Landscape Planning

Question 1

Landscape design process

Answer 1

A. Program phase-Includes the several steps in the landscape design process:
Client Interview
Site Survey and Analysis
Problem Statement
Objectives
Concept
Actual landscaping (Design Phase)
Acceptance
Billing & payment

B. Design Phase

Question 2

. Program Phase

Answer 2

Client Interview-
Screen the client to understand the scope of services and fees.
Meet the client at the residence to make observation while-on- site. It helps the client to show and explain the area of concern.
Interview: gather information about the client, what services do they want? What are their personalities? What plants do they like? Do they have kids or dogs?
Meeting the client: be professional
Interview tools: business card, brochure, portfolio, compass, notebook, measuring tape, camera etc.
Build trust and commit to clients need
Discuss project cost

Site Survey and Analysis-
surveyors map of the property referred to as plot

Step one
Get base map of the site or measure the area to be Landscaped.
Where is North.( Exposure)
Wind direction
Scale E.g. 1inch = 10 feet
Topography
Seasonal Sun angles
Microclimates, good and bad spots
Potential view

Topography
0-3% flat to gently sloping, possible surface drainage problems and soil depth is greater here.
3-8% gently sloping to rolling terrain soil concentration in low areas.
8-15% hilly often rocky terrain, site modification cost increase. Soil depth is very limited.
Microclimates, good and bad spots
Step two: Inventory and analysis
Information about the sites needs to be gathered and evaluated. It is also referred as needs assessment.
Inventory: recording what is present on site, or observing problems such as poor views.
Analysis: Evaluating and taking action.
Poor view
Objects such as utility box, AC
Lack of privacy from neighbours
Unsightful areas of yard, such as storage

Good views (attractive views)
Garden
Lake
Existing Plants
Old Plantings, trees and shrubs.
Size of the plants.
Health of the plants.
Stage of development.
Will new plants fit in it?
If there isn’t any plants on the site, Why?

New Plant Locations
soils
wildlife

Problem Statement
Objectives
Concept
Actual landscaping (Design Phase)
Acceptance
Billing & payment

Question 3

Design Phase

Answer 3

Includes three steps :
Functional diagram -Begin the arrangement of the client’s program on the site
Called “bubble diagrams” because they use loosely drawn freeform shapes to represent areas or spaces
Help the designer make decisions concerning layout and sizes and the use of each area

Preliminary Design-They break the “bubbles” to show first draft vision of how each landscape area will be shaped.
The landscape is given its….
Form
Type of materials to be used
Application of landscape design principles.
Are simple without real details, but….
Horizontal and vertical relationships between objects and areas are now included.
A number of preliminary designs may be shown to a client before the final plans are made.

Final Design-Use suggestions and reactions of the client to make a master drawing that is graphically detailed and completely specific in its intent for the landscape.
They include:
Precisely identified plants and other materials.
Paving patterns.
Other specific and detailed information such as construction drawings for the landscape contractor and subcontractors.

Each part of the plan is increasingly more specific and detailed

Question 4

Landscaping Maintenance

Answer 4

It is the care of the landscape materials after installation. The goal of the landscape maintenance program is to keep the landscape as attractive and functional as intended in the original landscape design
Landscape maintenance includes the following:
Mowing grass
Fertilizing landscape plants
Pruning landscape plants
Applying pest controls
Planting and weeding flower beds
Removing leaves in the fall
Cultivating soil
Applying mulch to planting beds