:::Daisy Design featured in this month's Pool and Spa Marketing magazine:::

This month's magazine has Daisy Design featured on Page 42  Let me know what you think! January 2011

:::Celebrating Christmas at O'Neill's Gardenland:::

A gorgeous urn designed by the talented Andrea Rowe. Love the magnolia leaves!

Andrea and I designed this festive arrangement.

Andrea and Tony demonstrating outdoor holiday arrangements.

Me and Tony O'Neill. This is the only shot where we weren't laughing!!

Me and Miss Andrea.

Thanks everyone at O'Neill's for inviting me! To order your tree or arrangement, call 709-786-9533.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 11:57 AM

:::Recycled Glass in your Garden::: http://crglass.ca/Ideas%20Center.html

::: Can't Decide? Bell Island Stone vs. Nova Scotia Limestone:::

Two popular stones for natural walls in Newfoundland right now are Bell Island Stone and Nova Scotia Limestone.  One comes from Newfoundland ( Bell Island, no kidding!) and Nova Scotia. 

For a finished wall,  both end up being around the same price and here's why:

Bell Island stone is local, so, shipping prices are lower. It is also harder to cut therefore driving the labour price up.

Nova Scotia Limestone on the other hand has higher shipping costs attached to it but it's easier to cut.  Therefore labour price is a little less.

In case price is a consideration ( and let's face it; it always is!) both run around the same price.  Now all you have to do is decide which one you LIKE best!

Nova Scotia Limestone

 

Bell Island Stone

:::Getting ready to Pretty the Place up with Final Plantings::

This was a project designed by Daisy Design and executed by Bowering Ponds and Gardens

Special Thanks to Tom Lacey of Milestone Landscape and Bowering Pond and Garden's Construction Team: Neil White, Joe Quinton and Keith Abbott.  

Great job everyone! 

Jeannette

:::Bell Island Stone Tiered Wall:::

I know I have been slow posting pictures lately. There are two reasons for this.  It's been a banner year so far despite the weather and, Mark's website is up and running at Bowering Gardens thanks to the help of Steve at Infomatix!

Joe, Neil and Keith are doing a wonderful job.

Of course, the wall will be capped with a beautiful matching sandstone, similar to the pillars in the background.

We've got some big projects happening about town this year so, we're all praying for good weather.  We've had a really wet spring so hopefully our spirits and energy pick up now with some sun and warmth. ~Jeannette

:::Hiring a Landscape Designer:::

Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape

Article provided by

ARAcontent

Tue Dec 22 00:00:00 PST 2009

(ARA) - It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of
creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring.
Landscaping success doesn't have to be hit or miss, and if it has been
for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer.



Why? Because in the long run, hiring a landscape designer can cost
less than doing it yourself. You'll get a "doable" design created right
the first time, saving you the cost of repeated tries at getting it
right or planting the wrong plants in the wrong spots. A professional landscape designer envisions creative solutions to the most difficult outdoor challenges - problems they've more than likely solved before.



Plus, a high-quality landscape increases home sale prices up to
10.8 percent, compared to a home with a simply average landscape,
according to the Journal of Environmental Horticulture.


Here are some tips from professional landscape designers to create your dream garden.



First, consider your space and any "issues" that it has. Hiding an
unsightly air conditioning unit, adding privacy and changing boring
views to beautiful ones are issues that landscape designers face with many clients.



"As a certified landscape designer through the Association of
Professional Landscape Designers, I see the big picture," says
Boston-based landscape designer Maria von Brincken, APLD. "A designer
sees the problems that you see, and often the ones you don't, and can
offer solutions to create beautiful, functional and earthy-friendly
landscapes to add to your lives."



Next, do your homework. Tear out favorite pictures from gardening
magazines, and start making a file on what you would like for your
dream garden. While not everything might be possible for your garden,
it will give your landscape designer a visual starting point. Don't
forget about hardscape such as patios, decks and fencing; designers can
help with these also.


Take your time. Brincken warns of the temptation to impulsively buy
plants at a garden center and attempt a garden make-over. This can be a
costly gamble for those without experience. Many homeowners find that
it takes the help of a designer to create a well-planned landscape project that includes both plants and hardscape.



While there is a cost to hiring a landscape designer, it is
ultimately more economical to work with an expert to create a plan
specific to your yard. The project is completed in a timely manner and
within budget when you take your time and create a landscape plan.
Expect to spend about 10 percent of the total cost of the project on
the design.



Consider what you want to achieve with your landscape. "People are
busy, and they want to have an outdoor space that makes them feel
comfortable, not frustrated and worn out from gardening chores," says
Judy Nauseef, APLD, of Iowa City, Iowa, and president of the
Association of Professional Landscape Designers (www.apld.org).


"They also want to maximize their investment in their home," she
adds. 'Having a well-designed landscape gives the homeowner more living
space and also helps with resale value."


Research and reach out to a few landscape designers. Be sure to
interview several designers to find one who meets your needs and
personality. Review the portfolio or Web site of each designer, and
visit some of their work if possible. Finally, if you have a budget in
mind, share this with the designer up front.


Get ready to get dirty. "You can hire a landscape designer for a
range of services. You might choose to hire a designer for a two hour
consultation for ideas and suggestions that you might implement
yourself," says Patricia St. John, APLD, of Berkeley, Calif., and APLD
incoming president. "You could also hire a designer to give you a
complete design for your garden. When it comes to implementing the
design you have choices -- involve the designer while you hire a
recommended landscape contractor or even do some of the work yourself."



Also, you do not have to complete the whole plan at once. A
landscape can be installed over a period of time as well. Homeowners
can decide what areas are most important and start there.



Take the first step to a dream garden. With the help of a
professional landscape designer, you can create a plan that will work
for your landscape and you. Finding a designer is easy: visit
www.apld.org.


Courtesy of ARAcontent
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:::Permacon Wall Stone:::Sandstone Tile Walkway

:::Getting Inspiration:::

 

Lots of new ideas at Landscape Ontario's Congress this year.  It's a great time to dream about what you would like for your backyard......

:::This is going to be a waterfall!

In Newfoundland, we are blessed a million times over with rock.  Yes, I said blessed.  This huge piece of bedrock is being used as a waterfall with top and bottom ponds for recirculation.  It's 20° C  here today, just fantastic for October! 

::Now things are moving!

Looking good huh? We were delayed 4 weeks by a underwater pool light for the deep end. It's unfortunate that it delayed us so long. Hopefully my client's frustrations will go away as they dive in the pool for the first time!

The cabanas will have a pergola between them where lounging and entertaining can take place.  The liner was custom fitted and has been placed but the water is not in it yet.

The next step is landscaping.  That begins tomorrow.  The slope behind the cabanas is a bit of an unknown because there is possibly bedrock close to the house.  We'll know more tomorrow.  The sun is beginning to peek through after 3 days of rain, and I'm looking forward to this project being completed really soon!   

::Wanna be the first landscape project when spring begins? Follow these steps...

Hire a designer in the fall to, at the very least, consult on your property.  One hour of his/her time can help you realize the potential and limitations of your property and design scaled drawings from which a landscape contractor can quote.

The same designer can recommend and facilitate meetings with talented and reputable landscape professionals in your area. Arranging that in the fall and winter of the previous year along with a deposit will get you first off the starting block as soon as the ground thaws!

I know I haven't been writing much lately but that's because I am out and about enjoying every minute of my job.  The pool project is moving forward quite nicely now after a long delay. Electricians, plumbers and Cabana carpenters are giving us their best and my clients and I sure do appreciate it.  Photos in my next post....stay tuned!!

:::Trying to Find a Landscape Professional?::

Well, it may be late in the season but, here is the current list of Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador's Association members:

http://www.landscapenf.org/member_list.php

Hiring a member is (as Martha says) a good thing.

::Just Sketchin'::

This was the intial sketch of a pool that is to begin installation next week. I'll post pictures of our progress!

::Show Highlights::

Mark had a slide show presentation on an LCD Panel inserted in the 'house' frame as a faux window.  It was pure luck that I got a shot of my logo as it scrolled by.....

I think the water display was my favourite part of the booth but it was hard to choose. It all turned out so beautifully.  Bowering Ponds and Gardens have a very talented crew. No wonder I like working with them!!!

The coolest thing about the house portion was that behind the door we could store a few things and even go back there and have a little lunch!

That's Mark in the black and Scott Layman from Mr. Turf in yellow.  For lawncare, Mr. Turf ROCKS!

I met a lot of fantastic people this weekend and a few old friends. I had a great time.  Denis Flanagan was our Keynote speaker from HGTV and Landscape Ontario. (Note to self: Must get a shot of the seminar area) He is such a talented designer and great person. On Saturday night, we showed him some Newfoundland hospitality on George Street and I'm sure he had a fun time.  Denis was great enough to include me in his keynote and he has an uncanny ability to make me blush :}  I look forward to seeing the crowd from 'up-a-long' really soon!

:::Set up day....We're Ready!:::

Almost 12 hours of setup today for the Landscape and Garden Show.  I'm wiped and I didn't do any of the labour! Thanks to Mark, Charles, Michael and Tim for all their hard work! Make sure you take time to come out to the Glacier this weekend. Drop by our booth and say hi.  We're not hard to find...trust me!

:::Canada Blooms:::

Canada Blooms (arguably Canada's Largest and most prestigious Garden Show) was held last weekend in Toronto.  While I did not go this year, I visited their photo gallery and decided to post some here for you to see.  It seems (from the gallery anyway) that Living Walls are en vogue this season.  Or is it something easy for vendors to display in an indoor arena?     

If I were to design an indoor space where air quality was a concern ( ie old office buildings)  This would be functional and a great conversation piece.  Not to mention afforable! Outside in Newfoundland could be done with a bit more planning (and shelter!)

I searched around the Canada Blooms site to give credit to the Designers and Photographers but no credits were given.  For More information about the 2008 Canada Blooms, click here

::Informal Design Lesson::Plant in Groups of Three::

Think about planting in threes and in creating natural shapes. One plant by itself looks lonely, unless it's a specimen plant. More than three is okay if you want a "drift" look in a large space. But for the average space, groups of three work best. Think about texture, color, how the plants might complement each other. Tall plants go at the back of the border, working down to smaller plants in front. When deciding on an area to plant, think of curved edges rather than thinking in straight lines. Generally, only formal gardens utilize straight lines well. A natural curve always adds warmth and appeal to a garden.

:::Wanna know a Design Secret?:::

Take a look at this colour wheel.  Find your house colour.  What colour is opposite your house colour?  That's the flower colour you should plant to compliment your house!