Landscape design is an environmental profession that merges the artistic, scientific, and technical knowledge required to care for the Earth’s landscapes. It may include the artistic design of the soils, plants, or landscape architectural features that make up the outdoor garden area of a business or home. Landscape designers and landscape architects, two specialists in the field, must take into account the soils, climate, drainage, and other issues that are essential in the survival of plants and in the design of features that make the outside of a home or business look beautiful and in harmony with its environment.
In its early history, landscape architecture was focused more on garden design. Two specific regions in Europe were very influential in shaping the styles of current landscape design, France and England.
French landscape architecture focuses heavily on orderly, pristine, and neat gardens with straight hedges, immaculate lawns, trees, and shrubs. One magnificent example of this is the garden at the palace of Versailles. The expansion of the palace and gardens happened mostly during the reign of Louis XIV in the 17th century when he commissioned his landscape architect Le Notre with redesigning the gardens. Versailles, even today, is a symbol of the pristine and formal French garden.
English landscape architecture became the focus of desired design in the 18th century. The most famous of English landscape architects was Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Brown remodeled the great estate parks of England to be tidy and neat, similar to French design. However, in the 19th century, English gardens became more gardenesque, including sweeping, untamed flower beds, wooded areas, and often other Romantic elements, like a Roman temple.
The early landscape designers and architects of these two regions have heavily influenced much of modern landscape design, often combining elements of both. Modern designers owe much to these early pioneers of landscape design.
Lone Star Land Design (http://www.lonestarlanddesign.com) is a full service Austin, TX landscape design firm that specializes in the entire process of landscape design, from initial design to installation. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.
Ok so 3 more posts today that I’ve dug up – I’m an information JUNKIE on this stuff lately. Give em a browse and let me know what ya reckon. They’re just from a few different sites I’ve been surfing lately that are generally good for information like this…
Technology and collaboration can boost water conservation
Again, get some heavyweight architects, irrigation manufacturers and landscape engineers involved up front,” Underwood said. … Read More…
Kaiser Permanente acquires Kearny Mesa office building
Keith Mittemeyer, principal at Urban Arena landscape architects in Sorrento Mesa, said the plantings include coast live oaks and California sycamores to … Read More…
ASLA Rendezvous in Boise, Oct 22 – 22, 2009
By Special Advertiser, 10-06-09 The Idaho Montana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects is excited to invite you to be a part of the … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.
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