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Tag: landscape

Wholesale Plants: A Garden Designers Guide

Written by Duncan Heather on .

How and where to buy wholesale plants in the UK There is an enormous choice of wholesale plants in the UK.  From independent nurseries like Avensis Perennials, Babylon Plants, and Farnham Common Nurseries, to large wholesale/retail nurseries like Hillier, Kingsdown or  Evergreen.  For trade only [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Poisonous Plants: A Garden Designers Guide

Written by Duncan Heather on .

A Garden Designer’s Guide To Poisonous PlantsOn average, two gardeners a year die in the UK as a result of poisonous plants. There are poisonous plants lurking in almost every garden, dangerous to humans and animals alike. Many poisonous plants are far from obvious except to the expert. Those discussed [...]

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 [...]

Employing a Garden Designer – How Much & What To Look For

Written by Duncan Heather on .

Employing a garden designer isn’t as straight forward as it may first appear.  The level of competence and professionalism, varies hugely, depending on their qualification and how long they have been practicing.  In a nut shell, a qualified garden designer should be able to offer an almost identical [...]

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 [...]
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