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Author: Duncan Heather

Timber Specification for Landscape Design

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Timber Specification: Understanding  Quality and Strength The proper timber specification is very important as it's a natural material and therefore its quality varies considerably.  Defects can include knots and shakes (splits down the grain), twist, etc.  Softwood joinery is classified into [...]

How to Best Use Stone In The Garden

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Some thoughts to consider about the use of stone in the garden as ornament or feature.  Many of us are so used to living with brick and concrete all around us that we rarely have the opportunity, or the time to think about, study and appreciate natural stone in the garden. Nothing beats its beauty, [...]

Inspiration Overload

Written by Duncan Heather on .

At the end of May, the wondrous, bizarre, inspirational and manic theatre of The Chelsea Flower Show again unveiled garden design inspiration for the delight of millions, worldwide. Probably the most influential horticultural show on the planet, Chelsea is an event on a par with and maybe surpassing [...]

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 [...]

Great Expectations

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Managing your clients expectations: -  A key to business success The relentlessly accelerating pace of contemporary living is a challenge for both designer and client. To achieve the gorgeousness seen in show gardens and on television programmes requires expertise, time, patience, love and commitment. [...]

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 [...]

Out in Front: Front Garden Ideas

Written by Duncan Heather on .

So you are looking for some front garden ideas? Front gardens or front yards are more usually associated with domestic residences rather than commercial buildings. But similar principles of good design apply to both.  Many clients will be focussed on the design of their back garden. The private [...]

Winter Garden Structure

Written by Duncan Heather on .

In temperate and northern climates architectural plants are most evident during the skeletal winter months, when all is laid bare. So what is an architectural plant? Structure and form are its two common elements. Visually strong and ever-present, architectural plants are the backbone of every planting [...]

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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