As part of the curriculum in my three year landscape architecture masters program, almost every term includes a design studio where we work on a sometimes-hypothetical and sometimes-real landscape architecture project. We spend long-long-long hours in studio, getting to know each other a little too well, and then “pin up” our final design and drawings at the end of the ten week term. These are
The French Kitchen Garden
This morning I am frantically cramming for a midterm in one of my classes. In this particular class, we have been studying some of the greatest gardens in the world. Although taking tests is always a drag, it is a pretty good excuse to immerse myself in something I am completely obsessed with anyways: gardens. Most especially the history of kitchen gardens. I wanted to
Plants Class
No matter what we do for our day job, I think it’s safe to assume we are “plant people”. We get fascinated watching bugs, good or bad, climb through our gardens. Every season brings something breath-taking: crisp spring flowers, wavy summer leaves, brilliant fall colors, and the simple lines of winter branches. I am currently taking a Plant sequence of classes, which will last three
Summer Term Ends
I have completed my first term in the masters in landscape architecture program! Only nine more to go… My final project was a wetlands reclamation area in the surrounding Eugene, Oregon, area. It was a fun project that taught me something about the way wetland areas work, the water fluctuations throughout the year, and the wildlife they attract. It was also interesting to design a
First School Review
My first project as a graduate student in landscape architecture was to redesign a children’s playground. We were not allowed to use structures (swing sets, play structures, etc) but instead needed to use just landform and vegetation. It was an interesting challenge and one I think we can apply to residential design as well. Basically, we are being taught how to create spaces and outdoor
Updated Frugal Projects
Before leaving our house in Portland, I took a few snapshots of projects that have been allowed to grow. Remember when I found that ugly old brass dog kennel fencing? I took it apart and hung it on the outside of our house, hoping to the train the rose there to climb up the fencing. That post was written last Fall. After a few months
Low Maintenance Garden Design
My mother is a self proclaimed “black thumb” and has a never-ending battle with weeds in her yard. One large section in particular used to house two dwarf cherry trees, which she eventually gave to Jay and I for use in our landscape. The spot has sat bare for a couple years now and the battle with weeds raged on. I finally convinced her that
Plant a Teepee
Constructing a simple teepee in the garden is a very simple and fun way to work vertically. Living in the city, we are all space-challenged and I have found the teepee a welcome edition every year. You can use old tree branches or visit your nearest nursery for bamboo stalks. Tie your teepee at the top with some twine to hold them together. I also
Vegetable Beds Planted
The raised vegetables beds have been planted periodically since early March. The cold weather spinach and kale went in first and I used thick plastic as row covers to keep them toasty. A few weeks later I added carrots, lettuces, beets and parsnips. The plastic have given all those vegetables a great start and they are flourishing! We’re eating kale chips and salads almost every
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- Next Page »