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Friday, November 26, 2010
Creating the Garden: Client Designer Relationship
In my last post, Creating the Garden: Sense of Place, I talked about how the spirit of one's individual landscape can invoke an emotion in us, forming an identity to a place that we can relate to.
Today, I want to delve into the unique factors of the Client Designer Relationship.
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| Beautiful Stone Wall & Patio Bellport, NY |
Most people that call me are referred by friends or members of their community, although a growing number are finding me through the Internet. Initially, a consult is appropriated and I drive out to meet the potential client for the first time. For the next hour or so, we walk the grounds discussing their thoughts regarding their property. I listen keenly to their descriptions, feelings and attitudes towards areas of their landscape. During this initial visit, I also get a sense of whether or not I am the right person to address and manage the issues they are sharing with me. Through honest dialogue, the client and I both decide at the end of this meeting whether or not I should take on the project. Details are discussed briefly as to the next stages of the process and we're off and running.
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| Serene view behind Strawberry Pot |
My ultimate goal behind any design and/or project is not only the complete satisfaction of the client I am working with, but the overall long term improvement of the landscape I am working on. As we finalize a new planting or renovation project, I anticipate that as good as the garden looks upon completion, it should look even better five years down the road as plantings mature (of course, with proper care and maintenance). My gardens are an enduring commitment. I wish to revisit the site and be involved in the care and maintenance of our projects so that this goal of establishment and longevity might be better achieved. I feel a sense of place in many of my gardens as my hand has been part of not only the design and planting, but the nurturing process. It satisfies my soul.
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| Old garden bench beside pool Bellport, NY |
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Creating the Garden: Sense of Place
Many factors come into play when designing an outdoor space including, but not limited to
1. Sense of Place
2. Client Designer Relationship
3. Knowledge of horticulture
4. Garden elements including stone, sculpture, water
5. Seasonal effects
6. Care of the garden
How do we define “Sense of Place”?
God has blessed my family and I with a stunning piece of property, including a magnificent lake view. It is an extraordinarily tranquil setting. The longer I live here, the more I desire to exploit and accentuate that peaceful view. I identify my property with feelings of security, calm and a deep spiritual connection. This sense of place did not occur overnight, but evolved over the past decade. And I trust that this evolution will continue as long as we reside here.
In my next post, we'll explore the second crucial factor associated with creating a garden; the Client Designer Relationship.
1. Sense of Place
2. Client Designer Relationship
3. Knowledge of horticulture
4. Garden elements including stone, sculpture, water
5. Seasonal effects
6. Care of the garden
How do we define “Sense of Place”?
Because of its personal nature, sense of place encompasses a variety of meanings and definitions.
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| Mature landscape plants add history |
Kent Ryden (Ph.D., Brown University) defines it: A sense of place results gradually and unconsciously from inhabiting a landscape over time, becoming familiar with its physical properties, accruing history within its confines. The well-known geographer J. B. Jackson offers this elaboration: It is place, permanent position in both the social and topographical sense, that gives us our identity. And Mr. Martin Heidegger, famous German philosopher, quotes: Dwelling is not primarily inhabiting but taking care of and creating that space within which something comes into its own and flourishes.
The combination of characteristics of a place, coupled with the human element, make that place distinctive and unique. Through sense of place, an intimate relationship evolves between inhabitant and surroundings. Out of this familiarity, expectations arise. In addition, the spirit that emanates from a place gives it an identity. As human beings, we connect to this identity.
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| View to lake |
In my next post, we'll explore the second crucial factor associated with creating a garden; the Client Designer Relationship.
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Think Spring!
- Jennifer Garces
- My experienced team and I have been creating and maintaining unique gardens and lavish landscapes throughout Long Island, New York for the past decade. Specializing in the creation of outdoor living spaces that are extraordinary yet functional, I glean inspiration from the traditional English style of gardening which incorporates lush perennial gardens, old world style masonry and wood accents. I believe unlimited creativity may be ignited by merging site potential, client desires and designer vision. Truly, gardening is a natural process that evolves and becomes more breathtaking with time. I hold a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Rhode Island and have over 6 years of field experience.
