Landscaping and Tree Plantation...

Landscaping

The fast growing population and demand for human shelters have increased level of pollution in atmosphere. The landscaping and architecture to build beautiful living has occupied people’s mind. If the living or work place is closer to the nature, it brings more tranquility giving an eye soothing and relaxed environment.

Is it possible to grow plants, shrubs or trees  amidst our building sites ?

The creative use of natural materials gives us many ways to live and garden. Landscaping is an art and science which allow us to grow plants, shrubs or trees midst our building sites.

"Right plant, right place" is a short phrase that embodies many art- and- science based concepts for landscapes. The fundamental concept is choosing plant species, varieties, provenances (the plants earlier grown), or genotypes that are adapted to the location and situation in which they are placed. Fulfilling this concept requires knowledge of plant and site characteristics, including environmental and growing requirements, function, and aesthetics. It also is useful to remember that a successful planting design often is a compromise between the ‘Science of growing plants and the desire for artistic expression with plants. To choose a right landscaper who has  blend of knowledge of science and art is a key factor.

Where to plant trees in a landscape?

Well planned planting project starts with Appropriate design,Site evaluation and Tree selection. A good landscaper for a successful landscape understands, what to plant, when to plant, where to plant and how to plant.

Sovereign Architects, one of the good architects in Pune guide you to have good plan of landscaping and well planned Interior designing.

Where to Plant?

Look at the space where you intend to plant the tree or shrub. Estimate the height and diameter of a tree or shrub that will fit there. Check to see if the soil stays wet, or if it drains quickly. Figure out how much space the roots will have. Ask yourself what role this plant will play in your yard. Will it be the center of attention.

Once you know the function, soil type, sunlight, temperature, water, size, and root requirements for the plant, head out to a nursery to see what they have. Look for healthy, disease- and pest-free plants with well-formed root and branch systems.

Here you are preparing a spot where a tree or shrub may stand for decades, so be sure it is well-drained and well-aerated. Roots need water and air to grow properly. Soil types vary not only between regions, but also between two spots in a yard. Know your soil conditions before you plant. Check subsurface drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water. If the water doesn’t drain away within two hours, you either need to improve the subsurface drainage or select only those plants that can tolerate wet soil.

When to Plant?

Early spring (that is end of march to june) is suitable period for planting trees and shrubs as new growth starts. Certain tree species essentially demand spring planting, because they establish new roots very slowly and soil stays with the roots. Buy the plants just before you intend to put them in the ground. Until they're planted, you'll need to protect the roots from damage, such as drying and overheating.

These are the few tips which you can follow to have a good and satisfying greenery in your courtyard.

Happy Landscaping for the landscapers. Go green, stay relaxed, come close to nature.

Get in touch with Sovereign Architects, for tranquil filled landscaping and architecture solutions. 

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Please feel free to post your comments below.

About Author :- Vaishali Kawalkar is the Founder of Sovereign Architects.

Landscaping and what to do where grass won't grow ??

Landscaping

Architects have gone way above the technologies used in the past and have been successful in building up masterpieces which can look above the clouds. No matter how intricate and elegant is the architectural design of the monument; the fact is it is incomplete without landscaping.

The soothing greenery of plants and trees brings magical change in the ambience. Landscaping is particularly necessary in places which are a hotspot for visitors or tourists. Every structure, whether it is a residential place, hotel, restaurant, a university, or offices are looking forward to extend and improve their building by adding a landscape garden to it. A beautifully designed landscape helps in maintaining a fresh, cool and clean environment enhancing the property rates simultaneously.

Sovereign Architects, one of the architects and interior designers in Pune practicing architecture, Interior Designing and Landscaping can help you by providing solutions to the requirement of architectural and interior designing needs.

Now, let us try and understand what landscape is, landscaping and factors affecting the growth of grass.

Landscape:

An interaction between people and place; the bedrock upon which our society is built is called Landscape. Landscapes can offer aesthetic enjoyment, tranquility, and a sense of belonging to an area with a distinct natural and cultural identity.

Landscaping:

It is an act that is performed in order to change the physical appearance of an area or a piece of land. Landscaping is both science and art, and requires good observation and design skills.

It includes:

·      Living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly known as gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful environment within the landscape.

·       Natural elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation, also bodies of water.

·      Human elements such as structures, buildings, fences or other material objects created and/or installed by humans.

·       Abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions.

Landscaping varies according to different regions. It varies according to different regions. Sometimes the land is not fit for landscaping. In order to landscape it, the land must be reshaped. This reshaping of land is called ‘Grading’.

Types of Grass:

You might be tempted to think that all lawns are pretty much the same, but there are numerous varieties of turfgrass and installation methods which can have an impact on looks, maintenance, water needs, and price.

(Note: Turfgrass is a surface layer of fields and pastures, consisting of earth containing a dense growth of grasses with their roots)

1. Sod: This is a sheet of soil and turfgrass that is delivered in rolls.
2. Seed: To start a lawn from seed is the cheapest route, as homeowners can just scatter seed on their prepared area. However, when establishing seed, the lawn will need ample, regular water, and since you’re creating conditions where seeds can germinate, seeding a lawn often produces weeds as well.
3. Hydro Seed: A hydroseed machine agitates a blend of seed, fertilizer, and papery mulch in a tank, and your landscaper uses it to spray lawn seed into place. This is a fast and cost-effective way of seeding large areas of lawn
4. Artificial Turf: Artificial turf is a no-maintenance alternative to grass. It needs zero care beyond keeping it free of debris, and is great for backyard putting greens, and small to medium-sized areas of lawn for sports or entertaining. Artificial turf is more expensive than seed or sod.
5. No-Mow blends: Scientists are developing a number of new no-mow strains of grass which are available to buy in seed form, or plug which can be individually planted. These need less fertilizer and water.

Factors to be checked if Grass does not grow in the Yard:

When grass does not grow, the first thing to do is to find out why. If nothing grows, the soil may be contaminated with herbicides or other chemicals that prevent growth. If the soil is dry, rocky, infertile or hard-packed, this, too, can prevent grass growth. Trees that out-compete grass for light, water and nutrients or heavy foot traffic from people or animals are some other reasons for problematic grass growth.

      Soil Conditions

·         Soil test to be performed before planting. Poor soil conditions can prevent healthy grass growth. A soil test will determine the pH level (Acidic or Alkaline), as well as the nutrient content, of soil.

·         Compacted Soil - Compacted soil prevents adequate drainage, aeration and root growth. Use a spading fork or aerator to remove soil plugs and alleviate compaction.

·         Moisture Levels

·         Nutrient deficiency

·         Chemical Problems - Landscape soil may be contaminated by soil sterilants or other chemicals. If nothing is growing in the soil, perform a growth trial to see if the soil has been sterilized

      Poor Soil - Dry, rocky, hard-packed or infertile soil can also prevent lawn growth.

      Shade - The combination of shade and lack of water often makes it impossible to grow grass under trees

Once all these factors are checked and acted upon you can enjoy the carpet of grass in your yard.


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Please feel free to post your comments below.
About Author :- Vaishali kawalkar is the founder of Sovereign Architects.

What is Landscaping ???

Landscaping

When you visit any apartment, office space, malls one thing captivates all of us is the landscaping.  They truly add beauty to the surroundings. It has been practiced for more than thousands of years by the Mayans, Indians, Romans, Native Americans and the Mesopotamians. It was mainly used to beautify the areas around the temples, palaces and other areas of public interest. The walkway of the Mayan temples was lined with elaborate paintings while landscaping the area.

What is landscaping? It is more than scenery.  The modification activity of the features of an area of land which is visible is known as Landscaping. The aesthetic appearance of the land area is improved by bringing in changes in its contours. The planting of shrubs and trees and adding ornamental features is also an integral part of landscaping. It is a combination of both science and art.

Architects in Pune also include landscaping while designing various building structures like malls, houses, apartments, museums, temples and other monumental structures. They blend the elements of nature and their construction technique to bring in the best landscaping. The main goal of the architects in Pune is to create within the landscape a beautiful, creative and artistic environment.

Requirement for Landscaping

While planning the landscaping, the designers should take into account the following plants:

• Understanding the land is very important for landscaping. Complete knowledge of the topography, climatic conditions, quality of the soil and the land terrain is very important.
• Thorough knowledge of the flora and fauna of the place should also be taken into account.
•  An unsuitable land should be reshaped before landscaping is done in it. This is also known as grading. It also involves the removal of rocks, soil and excess waste.
•  It also involves completely changing the land’s topography with regards to land elevation and land position.

Tools required for Landscaping:

•  A rough layout and design of landscaping should be made to create the necessary effect.
• Illustration of the pictures with different pencils through graphics is also required.
• To create a lush environment, trees, shrubs, plants are added.
• Beautifying the walkways with ornamental plants and lightings is another tool of landscaping.
• To beautify the landscaping pools, gazebos, stone walls (retaining ones), fountains, and other beautification features are added.

Attributes of Landscaping

Landscaping provides the following attributes :-

• They add scenic beauty to a place.
• It offers tranquility, peace, enjoyment and a sense of belonging.
• It is a means of recreation and health improvement.
• The natural scenery of a place is represented artistically which is pleasing to the eye.

Landscaping blends with the natural environment seamlessly and enhances the existing features of the natural surroundings.  The landscaping and the structure should be in harmony. It helps in grooming your yards and any area of land and keeping them healthy.  It has to be ensured that the landscaping should be maintained extensively to make it look good all the time. A gardener can be entrusted with this job and it should be periodically supervised. The first thing that one will see on entering any building is the landscape and the first impression is always the best and lasting impression. Landscaping adds beauty and an aesthetic sense of joy forever. 

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Please feel free to leave your comment below.

About Author :- Vaishali Kawalkar is the founder of Sovereign Architects.