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How to make sure you are choosing the best landscape professional for you …
At Your Landscape Journey, we understand that trying to choose the right of landscape professional you need can be bamboo-zling. It can be hard to tell the type of professional from the trees!
That’s why we’ve put together this informative guide to the different types of landscape professionals to help you choose the right landscape professional for your next project.
If you’re still unsure why not contact Angela from Your Landscape Journey for a consultation?
Landscape Architects – your knowledgeable landscape professional
Landscape architects are your problem solvers. They’re the most qualified type of landscape professional that you’ll come across and they have the university degree to prove it.
Their in-depth theoretical knowledge allows them to tackle complicated landscaping issues. If you’re dealing with lots of levels, a sloping site, retaining walls, driveway designs, pool designs, council regulations or anything that is built or intricate – then a landscape architect will be the right landscape professional to choose.
Landscape Architects are capable of working on big projects like parks and public spaces, but they are equally as at home working on domestic jobs, so don’t be afraid that your job will be too small for them.
Their technical expertise means they have the in-depth skills needed to create detailed construction drawings, as a result they are very capable of working with high level professionals like engineers. All of this means, when working with a landscape architect you have a technical guru on your side.
Your outdoor legal eagles! They know all about relevant Australian Standards, council regulations and legislation and they’ll make sure that your plans are legally compliant. © 2021 Your Landscape Journey
When you work with a landscape architect there’s added peace of mind. Why? Because they must be registered with and accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). AILA will only register individuals that have completed the necessary studies and they hold landscape architects to professional standards.
Landscape architects are much more than technical experts, they’re also horticultural experts. They will choose the most suitable plants for your location, therefore, the plants selected will thrive.
A good Landscape Architect will up-to-date with the latest sustainable and environmentally-friendly landscape design techniques – which is essential in our modern-day world.
When you hire a landscape architect, you’re guaranteed a space that is as attractive as it is functional.
Questions to ask your landscape architect:
At Your Landscape Journey, we offer a consultancy based service so you can design your own garden with our guidance or let Urban and Rural Design take care of everything and handle your all landscape architectural needs. Get in touch for an obligation free consultation today.
Landscape Designers – your artistic landscape professional
Landscape designers are your true creatives! Landscape designers aim to create beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces.
They generally have an excellent knowledge of plant species. They’re visionaries. What do we mean by that? They can look at your space now and envision what it’ll look like in the future with a great degree of accuracy.
They might not be as qualified as landscape architects, but a lot of their knowledge comes from practical, hands-on experience and because of this they often offer design and construction services.
Does this mean that they have no formal qualifications? Not at all. Landscape designers should have a Diploma or similar qualification form TAFE or a registered training organisation.
When you work with a landscape designer for added peace of mind check they are registered with and accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM). AILDM will only register individuals that have completed the necessary studies and they hold landscape designers to professional standards.
If you have a smaller project that is relatively uncomplicated, a landscape designer might be the right landscape professional for your needs.
At Your Landscape Journey, we offer a consultancy based service so you can design your own garden with our guidance or let Urban and Rural Design take care of everything and handle your all landscape design needs. Get in touch for an obligation free consultation today.
Questions to ask your landscape designer:
Landscape Contractors – your strong landscape professional
Landscape contractors are your heavy lifters. They do the hard work of bringing the vision created by landscape architects and designers to life.
They may have a TAFE qualification, but it is a qualification that develops construction skills rather than design skills. Some landscape contractors have, however, developed an eye for simple designs over their time on the tools.
Be aware, however, that the results may not be up to your expectations if they do not hold the added qualification of Landscape Designer or Landscape Architect. Think of it this way, if you were building a house you would want an architect to design the home and a builder to build it?
Keep in mind that some landscape contractors have no formal qualifications, although they may have years of practical, on the job experience.
When you work with a landscape contractor for added peace of mind check they are registered with and accredited by the The Landscape Association (TLA). TLA will only register individuals that have completed the necessary studies and they hold landscape contractors to professional standards.
Questions to ask your landscape contractor:
So, you can see that each landscape professional has a role to play. Whether you need one or all of them will depend on your individual needs.
No matter what type of landscape professional you hire, to ensure you get the right landscape professional, it’s imperative that:
If you’re still unsure which types of landscape professionals might be needed for your job, feel free to get in touch with Your Landscape Journey – we can guide you on Your Landscape Journey.
Failing to ask these questions is a mistake. In fact, there are a number of mistakes you can make when it comes to your landscape journey – you can read more about them in our blog post: 4 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Garden.
If it all seems too overwhelming you can always contact Urban and Rural Design and let us handle it all for you. At Urban and Rural Design we have our own team of landscape contractors giving you a smoothly run project. Let’s talk about how that might work.
As published in Outdoor Designer Store
How to choose the right landscape professional …
Is your project complex? If you’re dealing with lots of levels, a sloping site, retaining walls, driveway designs, pool designs, council regulations or anything that is built or intricate – then a landscape architect will be the right landscape professional to engage.
Landscape designers are your true creatives and they generally have an excellent knowledge of plant species. If you have a smaller project that is relatively uncomplicated, a landscape designer might be the right landscape professional for your needs.
They can bring the job in on budget and that they won’t try to push you out of your financial comfort zone
They can bring the job in on budget and that they won’t try to push you out of your financial comfort zone
Can you contact past clients to obtain a reference? Can you see pictures of past work?
What formal qualifications do they have?
Landscape contractors are your landscape construction professionals. They do the hard work of bringing the vision created by landscape architects and designers to life.
Are they formally qualified for the work you need carried out?
Do they carry the necessary insurances, i.e. professional indemnity and liability insurance?
They provide a formal contract for the job so you’re all on the same page
You can establish a collaborative relationship so that your wishes and concerns are heard
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So, maybe you’ve built or renovated your house to minimise the bushfire risk? If so, well done; that’s great. However, why stop there? Given that bushfires are part of our natural landscape, the most important design and construction stage to reduce your risk of bushfire attack is yet to be undertaken … your garden! If your home is your castle then your garden is your moat!
After last year’s bushfire season, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that bushfires are becoming more frequent and with a higher intensity – Causing a greater amount of destruction and impact on many Australians. As the next fire season rolls around again this can understandably bring on anxious feelings and bad memories.
If you are rebuilding after a fire it can be challenging to find the motivation to plan a new garden. However, research shows that gardens have an important role to play. Gardens provide healing, respite and give hope and optimism through new growth and rejuvenation.
This can be an opportunity to think about what worked in your old garden and what you would like to change. Nurseries, friends and family may be able to help you to regain some of your favourite plants lost to fire that held sentimental value to you.
The best news is that there is a lot of design tips I can share with you to get your landscape ready! But before you get your gardening tools out or head down to the plant nursery, we need consider the following factors:
Do your homework for your bushfire prone landscapeIn landscape design; before you begin planning your design for your bushfire prone landscape, it is important to start with research and site assessment. In a fire prone area this is essential!
While there are no guarantees that your property will survive, in the same way as having healthy habits are for your body – this improves your odds.
Understanding How Fire Behaves in the LandscapeBy thinking about how fire behaves we can design to slow potential fire attack on our properties.
Topography or Slope
Are you close to bushland or grasslands, in a rural area or on a semi-suburban block? The steeper the hill, the faster the speed and the intensity of the fire. Flames and radiant heat dry out vegetation which then burns easily.
For instance a mowed lawn or paved areas, terraced areas using retaining walls may be useful in creating defendable spaces.
Weather conditions
Hot, dry and windy days create conditions that increase the possibility of fires starting and sustaining.
Vegetation = Fuel
When there is a lot of vegetation without spaces between this creates a continual path for fire to travel.
Therefore, these factors should be considered in your garden design to reduce your risk.
Consider the existing landscape fuel – this includes leaf litter, plants, mulch, fences, outdoor furniture, outdoor structures and how this fuel is likely to affect your dwelling and it’s defendability.
Create your Defendable Space around your HomeIn your defendable space the idea is to modify the vegetation to prevent direct flame contact where possible.
Can you provide access for emergency services?
The size and nature of your defendable space requirements will depend on a number of factors, but there should be an inner and outer zone.
As each site will be different, creating your defendable space with a personalised and tailored consultation will improve your chances in a bushfire.
Ongoing Garden Maintenance for Bushfire Prone LandscapesGood garden maintenance is essential in a bushfire prone landscape, so you need to plan your bushfire prone landscape with this aspect in mind.
If your garden is large, you don’t enjoy gardening or simply don’t have the time, it is important to plan your garden to be low maintenance. You need to work out how much mowing, pruning, weeding, mulching and raking are you prepared to do each week?
In addition to these jobs, less frequently but still on a regular basis you should check/clear your gutters, check your hoses, roof and walls are in good repair?
It’s important to honest with yourself on this as you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew!
Garden Design and Planning for Bushfire Prone AreasLet’s get started!
Choosing Hardscape Materials for Bushfire Prone AreasWith new products and materials coming onto the market all the time – it’s never been easier to make good hardscape choices. Here’s a few to consider:
Plant ChoicesAll plants will burn eventually but some are slower to ignite and burn.
When you plan your bushfire prone landscape it is important to think about the following characteristics when choosing the best plants:
Plants with a high moisture content
Plant habit
Avoid
ConclusionThink about your site as it is now.
Ask yourself questions about what works and what doesn’t?
So, don’t forgot to consider the factors mentioned above, that make some plants a better choice to include in your plan.
For further recommended reading, please visit the following informative sites.
The information on these sites has been applied and combined with my landscape design principles to help you maximise your garden design to minimise the risk. The following information sources have been chosen because they are a reliable, regularly updated and a trustworthy source of information :
Know when to ask for helpAsking for help doesn’t mean you need to outsource the whole project. Here at Your Landscape Journey we offer phone and virtual consultations that will provide you with direction and support.
We can help you to make a success of your project. With over 30 years’ experience, there’s little in the landscaping world that we haven’t seen or done. We know all the tricks of the trade. We can provide feedback on your ideas and help you to get exactly what you want.
Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed.
We’re right here ready to act as your guide, mentor, sounding board or trusted advisor.
Tips …
Do your homework - check out your local Council website – there is a wealth of information
Also look at the RFS website (or relevant Firefighting Service pertaining to your state), again you will find a wealth of useful information to get you started
Consider the amount of maintenance involved when planning your garden, for most people low maintenance design will be the best option
Understand how fire behaves
Garden design: now that you are armed with the above information you are ready to make your best plan!
Know when to ask for help
Good plant selection
Choosing non-combustible/low combustion hardscape material choices can make a huge difference
The good news is you can do just that with the help of Your Landscape Journey.
Your Landscape Journey has developed a free, downloadable guide to planning your landscaping project. You can have a DIY garden that will be the envy of the neighbourhood.
And the best bit? This is just the first of a series of resources that we’ll be developing for homeowners just like you. Watch this space for webinars and more tools.
But if at any point you want to hit fast forward, all you need to do is book in a phone or video consultation with Your Landscape Journey.
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and undertake a landscaping project, but you’re not sure where to start. Whether your project is big or small, the principles for planning it are the same.
Get ready to say goodbye to bare dirt, weeds and haphazard planting arrangements and hello to the garden of your dreams.
In this guide, we take you through the steps you need to take to plan and successfully carry out your landscaping job.
Step 1: Setting the scene for your garden renovationIn order for you to design your ultimate garden renovation, you need decide what you want to use your garden for.
Will it be a showpiece or a play space? Will it be used as an area for pets or will it be an extension of your entertaining space?
The function will substantially influence your overall design.
Once you’ve determined the function of your garden space, you’re ready to move to the next step.
Step 2: Taking stock of your garden renovationDo an inventory of what you already have in your garden.
Think about things that you like and can stay the way they are.
Consider items that can’t be removed but that perhaps you’d like to conceal.
Identify existing features that you’d like to accentuate.
Once you’ve done that, draw a mud map (which is just a fancy way of saying simple plan) of your site so you can see what you’re working with.
Include things like:
Step 3: It’s all about garden styleThere are so many different styles of garden and the one you pick will have a huge influence on your overall design, plant choice and hard landscaping. What are you drawn to and does it work with your home? Is it feasible in your climate?
You could consider:
The options are endless, and you’re only limited by your imagination. Look at lots of pictures. Check out the gardens in your neighbourhood. Think about what appeals to you that will also suit your location.
Step 4: Landscape Design – it’s elementalThere are lots of elements to a landscaping plan. Consider any hard elements that you want to include or add such as a pool, water feature, carport, entertaining area, or gazebo.
You can then consider soft elements such as plants and lawns.
You will need to pull these two aspects together so that they work in harmony with each other.
Step 5: Your garden’s got to feel rightThink about how you want to feel when you spend time in your garden.
Do you want a tranquil retreat replete with pond and Koi fish? This kind of garden would provide you with a quiet space to sit and reflect.
Perhaps you want to walk outside feel energised and ready for action. Then maybe an exercise area that includes outdoor exercise equipment is needed.
Or maybe you just want to feel connected to nature. If so, having fruit trees, vegie and herb gardens will allow you to grow what you eat – your garden could literally nourish your body. Remember it’s your ultimate garden renovation!
Step 6: Money, money, moneyYou’ll need to establish your budget. You can have the grandest plans in the world, but you’ll ultimately be disappointed if your they’re out of reach financially.
That said, there are many cost saving measures you can take to achieve your garden goals for less. Think about reducing the scale, reusing what you already have or using recycled or salvaged items.
Cost out all the elements of your design. Make sure you include council application fees and all associated professional costs.
Step 7: Getting the nod of approvalA lot of people jump headlong into landscaping projects and don’t consider council approval. Talk to your council about your plans and find out if you need to put in any applications or seek approval for any aspect of your design.
It might seem like a tedious step and no-one likes red-tape but it will stop you from being fined.
Council is there to ensure that things get done the right way so that your garden is safe. For instance, you want your retaining wall built to best practice and standards – the consequences if it fails can be tragic.
Step 8: Know when to ask for landscaping helpAsking for help doesn’t mean you need to outsource the whole project. Here at Your Landscape Journey we offer phone and virtual consultations that will provide you with direction and support.
We can help you to make a success of your project. With over 30 years’ experience, there’s little in the landscaping world that we haven’t seen or done. We know all the tricks of the trade. We can provide feedback on your ideas and help you to get exactly what you want.
Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed.
We’re right here ready to act as your guide, mentor, sounding board or trusted advisor.
Setting the scene - determine the function of your garden space
Do an inventory of what you already have in your garden. Think about things that you like and can stay the way they are.
There are lots of elements to a landscaping plan. Consider any hard elements that you want to include or add ... consider soft elements such as plants and lawns ... how will you pull the these two aspects together so that they work in harmony?
How will you use your garden?
There are so many different styles of garden and the one you pick will have a huge influence on your overall design
You’ll need to establish your budget
Talk to your council about your plans
Know when to ask for help - We’re right here ready to act as your guide, mentor, sounding board or trusted advisor