tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35983018635171940412012-01-02T23:25:34.425-05:00I am a professional Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. I provide landscape designs for residences, both large and small, focusing on both creativity and function. Member ASLA.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.comBlogger381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-27369178669196653172011-09-14T08:23:00.000-04:002011-09-14T08:23:18.468-04:00

I am very excited about this new video of mine. It was created by Truscribe. It's my voice, script and ideas (with some of their helpful direction),  but the very  talented Eric at Truscribe did the charming fun filled sketches and put it all together to create this amazing, simple video! Be sure to watch until the end as all the ideas come together!

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-70742816264006049282011-09-11T11:46:00.000-04:002011-09-11T11:46:19.634-04:00

Luck was on our side. Why? Why us, and not others? My heart goes out to all the those that had loved ones and friends who did not survive. My younger son was in the second tower to get hit. He was there for a Morgan Stanley training session for a few days. That day, of all days. While he was in turmoil, I was watching the replay of the towers being hit. But he got out. Down, down, down 65

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-64702285797082170402011-08-12T11:04:00.000-04:002011-08-12T11:04:12.457-04:00

If  you use AutoCAD and are comfortable with Layout Tabs, that's great. Maybe someday I will be in your shoes. However for those that are having a hard time with them, I came across a great tutorial which is here: AutoCAD Layout Tabs But even better, after you read through it (just so that you have a bit more information and knowledge) here is my "Cheat Sheet".  Just follow the steps and you

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-33621634312291927192011-07-11T09:35:00.001-04:002011-07-16T09:04:04.775-04:00

After about 8 years, I decided that I was not happy with the landscape program I was using, which was Eagle Point's LandCadd. So I went on a mission to find some of the best landscape design software. Initially, I was looking for something that would also work well with Google Sketchup. Many of these are for professionals but some, such as Google Sketchup, are for homeonwers also. Actually,

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-23911327207795435762011-02-27T09:51:00.000-05:002011-02-27T09:51:08.667-05:00

My backyard is finally starting to emerge from the blanket of snow. It's nice to see lawn...but then I start remembering that it needs help! I have been in my house almost a year now. This past year I took care of "essentials" that I hadn't planned on. However, I also did some plantings for the front yard landscape. The front foundation planting was there when I bought my house. It's definitely

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-65307492307374049562010-11-23T08:42:00.002-05:002010-11-23T21:36:29.870-05:00

I fondly remember some dining al fresco experiences I have had. However, the one I remember best is with my country acquaintances, some people who lived up in the Catskill Mountains, far away from the maddening crowd. The al fresco dining took place on top of a mountain. The house was located on 75 acres, but the land surrounding the house consisted of “only” five acres. Included here was a

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-33989523253103940282010-11-09T11:54:00.000-05:002010-11-09T11:54:13.735-05:00

On my recent trip to Italy, I was somewhat disappointed in some of the photos I took. Whether it was the camera, the time of day, or the difficulty of capturing all that I saw...expanse of hills and so on.... I am not sure. I did a little tweaking and was fairly satisfied. I knew a particular picture was taken at the worst time of the day (almost noon) so I was happy to just have the memory and a

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-8897544380209085222010-11-03T11:22:00.001-04:002011-07-24T08:34:09.936-04:00

How do you find landscaping companies? Google Search - have your location set. Service Magic Angies List Recommendations Yellow Pages Always ask for photos of their work, or better yet, visit the projects. Be sure to ask if the installer is still working for the company. There is not point in looking at a beautiful project where the mason is long gone!

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-23546928376258094292010-11-03T08:05:00.002-04:002010-11-03T08:05:34.355-04:00

I love Oakleaf Hydrangea with their large leaves that resemble those on Oak trees and their big, striking flowers. However, it's often difficlut to place them in the garden as most are quite tall and wide. The Agricultural Research Service has introduced two new Oakleaf Hydrangea cultivars and they should be available in the next year or two. The names are 'Ruby Slippers' and 'Munchkin'. Each

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-30308706096595051892010-10-19T07:50:00.000-04:002010-10-19T07:50:17.345-04:00

I recently returned from staying in a Tuscany, Italy villa. I don't know what I loved more... the countryside was just like paintings. The wine was unbelievable (both the quality and the prices!). Speaking of wine, I still haven't figured out why I don't get sleepy when drinking Italian wines in Italy. We we lucky to be there during the time when the grapes were being picked, or ready to be

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-57011574564803968572010-08-19T08:39:00.000-04:002010-08-19T08:39:30.083-04:00

It's late in the season to be writing about a rose plant. But I just had to. I saw this rose at a garden center in the spring and decided that I would give it a try. In the past, I have had great luck with the "Carefree" group of roses, particularly Carefree Delight. This rose was a little more coral in color than I typically like, but still, it was a Carefree rose and attractive. Of course it

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-73228203383048436672010-06-22T09:59:00.001-04:002010-06-22T14:39:36.746-04:00

I've always like working with small spaces. Well, actually, I like working with large spaces too. The thing about small spaces is that they can be very striking due to the impact that many landscape elements can have at one time. A small space can have a vista, but more often than not your viewpoints are contained in a finite space. A meandering walkway, a lovely perennial garden, a small water

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-74513597029268666482010-04-27T11:57:00.002-04:002010-04-27T12:38:57.096-04:00

Landscape design and focal points….what comes to mind? Perhaps a distant pergola covered with flowering vines, a huge fountain, an arbor and so on. Yes, any of these can be incorporated into a landscape design and be a striking focal point. However….I'm thinking of a different kind. A focal point can be simple or it can be dramatic. Have you ever experienced a "wow" moment in the landscape…time

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-11208668994597815852010-02-23T07:32:00.000-05:002010-02-23T07:32:57.976-05:00

Foliage in landscape design will be blogged today by people from the Garden Designers Roundtable. I am opting out this month. However, I would just like to point out one suggestion when working with plant leaves. That point is TEXTURE. Make sure when you are selecting plants that those adjacent to each other have different textures. This is because the contrast in foliage creates interest. As

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-57632688161510771242010-02-11T09:40:00.000-05:002010-02-11T09:40:17.580-05:00

What an impact landscape trees in a garden can make! Once in awhile I come across a garden that really moves me. Oh, I know, you are probably thinking of lots of colorful perennials and flowers. It's true they can be striking. Another type of garden might be an overall great landscape with enchanting features such as a glorious waterfall, a beautiful pergola with vines, and so on. So for a

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-42077508016180542442010-02-11T03:03:00.000-05:002010-02-11T03:03:47.161-05:00

I remember the first time I saw a rose garden display. I decided to visit the New York Botanical Garden to see their rose display at the right time...for once. I always seemed to miss it. If you have never been there, it's an experience. First of all it's a sunken garden. As I approached it, I couldn't really see what was there since it was down below. All of a sudden it was upon me and it was

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-34520626181548927332010-01-06T12:57:00.005-05:002010-01-06T13:23:15.998-05:00

As part of a larger effort to provide information on regional gardens and landscaping in America, here you'll find my personal take on the Virginia landscape. See other blogs (links at bottom) by other wonderful landscape designers in other areas on this topic! Please also visit my extensive website Landscape Design Advice Being from the Northeast, I've noticed some interesting landscape

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-15467500214167986742009-08-12T17:55:00.003-04:002009-08-12T18:21:40.853-04:00

I like to have fun with videos. No, I don't take them with a video camera. There are various places where you can create them from your photos. I created many videos on my website with Photostory 3, but this one I created with animoto.com. You can create a free version which is shorter. To create the longer one like I did here costs $3.00. They also have a very reasonable yearly fee.Anyway, here

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-17210769156365104042009-07-29T17:50:00.005-04:002009-07-29T18:51:19.366-04:00

As I was designing some driveway entry gates, entry piers and fencing for a client, I realized that much of the design was based on scale. If the scale, or sizes, are off, it will look quite funky!So, where to start? Since the property was to be enclosed to keep out deer, I started with the fencing, believe it or not. Deer fencing has to be a minimum of 7 1/2 feet high. Knowing this helped to

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-48226359880731481852009-07-29T17:08:00.003-04:002009-07-31T08:54:42.538-04:00

I know, this is totally off topic. But where else can I get my thoughts out?Just my take on the Blackberry Tour. It has had a lot of positive hype, but I am putting together not only my thoughts, but also those of others who have the phone. FYI....It's a great phone. It's very fast and the screen is beautiful, but it has some negatives also...1. Many of the phones bought have loose battery covers

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-80354665817781217432009-05-28T07:21:00.003-04:002009-05-28T07:42:55.953-04:00

I know. Lawn swales are a much better, "green" solution than leading all that water through pipes, ending in various places. But can't the townships give some more thought to homeowners and aesthetics?Up north, water from property often drains over the lawn to the street. It's then carried along to a storm sewer.Here in Virginia, they have a more natural approach. I was amazed when I first moved

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-12390859333666148512009-05-10T09:17:00.003-04:002009-05-10T09:30:48.887-04:00

So, for over $350,000, what can you have?1. New driveway with granite cobble edging and front circular area of granite also.2. Balance of driveway tar and chip.3. Formal pond with custom stone pool wall and fountain.4. Stone retaining wall/seatwall nearby to view fountain.5. Tree removals in vast areas so that lawn can be created in sweeping curves as drive along long driveway to residence.6.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-28671731403647662102009-05-08T11:56:00.003-04:002009-05-08T12:10:49.623-04:00

How do you go about deciding what size fountain to incorporate into a design?Whether it be a simple, small focal point or a large fountain as an integral part of the design, getting the scale right is important.Recently I have been working on a project with a driveway leading up to a front, circular driveway design. In the center is a fairly large area with a central formal pool and fountain.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-13244325405289058882009-04-28T21:35:00.005-04:002009-04-28T21:48:58.044-04:00

I hate to say it, because straight parts of the landscape are so much easier to install and get it right, but I'm a sucker for curves.How many times have you seen a curved walkway, patio, or even planting beds and really didn't get too excited? Probably lots, and probably because the curves were not designed or installed correctly.For the most part, you have to work with a pure circle and a

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-70446181768732373052009-01-27T14:39:00.007-05:002009-01-27T14:59:13.929-05:00

There is a new Butterfly Bush that will be available this spring. It is called Lo & Behold™ Butterfly Bush, or Buddleia x 'Blue Chip', introduced by Spring Meadow Nursery.I am very excited about this new introduction. I have loved the Butterfly Bush for a long time. "Why?" you might ask. 1. It has beautiful purple, elongated flowers. Well, they don't have to be purple. They also come in white and

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-80636259797189122032009-01-12T08:26:00.005-05:002009-01-12T09:26:59.794-05:00

So what do you think a wander garden is?A. A path in the woods where you can wander and explore.B. An expansive garden with different rooms where you can wander around.C. A large, formal English garden where you can walk around the perimeter and admire a lavish perennial garden.AnswerNone of the above.A wander garden is actually a garden created for older people suffering from such things as

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-70877730764522658122008-12-10T09:56:00.003-05:002008-12-10T10:09:33.167-05:00

Every once in a while, I come across something that gets into my sole. I can't really explain it, but it often has to do with art. And more often it is a landscape.I came across a site of an artist who does self portrait photography. There is a picture there of the artist in the garden...a girl experiencing sheer happiness. Well, my interpretation anyway.Take a look.Miss Aniela: PhotographyHere

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-75890347724611002722008-09-14T08:15:00.003-04:002008-09-14T08:25:40.760-04:00

I have done much research on various travertine companies since I began using them on my projects. I have found a few interesting things.1. Different manufacturers offer different colors. 2. Some ship in full crates, while others allow you to purchase what you need.3. There is no set area that they are imported from. Some of the more common countries are Turkey, Italy and Peru.The project I was

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-16335637635868231992008-07-26T16:39:00.002-04:002008-07-26T16:53:06.382-04:00

Some of the most famous landscapes in the world all have something in common. They have some kind of water feature.What is it about water in the garden that makes one smile? I think it's because generally they are soothing and peaceful.A simple fountain will do the trick. You do need electric running to it for the pump to operate. Or you may get more elaborate and build a waterfall. This might be

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-50269561807914412002008-06-30T21:05:00.003-04:002008-06-30T21:10:21.761-04:00

I came across this video about a pizza oven. I am sure pizza ovens are a little bit of a mystery to many people. I mean, how do they work? What do they actually look like in a landscape design? If you'd like to see a video that is just plan fun, take a look here.www.landscape-design-advice.com/outdoor-kitchen-island.htmlI am pretty sure it will make you smile!Scroll down on the page to see it.

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-4552304094450595252008-05-20T19:24:00.003-04:002008-05-20T19:34:27.454-04:00

I am not going to say that any of my articles are going to win the Pulitzer Prize. But I will say for the most part I try to write with correct grammar and say things that make sense.I was browsing through a well know article directory earlier and was flabbergasted at an article I was reading.Aside from the fact that the title had words that were totally misspelled and did not make sense, the

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-85704519631512665932008-04-18T09:49:00.002-04:002008-04-18T09:52:28.347-04:00

I had such a nice email this morning. Someone wrote to me via my website, asking my advice on a challenging patio design. I felt she was going in the wrong direction and taking the wrong approach. Sometimes people want an easy and inexpensive solution. However, if landscape design is not thought out properly, often the project does not turn out well and the expense turns out to be much more than

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-47678878415764511192008-04-10T09:11:00.003-04:002008-04-10T09:20:05.202-04:00

Those allusive front foundation plants....how do you select the right ones? You don't want the planting to look weak. You want it to be strong and beautiful. You want it to be interesting. And you want the plants to do well....right?I always try to select evergreen shrubs as the first layer up against the house. There are two reasons for this. First of all, they provide a nice background for any

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-86520560263159108462008-03-23T00:54:00.003-04:002008-03-23T01:13:54.456-04:00

I had the opportunity to attend a seminar at a large stone distributor the other day.So what's new?Stone from China.They are really quite interesting. One in particular is a bluestone. Most of the bluestone in this part of the States comes from Pennsylvania and sometimes New York. The coloration is all blue, rather than the mix of subtle colors which run through the Full Range Bluestone. This is

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-8107615923249951102008-03-20T08:21:00.002-04:002008-03-20T08:32:58.381-04:00

One of the nice things about living in Virginia is that Spring comes earlier than New Jersey.So here we are in March, and already I am seeing color. Masses of Daffodils dot my landscape. Daffodils are great since they multiply.....and they are deer resistant too. Purple flowers are showing on my Vinca. Ok, these are rather quiet, but even so, nice to look at, especially when close to the

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-9791191465521817472008-03-18T21:30:00.001-04:002008-03-18T21:32:26.764-04:00

Ah, the well know concrete paver. You've decided you need-want-have to have a new patio, walkway, or pool paving.I am on the fence regarding pavers...well a little bit more off than on. Clients don't always have unlimited resources to spend on paving, so I have to admit they do provide an affordable alternative to natural stone. They are also easy to install. As years have gone by, their look has

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-14881823106628175352008-03-17T08:40:00.001-04:002008-03-17T08:40:58.075-04:00

Swimming pool placement is one of the first things a homeowner things about when decided to add a swimming pool to their landscape.I visited a prospective client the other day who wanted a swimming pool design. Since I live in Virginia, there are many "off the beaten path" home locations, and this was certainly one. After venturing out on my way to his home (with my GPS system!), I drove through

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598301863517194041.post-36260334683428942362008-03-14T18:22:00.005-04:002008-03-16T00:47:42.883-04:00

Travertine pavers are a paving material that I have been specifying recently. I was introduced to them last year and I have to admit, I got very excited.First of all, they are beautiful. What could be nicer than natural stone....which is what they are, butcut into regular shapes. They are much thicker than typical travertine tiles.They are cool to the touch, which makes them great for pool paving

Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16739298503882838868noreply@blogger.com5