HARDSCAPES
▪ This section will have areas of functional needs that we have listed in our questionnaire, the beginning design phase, or have come up with due to the site grading and drainage plans. Other features should be included as accent points or of purely a whimsical nature. Thus, here we will need to include as much detail as possible for the construction of these items.
If it is necessary, do additional plans that relate to the particular items at a larger scale. So, lets locate and place all the following. Keep in mind (no set rules) to expand this list as needed.
Fences
Arbors
Accent rocks
Water features
Children's play structures
Benches
Pathways/walks
Fountains | Decks
Gazebos
Steps
Retaining walls
Spas
Statuary
Ramps
Wildlife habitats/feeders | Patios
Garden structures
Dry creeks
Fire pits
Pools
Garden features/art
Gates
Birdfeeders/houses |
TREES
The larger trees on our plan in particular should be considered as part of the structural plan because of their life span and size. Often these trees are picked for their ability to provide shade, screening for views and wind screening.
- A lot of shade trees are deciduous, as when you reach less light in the winter, you don't mind the extra sun that will come through without any leaves on your tree.
- As a shade tree you need to think of the angle of the sun during various times of the day, as the shadow size and angle will change with the time and season. You can think of the sun's rotation based on the compass reading you took in the plot map design area.
- The primary times you will need shade will be during hotter times in the summer. You will want to think in terms of what the sun angle is at when you need the shade the most. It is maybe for cooling the house, providing shade on a deck, or creating a shade garden area.
- For wind screening you want to consider the prevailing wind direction and the areas you would like some protection in.
- For screening views you want to consider the height from the ground to the canopy as you may need to add some under story plants. Many of these trees tend to be evergreen so that you can have year round screening.
- The width of the tree is important as you don't want to encroach on others property or be to close to the house.
Another consideration in the selection of the larger trees will be the scale as it relates to surrounding structures.
- A large tree may dwarf a small house, and yet the same tree next to a taller house will provide a nice complement. You do not want to forget scale and balance.
Consider always planning for plant placement thinking of what the cultured mature size and shape each plant will reach.
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