MOST COMMON PROBLEMS DESIGNING A BROWNSTONE GARDEN OR TOWNHOUSE GARDEN

Garden landscape design is all about space. Similar to an architect, a landscape designer works with usable and functional space. Narrow lots and limited space are challenges that are not limiting, but rather opportunities to take advantage of. Make the most of a small yard landscape, using such techniques as creating multiple focal points, designing in inches rather than feet, and indulging in high-quality materials.  Utilize the space by dividing the yard into outdoor rooms.

Garden design solutions for long, narrow side yards, include vertical planting using vines and trellises, creating beautiful window views, creating narrow planting strips, changes in grade or elevation are contributing solutions.

Too much shade is is not a problem. There are countless plants of various textures, shapes, colors and sizes that grow prolifically in zone 7 shade of a New York City garden.

Sloping terrain and backyard drainage problems can be remediated with proper materials, retaining walls, aggregates and soil remediation.  Beyond those lesser expensive solutions a dry well may be an option.

Privacy is always challenging as most urban gardens are overlooked on multiple sides by other homes. While there are code limits to the height of garden fences, tall hedges, well-positioned trees, vines on temporary structures are all possible solutions to this challenge.

Your goals for your landscape can also bring up design issues that require creative solutions. Do you want a child-friendly yard, or a private sanctuary for adults? Assessing the needs and programming for your outdoor space will lead you to establish a garden design that is practical and multi-functional.

As in many cases,.. the success lies in the planning of the garden.

©ToddHaimanLandscapeDesign2014

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LOW MAINTENANCE GARDENING

Whether your garden is a vertical landscape design or an urban landscape design it will require some maintenance. A landscape designer can design a low maintenance garden, but there is no such situation where it could be a no maintenance landscape or no maintenance garden design. Even a concrete slab requires some maintenance as over time it needs cleaning and over time it cracks and therefore will be in need of repair due to the freezing and thawing effects of winter.

If you are looking to have low maintenance gardening, you should choose plants specifically that are low maintenance plants.  Ornamental grasses are extremely low-maintenance.  A vertical landscape design that is composed of ornamental grasses will survive well in the harsh culture of a roof garden provided it is irrigated properly.

It’s easier than you might think!

TOP TIPS FOR DESIGNING YOUR GARDEN

Similar to an architect or interior designer, a garden designer can can assist you with understanding spacial relationships, aesthetics, circulation, programming, and other challenges. Remember garden designers and landscape designers are experts in their field as you are in yours.  Here are some top tips.

1. Think about how you would like to program your outdoor space. What activities would be conducted in this space? Is it for entertaining, relaxing, reading a book, al fresco dining, for your children to play in?
   

2. Don’t even think of elaborate gardening schemes if you’ve got a hectic lifestyle. Simplicity is the key!
   

3. Get rid of clutter. Stick with a couple of good natural materials – Old stone works well in traditional gardens, while contemporary styles could make use of natural hardwood.
   

4. Strike the right balance – ignoring the natural elements can leave some gardens looking cold and lifeless.
   

5. Don’t just pick a design that looks good in a brochure – it may not work for you, as every garden is individual.
   

6. Understand that just as you maintain the inside of your home, the exterior needs constant maintenance to prosper.
   

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TIPS ON HOW A GARDEN DESIGNER CAN HELP

WHEN TO HIRE A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

A landscape designer in New York City is grateful to have a new client.  

The job of designing a brownstone garden, designing a townhouse garden, designing a residential garden is a process.

It takes a given amount of time to design a landscape.. from creating a relationship and understanding your clients needs, aspirations and challenges, surveying the site, creating a preliminary plan, revising to a final plan, identifying, estimating and procuring contractors, supplies, plants, to finally building a landscape. It all takes a given amount of time to design and build this landscape.  For many potential clients they begin to think of their landscape as spring approaches.  

Most landscape designers in NYC recommend Fall as the best time to hire a landscape designer. 

Both the client and designer have the opportunity to truly study the existing situation so they may move forward toward Spring with a detailed and comprehensive landscape design plan. This also allows ample time to plan and line up contractors when they are not busy, rather then wait to the Spring rush.

LEARN MORE ON HIRING A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE : WHY HIRE A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER?

ALTERNATIVES TO ENGLISH IVY

Alternatives to English ivy (Hedera helix) include the following. 

•Allegheny pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens)

•Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans)

•Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) 

•Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

•Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia tomentosa)

•American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens),

•Wood Vamp or Climbing Hydrangea (Decumaria barbara)

SMART LANDSCAPING WITH ALLERGY FREE PLANTS

Here are examples of allergenic plants from the least (1) to the most allergenic (10).  The information was obtained from Thomas Leo Ogren's book, The Allergy Fighting Garden.  I highly recommend purchasing a copy if you are interested in a more comprehensive listing. 

1. Acer rubrum 'Autumn Glory' (Red Maple), Cercidiphyllum japonica (Katsura tree)

2. Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedar), Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince), Yucca

3. Amelanchier (Serviceberry, Shadbush), Liriodendron (Tulip poplar), Carnations, Dianthus, Pieris (Lily-of-the-Vally bush), Picea (Spruce), Tsuga (Hemlock)

4. Redbud, Night-blooming jasmine, Koelreuteria (Golden rain Tree), Magnolia, Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

5. St. John's wort, Daphne odorata (Winter Daphne), Lagerstroemia (Crape Myrtle), Styringa (lilac)

6. Aucuba (male Gold Dust plant), Catalpa, Female Chinese Tallow tree, Liquidambar (Sweetgum), Tilia (Linden)

7. Boxwood, Carpinus (Hornbeam), Ilex (only male Hollies)

8. Chamaecyparis, Leyland Cypress, Eucalyptus, Gymnocladus (only male Kentucky Coffee tree), Populus (only male Aspen, Cottonwood, Poplar), Quercus (Deciduous Oaks), Thuja (Arborvitae)

9. Betula (Birch), Eleagnus (Russian Olive) Juniper

10. Cryptomeria japonica, Brazilian Pepper Tree, Taxus (only male Yew), Salix babylonica (only male Weeping Willow), Morus alba (only males white Mulberry)