Winter 2008
Winter in Houston. Winter in Texas. Cold? Wet? Rainy? Sometimes. Some
places. But the truth is that the months of January, February and March
provide those of us lucky enough to live in Houston with some of the most
beautiful weather in the country. While we have a few cold days or weeks,
generally, these months offer us the opportunity to go back and work on
plans for our gardens.
Whether you’re planning the landscaping of
a new home or reconnecting with a garden you’ve known and loved
for years, it’s time to get started – the earlier the better.
Where to start
That said, getting started
can be a daunting task. Where? When? How?
Some people know exactly
what they want in their gardens. They have dreamed of the perfect garden
for years, and now it’s time to act. These clients are usually brimming
with ideas, with photographs and books and more to share.
Others, however,
are a little less decisive. We receive many calls that begin with – I
have absolutely no idea how to start. This is fine, also. I don’t
expect everyone to know or understand landscape design. After all, that’s
what, as a landscape architect, I bring to the table. I have the skills,
the knowledge, the experience – and the trained staff – to
bring ideas into focus and reality.
Architects and interior designers
like to have us on board early so we can make recommendations relative
to their processes. Working together, we coordinate installations,
such as power and design elements. Even material selection comes into
play, as it makes design sense to use the same, or complementary, materials
such as brick and stone in both the home and the garden. And more often
than not, it is more economical to order materials at the same time.
I first suggest
a visit to our website, www.mckinnonassociates.com. Under the section
label DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, we have a fairly precise outline of the
process. As well, in our portfolio, visitors can see our recent works.
Next: on site
Next step is a discussion and an inspection of your property.
I spend time walking around the site, asking questions and observing.
Many times, the interior of a home is helpful in assessing architectural
styles and design preferences.
I also want to know if there are problems.
Standing water? Bad drainage? An unsightly view into a neighbor’s
backyard? These situations can drive a design.
As we talk, I ask questions.
What inspires a person: travel, heritage, colors? Some people also
share photographs of gardens they love, which is also an excellent starting
point.
Simple, everyday problems must be considered. Where are garbage
cans stored? How do the guests arrive? Water, drainage, and our ever-present
problem of rain – how does it fall from the roof, where does it
go? A proper landscape design works come rain or come shine.
I also investigate
how a household uses its outdoor space. Parties, cooking, relaxing?
Is there a need for a quiet corner? A fountain or a fireplace? All these
factors are taken into consideration in designing a garden.
Space,
its use and its availability, are critical observations. I pride myself
on my space-planning abilities. With the right plans, it is possible
to rein in an expansive garden and also to make maximum use of tiny
spaces.
Design and installation
After considering all the
details and gathering all the information, the design process starts.
Landscapes need to be beautiful and pleasing certainly, but function is
critical. This is when we bring function into balance with aesthetics.
A beautiful garden that floods with every rainy afternoon is no pleasure,
and certainly not healthy either.
Though most people think of plants
as a primary outdoor focus, a garden needs a good backbone. Hardscape – as
in wood, steel, gravel, stone, mortar and concrete – is important,
often providing a sustainable solution for a yard. Proper lighting
is also a critical consideration.
Finally, once we
have all agreed on a viable plan, McKinnon Associates crews bring the
design into reality.
A creative adventure
The process of designing and implementing a garden
is exciting. Whether I’m working for the seasoned gardener or the
most uninformed novice – or whether the project is a small renovation
or a completely new beginning, it’s an adventure. It’s a time
to explore creative possibilities and to solve problems that nature
presents.
I enjoy the collaboration and the opportunity to bring a balance and
pleasure into someone’s outdoor spaces. Please call or contact me
at your convenience, I would love to visit with you about your ideas.
See you in the garden,
Mark McKinnon
