There is a strong belief among many people, that Australian Natives are beautiful but have no perfume. A stroll through the bush will dispel that rumour easily.

The fragrance of crushed leaves and scented blossoms can be almost overpowering at times. But many of the natives have a more subtle fragrance; you have to be close to them at the correct time to appreciate the flavours and scents.

The perfume of native plants is often produced at different times of the day or night. Perfumed native flowers include many of the Grevilleas (some like G. biternata and G. G. buxifolia have a strong honey-like perfume others like G. buxifolia have a light fragrant perfume), Boronias ( e.g. B. floribunda, B. serrulata and B. megastigma), Sowerbaeas (Vanilla Lilies), Xanthoreas (Grass Trees), Banksias, Eleaocarpus reticulatus (Blueberry Ash) which has a strong almost aniseed scent, Hakeas, Pittosporum undulatum (Native Daphne) — the perfume of this species may becoming overpowering in the evening –, Leptospermum species (e.g. L. flavescens), Homoranthus species (which has a Baked Biscuit scent) and Hymenosporum flavum (Native Frangipani). Many of the white flowering Eucalypts, Melaleuca and Callistemon species have a strong honey scent.

There are a number of fragrant orchids particularly the Dendrobium species: these tend to be strongest from early morning to the early afternoon. While some of the Cymbidium species such as C. suave have a good perfume during the middle of the day). The Sarcochilus species have what is best described as a spicy aroma.

The aroma released by some plants foliage is not revealed until it has been disturbed, crushed or brushed against. These include the Backhousia citriodora (Lemon Myrtle) which is probably the best of all native lemon scents and is also used commercially as a cooking ingredient, while the foliage of B. anisata is strongly scented like aniseed; Eremophilas, Eriostemon species, Prosantheras,

Leptospermum petersoni (Lemon-scented Tea-tree — also good as a hedging plant), Darwinia citriodora (a light lemon scent) and some Melaleucas (Paperbarks) also have scents.

Of course you can’t forget the Eucalypt family with its famous eucalypt scent, which is redolent of our bushland. But now many other countries are growing vast plantations of them for timber, firewood and revegetation programs on every continent bar Antartica. One species, the E. citriodora gives off a strong lemon-come-eucalypt scent while Agonis flexuosa has a combination of eucalyptus and peppermint scent.

Calomeria elegans has been used as a substitute for lavender. Some species of Boronias also have strongly scented foliage.

And let’s not forget the grassy type plants, the lomandra’s and the Grass trees, both of which give a lovely honeyed smell when in flower.

So why not think about using some fragrant native plants in your garden. Not only will you get the benefit of supporting your local environment. But you might also get other benefits, like attracting birds, other wildlife and butterflies to your garden.

If you would like a career in interior design, then it is essential that you take interior design courses. Interior design courses will cover the basic principles and elements of interior design and ensure that you have the knowledge to embark on a career as an interior designer. It’s important to understand that there is a difference between and interior designer and an interior decorator. An interior designer is a trained professional who deals with the underlying concepts of design as they pertain to space. An interior decorator focuses on the decorations of a room, where the designer is the one with the training who determines the best use of design principles to transform a space into a visual work of art.

There are many signs that a person would make an excellent interior designer. Interior designers are often very alert, taking in their surrounding environments with a keen interest. If you find that when you go some place, you are quickly observing the surrounding physical space and are redesigning the area in your mind, you should consider a career in interior design. Those who have a natural talent for interior design are often very artistic as well as creative. If you think a career in interior design is right for you, then you should consider taking interior design courses.

It’s also important that those who are interested in careers in interior design know how to work well with other people. Not only will the interior designer be part of a team that must work together to complete the project, but also he and she must be able to communicate well with clients and contractors. Taking interior design courses can help many gain the skills they need to become professional designers.

The area of interior design is vast, and there are many interior design courses that you will need to take to ensure that you are prepared. You might choose to take a diploma course as this is convenient and can be completed in a time frame that works with your schedule. One important class that you will need to take will focus on drawing and the aspects of making models, using computers, and creating 3D objects for the purpose of design. As an interior designer, you will focus on much more than simply choosing fabrics or art prints. You will focus on the overall design of structures from an architectural point of view. It is this knowledge that will be used later in your career, to ensure that you can fully maximize a room’s special potential.

Another very important aspect of interior design has to deal with color. It isn’t enough simply to understand space and design. You must know the principles of color and light and use them in a variety of ways. There are numerous ways in which interior designers use light and color to create a number of different effects. Choose interior design courses that offer these classes.

In addition to architecture, light, and color interior design courses must also focus on the business side of the job. Interior designers must know how to market themselves in the business world and understand the correct tactics used for interacting with contracting companies as well as clients.

Gardening and caring for the different rose types

WATERING

Roses are deep rooted and once they are well established are more capable than most plants of surviving mild drought spells. The first spring and summer directly after planting your rose is very important. During this period if the soil around your rose seems to be drying out give your roses a good soaking. Each rose could get about 2 gallons of water. In following years you will only need to water them if drought seems iminent.

FEEDING YOUR ROSES

As with all plants that provide us with beautiful blooms they need plenty of the correct nutrients. Give roses a good helping of blood, bone and fishmeal in early April, about two handfuls to each rose. In June a handful of specially prepared rose fertilizer will give your roses a huge lift. The magnesium and potash gives the rose a great kick. Just work the fertilizer in gently around the soil at the base of the plant.

MULCHING YOUR ROSES.

Mulching is a very simple task with great benefits. Mulching retains moisture, smothers weeds and generally boosts the health of your roses. Well rotted manure is best but garden compost or bark mulch can also be used.

DEADHEADING YOUR ROSES.

Deadheading spent blooms not only tidys up the rose but actually saves the plants energy and thereby encourages more bloom flushes. A light pruning of hybrid teas will encourage a second flush.

WATCH OUT FOR ROSE SUCKERS.

Shoots that emerge from rootstocks are known as suckers. These will be different in coloring and often by the amount of leaves, than what grows from the stems over ground. Gently scrape away the soil until you can see where the sucker is growing from the rootstock, tear the sucker away cleanly.

CONTROL OF WEEDS.

Mulching is the most effective method of controlling weeds and also the less back breaking.

Hoeing is not as effective and you must take care not to damage the stems.

Sowing other plants underneath the rose is also an option. The least favored option is the application of a rose-bed weedkiller. This will eventually damage the soil and thus your rose.

ROSE DISEASES AND PESTS.

This is an area that turns people off growing roses and really it shouldn’t. Roses have diseases and pests particular to them and as such regular treatment is very effective. The main problems are greenfly, mildew and blackspot.

There are plenty of products that treat these main three problems in one treatment. Performing a regular maintenance schedule starting in April will leave you with very few problems. Do make sure to follow exactly the manufacturers recommendations.

Your roses will respond brilliantly to a little regular maintenance and once you have started your routine there will be very little work attached. Issues will only arise once you neglect your routine and this is what often deters people from growing roses.

If you are just beginning a new project, invest a moment to read about “The 7 Interior Design Mistakes”. Here we discuss 7 common mistakes that can prevent your project from reaching your design goals.

1. Don’t Forget… “The Wow Effect”

We have all seen it before. At times it is almost impossible to describe. Everyone is trying to create this dramatic effect in their home or business, but it is very elusive. There truly is an art to creating “The Wow Effect”. Most Architects and Interior Designers will look back on their careers, and reflect on one or two projects that they are most proud of. On those occasions, they were able to bring all of the elements together and create… “The Wow Effect”.

When you are just beginning your next project, set the visual and effect goals for the project very high. If members of your design team can see that you are not passionate about the project, they will follow your lead, resulting in a less than dramatic effect.

There will be many days, when it seems like every idea that is presented, falls short of creating the drama. When this happens, sleep on it, and take your ideas with you to bed. Think about the emotion and sense the completed vision of your project. The next day, you will be amazed at the variety of ideas that will present themselves. Not sure why this works… just know that it does.

2. Oops… Clearly Identify The Vision Of Your Project

Often times when we are beginning a new project, we are so eager to get started, we will hurry out, choose our favorite wall color, and start painting. Next, we will begin our search for the other layers of the project. Unfortunately, many times the effect does not always create the drama we had hoped for.

Important – At the very beginning of any project, and before anything is purchased, painted, or papered, you must visualize the entire project from beginning to end. You may find a dramatic finish, texture, or fabric, which would require a different shade of paint or change the direction of the project completely.

Most people will minimize the importance of this step. You will invest a lot of time working this process. But, if you truly wish to create a dramatic project, you must visually complete your project from beginning to end. There is no easy way to do this. The more detailed the specifics, the greater the chance for a dramatic effect.

3. Funding… Establish an Interior Design Budget

It is so important to identify a budget for your Interior Design Project. The cost for ideas can swing dramatically in price. Once you have established your budget, this will provide the needed structure, and will ensure your project is completed on time.

Through the design process, new ideas will be introduced, which may raise your budget. Many Interior Design projects are completed in phases. Most of us do not have unlimited funds.

Clearly identifying the approximate cost of the entire project, will give you the needed structure for this process.

At this point you can make the decision whether to divide your project into phases. Breaking your project into Interior Design phases ensures that your Interior Design Project will have funding, without settling for a collection of design effects that may fall short of your initial vision.

You can now focus on creating the vision and the drama, without becoming overwhelmed with the financial numbers of the project. Do not begin your Interior Design project, until you have established an Interior Design budget for the entire project. This will become the foundation for the project, and will release your energy to focus on … Creative and Dramatic Interior Design.

4. Capturing Your Ideas, Always Begin with a …”Design Board”

Dramatic Interior Design ideas are like the wind. You need to capture all new ideas as they appear. Most people do not do this, but this is such an important step.

When you are creating your design project, put all of your ideas on a presentation board or design board. These are often called concept boards or mood boards.

It is much easier to test new colors, fabrics, textures, or ideas. You will sense when “The Wow Effect” magic is beginning to happen and your Interior Design project is taking form.

Focusing your creative energy is critical to creating “The Wow Effect”. There are no short cuts or easy ways to create dramatic design. We have all seen Interior Design Projects, where an investment of a little more thought, and creative focus, may have produced a more dramatic effect.

When all of your ideas are placed on a design board, visually, you will be able to sense what is creating drama and what is not working. Introducing new ideas is much easier and the process will start to flow.

Finally, you will never forget the moment, when everything is working, and your design project is taking form. It is almost like a “Runners High”. All of the elements are finally coming together, creating the dramatic vision of your project.

If you truly wish to create “The Wow Effect”, do not skip this critical step. Your investment is too great, not to ensure a final dramatic effect. Always use a design board or concept board on any Interior Design project.

5. Understanding … The Principles of Layering Color, Texture, and Effect

Think about it, almost everything that is appealing to the eye, was created with layers of Color, Texture, and Effect. Visually, we love to admire things that incorporate the “Principles of Layering”.

Color and Texture are the tools you work with, and Effect is that intangible that is generated when you bring the layers together.

Think of the seasons, how in the Fall, the colors naturally compliment each other. If the wrong colors were introduced, the final effect would be much different.

Your layers will include, your Floor Plan or Unique Spaces of Opportunity, Paint, Italian Venetian Plaster, Faux Finish, Wallpaper, Ceiling Finish, Flooring, Fabrics, Furniture, Drapery, Lighting, Accessories, and Plants.

There truly is an art to layering. On your design board you will learn first hand about the principles of layering. Your senses will tell you immediately what is working and what is not creating drama.

Invest some time to learn more about “The Principles of Layering”. There are many good books on this interesting subject. Dramatic Interior Design can only be created in layers.

6. You are the Director … “The Importance of Staging”

Staging is the process of creating the mood, ambiance, and feelings, for a designated are. This is such an important step to learn.

Correctly staging the area that… precedes your next area of opportunity, is critical to creating “The Wow Effect”.

If you have too many colors, decorative items, or visual confusion going on in the staging area, this can and will distract from your unique spaces of opportunity.

Staging will create the maximum effect and control the visual emotion as you move through your home. Drama and effect are rarely created by accident.

Remember, “You Are The Director”. How you set the stage, light the room, choose yours colors and texture, will determine the success of your Interior Design Project.

Learn more about the “Importance of Staging” and “How to Stage you Home”. If this is done correctly, walking through your home will be like reading a great novel. You cannot wait to get to the next room or chapter.

7. Looking for Ideas? … Share a Coffee with an Interior Designer

Everyone is always interested in a good idea. If you feel you would like to discuss your ideas and your project with someone else, I would strongly encourage you to meet with an Interior Designer or Interior Decorator.

There is no obligation for this meeting, but you will be surprised how your project will become focused almost immediately. Ask around to your friends for referrals, to view some of there previous projects, and also discuss their fees.

Everyone will not need an Interior Designer. But there may be times, when the layers of your Interior Design project are not coming together. When this happens, meeting with an Interior Designer may be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Finally, creating “Dramatic Interior Design” is a challenging process. You will spend many days of struggle and effort. At times the tension and difficulty of the process, will make you want to surrender. But I am here to tell you, if you stay with it, and invest the time…

“Someday in the still of your home, you may hear your friends or family members quietly whisper … Wow!

“At that moment, no words need to be spoken, you know in your heart, … You Did It!”

Mark Nordgren

Red Door Interiors is a personally run company specializing in all aspects of interior design and decorating (refer to our Services page for a list of services) in the residential as well as the commercial areas of interior design. Red Door Interiors has been offering Interior Design services in the Gold Coast Area of Australia.

Any one or all of the following services are offered by Red Door Interiors:

Design and Planning: Making the most of your space by planning your interiors and solving your design problems. We design bathrooms, kitchens, plan office layouts and design custom cabinetry for bars, libraries, studies, reception counters and anything that needs to be custom made. We supply plans and drawings.

Design Concept: Forming the overall concept for the whole project, this is presented in a visual form that shows fabrics, furniture, colours and finishes. This will be the master plan for the project and future work to follow.

Interior Decorating Consultation: we can provide you with decorating advice on a once off or hourly basis if you need some guidance or expert assistance in the choice of colours, finishes or selection and placement of furniture.

Selection and co-ordination of finishes for investment properties or new homes: together with paint colours these items will form the shell of the interior and need to be coordinated with the overall concept to create the best background for the furnishings and help to sell your new investment. Elements included in this service are the specification of wall finishes – paint, paneling, wallpaper- floor coverings – tiles, carpet, stone, timber – light fittings and bathroom tiles and fittings.

Quoting, supply and installation of furnishings: creating a budget by obtaining prices and quotes on the items required for the interior and then managing the ordering and installation process. Red Door Interiors has access to wholesalers in all areas of soft furnishing, furniture, fabric and interior products, so the client is not limited to one retail supplier but rather has the choice of the best supplier for their requirement. These items include:

•    Window finishes: roller blinds (motorized or chain operated), external awnings, timber shutters, roman blinds, curtains, pelmets, swags and tails.
•    Soft furnishings: bed covers, bed heads, cushions, bed valances.
•    Upholstered couches and chairs: reupholstered or new.
•    Furniture: dining tables, chairs, occasional chairs, entertainment units, coffee tables.
•    Accessories: artwork, mirrors, rugs, lamps, plants, decorative objects

Colour consultancy: by selecting the best paint colours to suit your architecture, your lifestyle and your outlook we can create or change your image. We select and specify paint for all aspects of the project, both internally and externally. A full colour consultation will result in a colour board and specification list.

Furniture packages and styling: complete turnkey packages to suit various budgets can be supplied for the investment unit or presale presentation. All the furniture, bedding, electrical and white goods, artwork, kitchenware and accessories are supplied as a complete, stylishly designed package and within a set time frame to allow the investor total piece of mind that his investment will attract the best clientele without his having to furnish the property himself.

Corporate Design: Good interior planning and interior design of your office space can instantly upgrade your professional image and has been shown to improve staff morale and increase productivity.

Red Door Interiors has been offering Gold Coast Interior Design Services for 25 years and has vast experience in planning office layouts and decorating corporate interiors. We can provide you with a proposal to revamp your existing interior or design a totally new one. We handle all aspects from planning and layouts, designing receptions and boardrooms, colour schemes to suit or change your image, selecting office furniture, and supplying blinds, artwork and accessories. We can work in conjunction with your builders or can provide our own sub contractors for the interior construction and fitout.

Would you like a more natural alternative to using those plastic planter containers? Well, here is a project for you, where you can have an interesting planter during the growing season, then throw the container out in the garden for mulch, without having to add to the world’s landfill problems.

These planters can be used and grown anywhere you can provide good plant growing conditions, including on a patio, pathway or even a roof top. The main criteria being enough sunlight for the plants chosen, easy access to water and an ease of access to maintain the planter/s.

Just follow the steps below.

What you will need

· One or more rectangular bales of hay, (One per planter).

· 4 to 8 seedlings or small plants per planter.

· One to two good handfuls of soil/compost/potting mix per plant.

· Small garden handtools.

· Hose/watering can.

· Liquid fertilizer.

· Area chosen to provide enough light for growing conditions required by plants selected.

Steps

Take one rectangular bale of hay; flip it on its side so that the straps are around the sides not over the top and bottom.

Moisten the hay bale thoroughly with a hose or watering can.

Using the handle of a hand tool, dig four to eight holes in the new upper surface of the hay bale, these holes have to be big enough to hold a good handful of soil.

Into each hole, place a handful or two of compost, soil or potting mix.

Plant up your choice of annuals, herbs or short-lived perennials.

· Water the plants in well and fertilize them with a liquid fertilizer.

· Because of the air gaps in the hay, this type of planter can dry out more quickly than a normal planter, so regular watering is essential.

· Also remember that your planter is actually decomposing while you are using it so remember to regularly fertilize the plants growing in it. Because nutrients may become temporarily unavailable during the decomposition process.

After you have finished growing your plants, move it out to the garden, take the straps off the bale, and use it to mulch/fertilize a part of your garden. You will find that the centre of the bale has decomposed into compost nicely by this stage.

To get a fantastic victory in this game, of course you want the best tricks and tips in the online casino gaming. I found a site onlinecasinospotlight.com as the best alternative for those of you in playing games such as blackjack, poker, roulette, etc, because here there are many ways the easiest for you to play and get a victory.

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Functional actually means that the room should serve a purpose and be comfortable to perform that function inside the room. Keep this function in mind while decorating a functional room like a living room.

When you are into redecorating and making your home look nice, you probably love to change your living room interior decorating theme often. Here we are going to look at a feature that can be a stunning focal point of any living room, that’s inexpensive, can relax, and calm you as well as lift your mood. Flowers spot lit on a table are a quick and easy way of decorating a bare wall or corner as well as adding freshness color and texture there is also the advantage of perfume to the room.

Native American Indian art as home decor helps bring in an atmosphere of nature in the overall interior decorating of a room. But because people nowadays are becoming more and more aware and involved in the interior decorating aspects of their homes, there are many homeowners that are forced into adopting their own interior decorating techniques and processes. Home or interior decorating, as wrongly perceived by people ages ago, need not be expensive and need not requiring degrees and diplomas in the discipline.

If your office is a home-based one, then you need to select the suitable area and plan the interior decorating accordingly. As far as home interior decorating is concerned, every nook and corner has to be studied so that the available space is utilized to the maximum. Another interior decorating tip is to capture the beauty of naturally aged wood in custom designed furniture.

Whatever interior decorating scheme you choose, you need to allocate enough room for movement and accommodation of all the necessary equipment and furniture. Your home will feel warm with the proper interior Christmas decorating scheme. While track lighting and chandeliers can’t be changed easily, you can change out your lighting to go with your living room interior-decorating plan.

The first thought should be the scale of work, if the remodeling project involves more than cosmetic fixture replacements or surface interior decorating, it may be time to call in an plumber to assess you in your plumbing and pipe replacement. What better time than during the hurricane while you are in your home to decide how best to redesign and decorate your interior. When interior decorating your home, don’t just go from room to room.

Many More Ideas

You need to let loose your imagination, aesthetic sense, and intelligence and pull out as many ideas as possible. Broadly speaking, interior-decorating Ideas can be obtained from catalogs, brochures or promotional advertisements released by interior decorators or designers. Another great ideas for sofas and chairs is to buy slipcovers – you can actually buy furniture that is meant to be slip covered, then simply get new slipcovers to go with whatever decorating plan you have in mind for the season.

Buy one items you truly love and build your ideas around that one item. For an office, starting from the entry point to the cafeteria lounge, interior-decorating ideas must be chosen carefully. In big factories, interior-decorating ideas can be followed to reduce manual labor.

Click here to see more Interior decorating and home décor ideas from him and experts. Some ideas include vacation shots, weddings, birthdays, children etc. Original ideas can make a significant difference in your Interior Decorating plans.

Not only will they have terrific ideas for ways to incorporate recyclable materials into your home interior decorating plans.

Christmas Time Decorating

There are many different ideas for interior Christmas decorating. There are a variety of decorating ideas on the market today, but the best way to complete your interior Christmas decorating is to make the items yourself or with your family. Lose all the leftover Christmas decorations and any unsightly items that seem out of place.

Create bows from Christmas print ribbon and putting them in various places around your house including your curtains. Pottery and decorative plants are also a welcome addition in home interior decorating. Original ideas can make a significant difference in your Interior Decorating plans.

Discover free home decorating ideas for all rooms of your home. Visit my website for more free articles on decorating from A-Z. The third of these three elements of successful interior decorating is harmony.

A second hand store, yard sale, or even the attic is a great place to find other items that can be refurbished or simply cleaned up a bit, to compliment your interior room décor. If you’re too busy to shop around, want to make some major changes or if you simply feel like you need some advice, there are a number of interior professionals who can help you get the results you’re after.

Finally, give your home your own personal touch. Effective space planning and interior design requires that you plan in three dimensions – so start thinking about the space above your head and higher up on the walls. If you start to think vertical in you interior space planning you can be on your way to doubling your useable interior floor space in your home.

What types of professional interior designers are available?

Have you heard of Interior redecorators? These professional interior decorators transform your home using things you have accumulated over the years. The end result is a balanced, harmonious space that reflects the personality of the people who use it. Many interior designers have added this service to their repertoire. Alternate terms for professional interior designers specializing in interior redecorating are interior redesigners, interior arrangers, interior stylists, one day decorators, visual coordinators or interior refiners.

What is a Certified Interior Designer? (from B&P Code Section 5800,5538)

A Certified interior designer is a competent design professional who is qualified to design, prepare, and submit any type of nonstructural, non-seismic interior construction plans and specifications to local building departments. Certified interior designers have demonstrated through education, experience, and examination their knowledge of the Uniform Building Code as it relates to space planning, life safety, flammability, and disabled access code issues. Most interior designers have a minimum four-year education. Many have Master of Interior Design degrees or other additional education in architecture or interior design. Interior designers who have many years experience may not have a Bachelors in Interior Design, but usually are well educated and have many years of qualified experience. All qualified interior designers will indicate that they have passed the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Certification) examination and/or are registered/ certified/ licensed in their state.

How do Interior Decorators charge for their services?

Flat Design Fee: The client pays a flat fee for the professional interior designer’s services based on the design plan, time required, and scope of services.

Hourly Rate: The interior decorator bills a negotiated rate per hour.

Cost Plus Method: Professional interior designers charge a set percentage on all merchandise purchased and tradesmen’s services rendered.

Mixed Method: The client pays both a set percentage on purchases and a base design fee for hourly rate.

Per square foot: This method is used especially in new construction.

What to ask at the first meeting:

• Ask to see the interior designer’s portfolio, but remember that the designs reflect other people’s tastes,¬ not necessarily the interior decorator’s, and possibly not your own.

• Ask what size projects the interior designer has worked on, where, and what was the budget range.

• Ask how the established budget will be handled, and the kind of payment schedules the interior decorator requires.

• Ask about the types of services the designer can provide.

• Ask for a list of references.

What you may be asked at the first meeting:

It is a good idea to prepare for your first meeting with a professional interior designer by creating your own folder of clippings from magazines, catalogs, and books of design ideas that appeal to you.

You may also be asked some or all of the following questions:

• For whom is the space being designed?

• What activities will take place in the space?

• How long do you plan to occupy the space?

• What is your time frame for completing the project?

• What is your budget?

• Are you relocating or remodeling?

• What image do you want to project?

• What colors, style, and effects do you like?

• What are your objective and lifestyle needs?

• What is the approximate square footage to be designed?

If a professional interior designer, or anyone, for that matter, tells you the process is easy, stress-free, and will be complete in two weeks, they’re either lying or stupid. Don’t hire that person.

Landscape architects-they are members of a team that you call in when you want your landscape to have an impact. Landscape architects are the professionals that help you turn your property into your dream home. And into a true investment.

Landscape Architects: Background

Who are landscape architects? To become a landscape architect usually requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are two undergraduate professional degrees: a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). Typically, these degrees entail four or five years of study in design, construction techniques, art, history, natural and social sciences.

For landscape architects seeking advanced degrees, there are two routes. Those who hold undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture can earn their Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) in two years. If you hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than landscape architecture and want to go into landscape architecture, the MLA usually takes three years of full-time study.

In 2007, 61 U.S. colleges and universities offered 79 undergraduate and graduate programs in landscape architecture that were accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Landscape Architects: Their Work Process

The first step for landscape architects in planning a project is to study it as a whole. First, they strive to understand the clients’ objectives and the available budget. At the same time, they take into consideration the natural elements of the property, such as the climate, soil, trees and other vegetation, and the slope of the land and resulting drainage issues. Additionally, they assess where sunlight falls during the different seasons and the different times of day. They also take into account the surrounding area-the neighboring homes and buildings, sidewalks, streets and utilities.

With studies and analyses in hand, landscape architects then draw up a preliminary design. This is the time when landscape architects consult with other professionals who may be involved in the project, such as civil engineers, landscape contractors or residential architects. This initial design takes into account any late-arriving changes that the client wants, as well as unforeseen requirements made by different governing bodies. In other words, changes, additions and adjustments are expected during this stage.

A proposal is then prepared, showing detailed plans of what the landscaping will look like. Most landscape architects use computer-aided design (CAD) in these technology-driven days and some firms even use video simulation to help clients better see the suggested ideas and plans. The final proposal may include written reports, sketches, models, photographs and cost estimates. These documents will be used both by the client and regulatory agencies.

Finally, landscape architects prepare working drawings to be used by the landscape contractors that show all existing and proposed features. Included is an outline that details the methods of construction and lists the approved materials. At this point, landscape architects usually move into a supervisory role, monitoring the project as the landscape contractors and their crews carry out the plans.

Landscape Architects: Finding One

In the state of Texas, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners www.tbae.state.tx.us/Professions/Landscape.shtml regulates the practice of landscape architects. Only those individuals who have become registered as landscape architects may legally call themselves a landscape architect. The website provides a link to find a registered landscape architect.

The American Society of Landscape Architects (www.asla.org) is one of the leading industry groups for landscape architects. Founded in 1899, ASLA represents more than 18,200 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. Its website offers a “firm finder” link.

Landscape Architects: Things To Do Before Interviewing

The ASLA offers these tips to better prepare yourself to find the best landscape architect for you:

? Think about what you want and how you will use your landscape. Formal entertaining, herb gardens, and children’s playgrounds are just some of the possibilities. Think about your preferences for the look of the grounds-would you like an English garden design or perhaps a Modern landscape design?

? Don’t just limit yourself to plants and trees; maybe you would like a distinctive garden gate, an outdoor water fountain, a outdoor kitchen, swimming pool or dramatic landscape lighting.

? Make a realistic budget. One rule of thumb is to invest 5 to 10 percent of your house’s worth into landscaping. If this seems steep, remember that homes with professional landscaping can fetch 15-20 percent more at the time of resale than homes that lack landscaping, according to a 2004 study commissioned by the Professional Landcare Network.

? Look at books and magazines for ideas and start a file of plants, trees, gardens, yards, pools, patios, decks, fences and other hardscapes that you like-or dislike-to show your landscape architect. This research will help you communicate what you want to achieve or avoid.

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