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Outdoor Steps: How to design a flight of outdoor steps

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Outdoor steps are a design opportunity. On any site with significant level differences, the design of changes in level is important for appearance, convenience and safety. The size and shape of outdoor steps in new buildings is governed by the local Building Regulations. This control is mainly directed [...]

Garden Design Shows

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Taking part in exhibitions as a garden designer - sense or nonsense? By former student Sabine Friedrich Should you take part in a garden design show? The answer is simple: yes, but ... ... only in cooperation with a landscaping company.But let's start with the 'yes, I would take part in an exhibition [...]

Plant Pots: Designing With Containers

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Almost anything that holds soil could be used for plant pots. Shops stock a vast range of traditional ceramic, terracotta, glass fibre and stone pots, some attractive and some hideous. It's important that they are frost proof, so check those imported from Mediterranean or far eastern countries. Be careful [...]

How to Design a Garden: Does Form Follow Function?

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Does Form Follow Function?  A long-term and continuing debate has been whether form follows function, or function follows form? Initially, as a trained artist, but novice, student designer, I felt instinctively - and arrogantly - that the functions of the garden could follow its form; in other words, [...]

How to Design A Garden: Nature As Inspiration

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Designing with nature requires the designer to develop heightened awareness. Not just of suitable plants for a specific location, but for the genius loci (spirit of Place).  The climate, prevailing wind direction, aspect, gradient, soil, indigenous vegetation, geology, all affect the design choices.Every [...]

A Digital Portfolio: Website Design for Garden Designers

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Your website is your shop window. A digital portfolio which can be easily changed and updated.  In this 2 part article we’ll discuss what to include, what not to include, where to host yours, and tips for designing and maintaining one.  We’ll cover everything you need to know to make one that’s [...]

Garden Paths, Desire Lines & Routes of Flow

Written by Duncan Heather on .

A garden path should lead you to somewhere and/or away from somewhere. This may appear to state the obvious. But in the context of a garden space, the notion of a path becomes infinitely more complex as function and aesthetics interact. The traditional garden path was straight, narrow and uncompromising [...]

Starting a Gardening Business

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Considering starting a gardening business? Armed with your newly minted qualification, you are ready to make an impact and earn money. Unless your course is deliberately chosen as a leisure activity, or you aim to further your study academically you will want to see a return on your investment. You [...]

Aspire and Specialise

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Should You Specialise In One Particular Design Style?Is specialising in one particular landscape design style a good idea?  Aspiring garden designers, just like any students of a new discipline, may have dreams or ambition to design other than domestic or commercial landscapes. The world of landscape [...]

Landscape Design Style: Should You Specialise

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Is specialising in one particular landscape design style a good idea?  Aspiring garden designers, just like any students of a new discipline, may have dreams or ambition to design other than domestic or commercial landscapes. The world of landscape and garden design is just that: a big wide world full [...]
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