Current trends in the landscape industry favor a more naturalistic arrangement of ornamental plant materials. And, although the natural plant spectrum for such a practice is inadequate, it is a positive turn in the development of both large-and small-scale landscape environments.
The large-scale natural landscape will save installation time and reduce equipment costs, and it will be more conducive to energy conservation than is the traditional ornamental garden. Developers of major housing areas and residential neighborhoods are beginning to realize that long-term investment and a greater return on their monetary resources. The small-scale residential project will benefit from reduced installation fees. Long-term maintenance expenditures, especially out of shrinking household budgets. The residential structure may be more easily blended with its surroundings for a more visually pleasing environment.
Because of the environmental benefits and the developmental advantages of a natural composition, it is important to consider a process that might be employed to design the final product. For the large-scale site, the following steps may be applicable.
1. Preplanning
Data Investigation/Collection. This is the information-collecting phase when the designer begins to accumulate the volumes of technical data needed to support the conclusions and judgments of the development team. Information that should be collected includes – but is not limited to – the following:
Base maps. These should include the most recent county and state maps, aerial photos, contour maps, and maps of adjacent property. For projects that may be in or near urban areas, a zoning map should be included.
Soil surveys. Current soil data should be obtained from local county agricultural agents or the nearest Soil Conservation Service district office. An additional source for this information may be a state highway department.
Weather data. Information on rainfall, temperature and humidity fluctuation, winds, and seasonal disturbances should be collected. The National Weather Service is the best source for this information.
Utilities. A thorough determination of available utilities that may be needed to service the support facilities or installation operations is important in this step. Items to be studied should include water (size, length of service, location) and electricity.
Land documents. Study the deeds to the property site and inspect the fine print that may contain provisions for easements. It could prove embarrassing if a right-of-way through the site is overlooked.
Water. For water features that exist on the site, a designer should study the conservation pool and flood frequencies. For streams, collect date concerning flooding and watershed. For bay and gulf areas, check tide fluctuations and shoreline erosion.