild animals in simulated natural habitats, were formerly called zoological gardens

Traditional types of eastern gardens, such as Zen gardens, use plants such as parsley. Xeriscape gardens use local native plants that do not require irrigation or extensive use of other resources while still providing the benefits of a garden environment. Gardens may exhibit structural enhancements, sometimes called follies, including water features such as fountains, ponds (with or without fish), waterfalls or creeks, dry creek beds, statuary, arbors, trellises and more.

Some gardens are for ornamental purposes only, while some gardens also produce food crops, sometimes in separate areas, or sometimes intermixed with the ornamental plants. Food-producing gardens are distinguished from farms by their smaller scale, more labor-intensive methods, and their purpose (enjoyment of a hobby rather than produce for sale).

Gardening is the activity of growing and maintaining the garden. This work is done by an amateur or professional gardener. A gardener might also work in a non-garden setting, such as a park, a roadside embankment, or other public space. Landscape architecture is a related professional activity with landscape architects tending to specialise in design for public and corporate clients.

The term "garden" in British English refers to an enclosed area of land, usually adjoining a building. This would be referred to as a yard in American English. Flower gardens combine plants of different heights, colors, textures, and fragrances to create interest and delight the senses.

Garden design is the art and process of designing and creating plans for layout and planting of gardens and landscapes. Garden design may be done by the garden owner themselves, or by professionals of varying levels of experience and expertise. Most professional garden designers are trained in principles of design and in horticulture, and have an expert knowledge and experience of using plants. Some professional garden designers are also landscape architects, a more formal level of training that usually requires an advanced degree and often a state license. Many amateur gardeners also attain a high level of experience from extensive hours working in their own gardens, through casual study or Master Gardener Programs offered by approved agencies

3

Elements (ingredients) of garden designWhether a garden is designed by a professional or an amateur, certain principles form the basis of effective garden design, resulting in the creation of gardens to meet the needs, goals and desires of the users or owners of the gardens.

Elements of garden design include the layout of layout of hard landscape, such as paths, walls, water features, sitting areas and decking; as well as the plants themselves, with consideration for their horticultural requirements, their season-to-season appearance, lifespan, growth habit, size, speed of growth, and combinations with other plants and landscape features. Consideration is also given to the maintenance needs of the garden, including the time or funds available for regular maintenance, which can affect the choices of plants regarding speed of growth, spreading or self-seeding of the plants, whether annual or perennial, and bloom-time, and many other characteristics.

The most important consideration in garden design is how the garden will be used, followed closely by the desired stylistic genres, and the way the garden space will connect to the home or other structures in the surrounding areas. All of these considerations are subject to the limitations of the budgetary concerns for the particular project and time. Budget limitations can be addressed by a simpler more basic garden style with fewer plants and less costly hardscape materials, seeds rather than sod for lawns, and plants that grow quickly; alternately, garden owners may choose to create their garden over time, area by area, putting more into each section than could be handled all at once.

The elements of a garden consist of the following:Natural conditions and materials:Soil Rocks Light conditions Wind Precipitation Air quality Pollution Proximity to ocean (salinity) Plant materials

Man-made elements:Terrace, patio, deck Paths Lighting Raised beds Outdoor art/sculpture, such as Gazebos and Pergolas Pool, water garden, or other water elements such as drainage system.

Uses for the garden space

4

A garden can have aesthetic, functional, and recreational uses:

Cooperation with nature Plant cultivation Observance of nature Bird- and insect-watching Reflection on the changing seasons Relaxation Family dinners on the terrace Children playing in the yard Reading and relaxing in the hammock Maintaining the flowerbeds Pottering in the shed Basking in warm sunshine Escaping oppressive sunlight and heat Growing useful produce Flowers to cut and bring inside for indoor beauty Fresh herbs and vegetables for cooking

Types of gardens 1. Gardens may feature a particular plant or plant type(s);Back garden Bog Garden Cactus garden Fernery Flower garden Front garden Herb garden Orangery Orchard Rose garden Vegetable garden Vineyard White garden Wildflower garden Winter garden

2. Gardens may feature a particular style or aesthetic:Alpine or rock garden Bonsai or miniature garden Children's Garden Chinese garden Dutch garden English landscape garden

5

French formal garden Italian garden Japanese garden Knot garden Mughal garden Native garden Persian garden Roman gardens Terrarium Trial garden Tropical garden Water garden Wild garden Xeriscaping Zen garden

3. Gardens may feature a particular purpose Botanical garden Butterfly Garden Butterfly zoo Cold Frame Garden Community garden Container garden Cottage garden Cutting garden Garden conservatory Greenhouse Forest garden Hydroponic garden Rain garden Raised bed gardening Residential garden Roof garden Sacred garden Sensory garden Square foot garden Square Foot Gardening is the name of a book by Mel Bartholomew and the associated method, which he has helped popularize. The original book was published by Rodale Press in 1981, leading to a PBS television series from 1982-1986, various classes around the world, a web site and a second edition published in 2005. It combines and concepts from other organic gardening methods, including a strong focus on compost, closely planted raised beds and biointensive attention to a small, clearly defined area. Proponents claim that the method is particularly well-suited for areas with poor soil, beginning gardeners or as adaptive recreation for those with disabilitiesVertical garden Walled garden Windowbox

6

Zoological garden

Designing – Where to begin?Selecting a LocationThe main issue when constructing a garden is where to make it. Many of the great gardens in the history and today often include: a location that is topographically significant, a suitable microclimate for plants, a well-designed connection to water, and rich soil. However, a good garden design, which is well-planned and constructed, can boost up the value of the garden more than just its location.

Conditioning the Ground (soil)First, excavated subsoil and topsoil carefully need to be amended, depending on ratio of clay to humus (soil acidity or alkalinity should be taken into account as well); Mix amendment throughly with exsisting native soil. Be sure to till and amend an area twice the size high and wide of any plant container. Also, "conditioning the soil thoroughly before planting enables the plants to establish themselves quickly and so play their part in the design."[1] Since “many native plants prefer an impoverished soil, and the closer to their natural habitat they are in the garden, the better,” a poor soil is better than a rich soil that has been artificially enriched.[2]

BoundariesThe look of the garden can be influenced strongly by the boundary impinges. Planting can be used to modify the boundary line or a line between an area of rough grass and smooth, depending on the size of the plot. Introducing internal boundaries, perhaps in the form of hedges or group of shrubs, can help break up a garden.

HedgesThe hedges vary their colors throughout the seasons dramatically. The hedges, being strong features in a garden, are often used to divide sections of the garden. However, since they use the moisture and nutrient from the garden soil to grow as well as other plants, they may not be a good choice and may bring a negative effect to the other plants.

WallsBesides the boundaries that are made up of plants like the hedges, walls made up of various materials can be built between regions. There are broadly three types of walling material: stone, either random or coursed, brick, and concrete in its various forms. It is good to determine what color, size, and texture will be most appropriate for the garden before actually building the wall.

FencingAccording to Brookes, fencing can offer an alternative solution, is the walls are too solid for the region of the garden. There are several numbers of fence types that can be used for a garden: animal-proof fence for country situations, peep-proof fences for the suburbs, and urban fences that provide shelter from the winds in exposed roof-top gardens and create internal barriers.

7

Alternative SurfacingUsually, a smooth expanse of lawn is often considered essential to a garden. However, a textured surface “made up of loose gravel, small pebbles, or wood chips is much more satisfactory visually” than a smooth surface.[3] According to Brookes, creating a relaxed feel to a garden is often done by loose surfacing made up of bark chips, pebbles, gravels; also, the various textures, shapes, sizes, colors, and materials of many different paving elements can contribute to making a garden plan pattern and texture, if they are mixed successfully.

WaterWater plays a very important role in the garden since wet conditions foster rampant growth of the plants. Water spigots and pipes throughout the garden are helpful in providing a wide range of wild life and plant habitats. The water pipes must be placed below the frost line in order to avoid them from freezing in cold weathers.

Garden FurnitureThe garden furniture is available in a range of materials, and it may be more creative than without furniture and by making use of it. It offers to explore how things can be creative not just being visual in the gardens. The wood is the most common material to make the garden furniture. Besides the wooden furniture, metal can be sometimes a better choice than the wooden ones since it is more durable than wood. Also, more creative sources like plastic can be used.

Electrical OutletsIf there is a lead to the water pump or a fridge in the pool house, electrical outlets should be established so they can function in the garden. The cables for all these power outlets must be laid before the construction of the garden begins. At the depth mandated by local building codes, three romex direct-burial cables can be laid in a marked or known situation such as just beside a path.

LightingSince most plants require direct light for their growth, lighting is an important factor to consider when designing a garden. Light regulates three major plant processes: photosynthesis, phototropism, and photoperiodism. Photosynthesis provides the energy required to produce the energy source of plants. Phototropism is the effect of light on plant growth that causes the plant to grow toward or away from the light.[4] Photoperiodism is a plant’s response or capacity to respond to photoperiod, a recurring cycle of light and dark periods of constant length.[5]

In most cases, various types of lighting techniques may be classified and defined by heights: safety lighting, uplighting, and downlighting. Safety lighting is the most practical application. However, it is more important to determine the type of lamps and fitting s needed to create the desired effects.

Specializations

8

The term garden designer can refer either to an amateur or a professional. Amateurs design their own gardens. Professionals design other people's gardens. The compositional elements of garden design are: landform, water, planting, buildings, paving and climate. Professional garden designers and landscape architects are trained in both the technical and the aesthetic skills.

Garden Designers are skilled specialists dealing with design of landscapes and garden areas, offering advice, providing supervision during construction, and management or after-care once the garden has been made. They are able to survey the site, source the materials, and prepare drawings for the development of a garden from start to finish.

Historically, most gardens have been designed by untrained amateurs and many have been designed by people whose design training was not originally in the design of gardens.

A wide range of design methods have been used by garden designers, depending partly on the historical period in which they worked and partly on the professional discipline with which they have the closest relationship. One can, for example, speak of an 'architect's garden' an 'artist's garden' or a 'plantsman's garden'. Treating the subject historically, one can say that ancient gardens were likely to have been 'drawn' directly on the ground, that Renaissance gardens were drawn on paper and that modern gardens are 'drawn' on a computer screen. The design process always has an influence on the design product.

There tends to be a divide between designers who start with the plants, on the one hand, and designers who think in terms of routes, architectural spaces and making the garden work sensibly, on the other. Very many famous gardens which are full of interesting plants are actually very badly laid out. On the other hand many gardens which are well laid out have a sad lack of interesting planting in detail. Many keen gardeners who are very knowledgeable about plants are very resistant to the concept of design. Many very competent designers and landscape architects have a woeful lack of plant knowledge. One of the few attempts to address this issue is made in a book called Design in the Plant Collector's Garden, by Roger Turner, published by Timber Press.

Garden design educationTraditionally, garden designers were trained under the apprentice system. Specialist university-level garden design courses were established in the twentieth century, generally attached to departments of agriculture or horticulture. In the second half of the twentieth century many of these courses changed their name, and their focus, from garden design to landscape architecture. Towards the end of the twentieth century a number of BA Garden Design courses were established with the emphasis on design rather than horticulture. But horticultural colleges continue to train garden designers

Landscape designers and Landscape technicians or engineers are employed with landscape construction and service companies or may be independent professionals. Landscape designers, like garden designers, design all types of planting and green spaces

9

- and are not registered. Many landscape engineers work in public offices in central and local government while others work for landscape architecture firms.

Landscape managers use their knowledge of plants and the natural environment to advise on the long-term care and development of the landscape. Landscape managers work in horticulture, estate management, forestry, nature conservation and agriculture.

Landscape scientists have specialist skills such as soil science, hydrology, geomorphology or botany that they relate to the practical problems of landscape work. Their projects can range from site surveys to the ecological assessment of broad areas for planning or management purposes. They may also report on the impact of development or the importance of particular species in a given area.

Landscape planners are concerned with landscape planning for the location, scenic, ecological and recreational aspects of urban, rural and coastal land use. Their work is embodied in written statements of policy and strategy, and their remit includes masterplanning for new developments, landscape evaluations and assessments, and preparing countryside management or policy plans. Some may also apply an additional specialism such as landscape archaeology or law to the process of landscape planning.

Garden designers are concerned with the design of small gardens and outdoor spaces and also with historic garden conservation.

Green roof designers design extensive and intensive roof gardens for storm water management, sustainable architecture, aesthetics, and habitat creation.

ProfessionIn many countries, a professional institute, comprised of members of the professional community, exists in order to protect the standing of the profession and promote its interests, and sometimes also regulate the practice of landscape architecture. The standard and strength of legal regulations governing HI landscape architecture practice varies from nation to nation, with some requiring licensure in order to practice; and some having little or no regulation.

United StatesIn the United States, Landscape Architecture is regulated by individual state governments, with only one state requiring no regulation at all (Vermont). For a landscape architect, obtaining licensure or membership of a professional institute requires advanced education and/or continuing training and work experience. Full membership or licensure often depends on the outcome of examinations in professional practice matters, and/or an interview with senior members of the profession. In the U.S. licensing is overseen both at the state level, and nationally by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registation Boards (CLARB). Landscape architecture has been identified as an above-average growth profession by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and was listed in US News and World Report's list of Best Jobs to Have in 2006. Landscape architects are

10

considered professionals because they are often required to obtain specialized education and professional licensure.

CanadaIn Canada, Landscape architecture is regulated by provincial or territorial components. These components are then governed by a national organization, the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects / L'Association des Architectes Paysagistes du Canada. Membership in the CSLA/AAPC is obtained through joining one of the provincial or territorial components. Two provinces, British Columbia and Ontario, require successful completion of the L.A.R.E (Landscape Architecture Registration Examination), a series of exams that aims to determine whether potential landscape architects have sufficient knowledge to practice the profession without endangering the public, in order to acquire full membership in the CSLA/AAPC. Quebec has an innovative mentor system in which experienced landscape architects mentor new intern members toward gaining full membership after at least two years of practice, of which six months should be under the direct supervision of the mentor.

Known as Canada's Premier Landscape Architect, Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, works on many significant sites, such as the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch including rooftop garden, the National Gallery, the NY Times Building, and the Law Courts at Robson Square in Vancouver. She was raised in connection with Rudolf Steiner, and has crossed paths with John Todd (biologist). Her work on the C.K Choi [1] Building at UBC includes similar designs.

AustraliaThe Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) provides professional recognition for landscape architects. Once recognised, landscape architects use the title ‘Registered Landscape Architect’.

Across the eight states and territories within Australia, there is a mix of requirements for landscape architects to be ‘Registered’. Generally there is no clear legislative registration requirement in place. Any regulations or requirements are state based, not national.

The AILA’s system of professional recognition is a national system overseen by AILA’s National Office in Canberra.

Most agencies require AILA professional recognition or registration as part of the pre-requisite for contracts. Landscape architects within Australia find that many contracts and competitions require the AILA recognition or ‘registration’ as the basis of demonstrating a professional status.

To apply for AILA Registration, an applicant usually needs to satisfy the following pre-requisites:

A university qualification from an AILA accredited program. At least two years of practice.

11

A record of Continuing Professional Practice (CPD). The application is in two stages:

First Stage: A minimum 6 months (12 months preferred) period of mentoring and assessment. Second Stage: Oral assessment/interview. Professional recognition includes a commitment to continue professional development. AILA Registered Landscape Architects are required to report annually on their Continuing Professional Development.

The AILA has in place processes to recognise equivalent qualifications and experience, which when combined with a number of years of recognised practice as a landscape architect, may provide the basis of recognition as a Registered Landscape Architect.

United KingdomThe UK’s professional body is the Landscape Institute. They are a royal chartered body who accredit Landscape professionals and university courses. At present there are fifteen accredited schools in the UK. Membership of the LI is available to students, academics and professionals Landscape Architects.

The Institute provides services to assist members including support and promotion of the work of landscape architects; information and guidance to the public and industry about the specific expertise offered by those in the profession; and training and educational advice to students and professionals looking to build upon their experience.

In 2008 the LI launched a major recruitment drive entitled I want to be a Landscape Architect to encourage the study of Landscape Architecture. The campaign aims to raise the profile of landscape architecture and highlight its valuable role in building sustainable communities and fighting climate change.

ItalyAIAPP (Italian Association of Landscape Architecture)is the Italian association of professional landscape architects formed in 1950 and is a member of EFLA and IFLA. AIAPP is in the process of contesting this new law which has given the Architects’ Association the new title of Architects, Landscape Architects, Planners and Conservationists whether or not they have had any training or experience in any of these fields other than Architecture. At the same time the Existence of AIAPP has been totally ignored in spite of its international recognition In Italy there are several different professions involved in landscape architecture :Architetti (Architects) Paesaggisti (Landscape designs) Dottori Agronomi Paesaggisti e Dottori Forestali Paesaggisti (Doctor landscape agronomists and Doctor landscape foresters) Periti Agrari e Periti Agrari Laureati (Agrarian Experts and Graduated Agrarian experts)

12