Benefits of Landscaping
Landscaping Harrisburg PA adds beauty and value to outdoor spaces. They are the work of professional landscapers who use both hardscape (patios and sidewalks) and softscape (plants) to create a harmonious outdoor environment.
The overall shape of a garden can be shaped geometrically, such as square or circular, or naturalistically, such as curvilinear or irregular. The geometry selected should relate to the architecture of the building.
Site analysis is the process of gathering data about a landscape before designing it. It can help landscape architects understand the unique problems associated with a property and also inform the design process by setting parameters within which to work.
During the site analysis, an architect will look at the entire property in terms of its relationship to the surrounding environment. This can include the physical landscape as well as any historical information about what the area used to look like. For example, a local history site could provide information about how the landscape was previously used and if that use remains relevant today.
The site analysis will also take into consideration a property’s current structure, including walkways and structural features like porches and patios. This will allow the architect to determine if existing elements need to be kept or if they need to be changed or removed. It will also give them a better idea of how much space is available for new features.
A thorough site analysis will also assess the current vegetation on the property. This will include both native species and invasive plants, as well as the health of the soil. This information will aid in creating landscapes that are seamless with the existing environment and promote sustainability and biodiversity.
Additionally, a thorough site analysis will assess the location of underground utilities. This can help prevent costly mistakes and ensure the safety of workers during construction. It is always a good idea to call 811 for a free mapping service before beginning any work on your property. Then, you can rest assured that any underground services will be located before they are disturbed.
Bubble Diagram
When designing a landscape, it can feel overwhelming to sift through all of the different components and place them into a cohesive whole. Spatial design and planting design are two distinct facets of the process, and one of the best tools to help organize spaces is to use a bubble diagram.
A bubble diagram (also known as a functional diagram) is a great way to visualize the spatial layout of areas without getting too detailed. To start, make a list of the elements you want to include in your final design. For example, maybe you want a patio, vegetable garden, compost area, cutting garden, shed, and lawn space. Then make a “bubble” for each of those items and start arranging them on your site map. You can also add arrows between each of these areas to show how they are connected to each other, like how the lawn should be adjacent to the compost area or how the patio should be situated between the vegetable garden and a busy road.
Once you have a few ideas, it is time to refine your functional diagrams into a more complete landscape design. Begin by laying out the base map of your property from a bird’s-eye view perspective. This includes the property line, existing structures and features, as well as utilities. This should be a high-level map with no detail at this point, but it will serve as your guide for the rest of the project.
Once you have a good understanding of the general areas of your landscape, it is time to create a bubble diagram on top of a copy of the base map. Use the arrows to show how the various zones are connected, and try experimenting with different approaches. You can even make multiple copies of the same bubble diagram to try out different possibilities.
Landscape Plan
A landscape plan is the next step in planning a landscaping project. It is a simple drawing that helps establish the layout of the landscaping before construction begins. Having a landscape plan reduces the risk of mistakes and makes the construction process much faster and easier. A well-drawn landscape plan also allows the landscaper to prioritize materials, labor, and time. This is a good way to avoid waste and make the most efficient use of resources.
The first part of the landscape plan is the base map, a bird’s-eye view of the property. This includes the location of all man-made features such as buildings, fences, walkways, and stonewalls. It also includes the location of utility lines. This information is critical for determining drainage because the best landscape design promotes water flow away from houses.
Once the base map is complete, a second sheet of tracing paper can be laid over it and landscape areas outlined. These areas are generally separated into public (living), private, and service areas, much like the rooms in a home. These areas are then connected by walks or paths, which allow movement from one area to another.
During the drafting of the landscape plan, it is important to keep in mind the four basic principles of design: line, scale, balance, and repetition. The goal is to create an attractive and cohesive whole. This can be achieved by reducing clutter around a statue, for example, or using color to draw attention to it.
It is also important to consider the rate of growth and mature size of plants when selecting them for a specific site. It is a common mistake to select too many small plants or to underestimate how large they will grow. The landscaper can minimize these errors by including a key on the final plan that identifies the plant species used and their size.
3D Renderings
Using 3D renderings when designing a landscape is a great way to get clients excited about their project and ensure that all of the details are addressed. It’s also an excellent tool for streamlining the planning process by allowing you to make changes quickly and efficiently.
With a 3D landscaping design program, you can easily model hard elements such as walls, patios, and kitchen surfaces and create realistic scenes to show clients what the finished product will look like. This helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures client satisfaction.
Additionally, it’s easy to see how different materials will look in the final space and ensure that they complement each other. This is important because it can save you time and money in the long run by eliminating the need for costly trial and error.
3D landscape design software also gives you the ability to view a landscape from multiple angles and perspectives, which is helpful for understanding how your project will look when it’s completed. This can help you determine if any adjustments need to be made before the project begins, as well as save you time during construction by avoiding delays caused by incorrect measurements or inaccurate drawings.
There are a number of 3D landscaping design programs available, including the popular Chief Architect and Lumion. Lumion is fast and intuitive to use, and it comes with a large library of objects and foliage that can be used in landscape designs. It also integrates with several CAD and 3D modeling programs, making it an ideal choice for landscape architects who want to streamline their workflow. It’s possible to create photorealistic and conceptual renderings with the program, and you can even add effects such as sunlight movement, twilight, and wind.
Planting Plan
Planting plans are a great way to visualize a planting layout before making the leap to purchasing plants. They also help you plan for things like beautiful color contrast, foliage contrast, and seasonal interest in your garden. A planting plan can be made to scale and often includes a “planting schedule,” which records the quantities of each plant, their spacing and sizes, and sometimes a description or note. They are commonly used during the professional implementation of landscape projects and for resource consents.
Once the landscape is established with hardscape elements and a general plan, it’s time to fill in the spaces with plants. The first step is to identify structural and focal plants, which are large plants that create an implied wall or add stability to the yard. They are then located around the perimeter of the yard, with the remaining space filled with plants that support activities and add color, texture, and interest to the landscape.
Choosing the plants can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. It’s important to select plants that are adapted to your climate, suited to the desired function of the space, and sized appropriately for your site.
When drawing the trees on a planting plan, it’s important to consider their percentage of full spread (which is typically based on the tree’s mature size). It’s also helpful to label each plant with its full or abbreviated name so that you can quickly understand which plant is which. In addition to labeling, it is useful to mark where the plants are being placed in the plan and if they are meant to be specimens or mass plantings.
