Horticulture Principles and Practices

knowledge, with concern for resource conservation, and stewardship, to the end that the
resultant environment serves a useful and enjoyable purpose” (Section 2, Article II,
Constitution of the American Society of Landscape Architects).
The landscape architect is thus a service provider who advises a client about
plans that can enhance the client’s environment. He or she is the consultant who
provides the site plan and planting plan for the project. The landscape architect
also provides detailed guidelines about how to install the landscape and then oversees
the project to completion. Portions of the project are subcontracted to other
professionals.
Landscape Designer
The Association of Professional Landscape Designers defines landscape design involving
the analysis, planning, design, and creation of exterior spaces using plant material
and appropriate hardscape elements. The landscape design process focuses on the
client’s overall goal of developing a specialized outdoor environment. The designer analyzes
all factors of the natural environment, including views from inside the home, sun
angles, privacy, architectural style of the house, slope, and drainage, and combines
elements of science and art to create a functional, aesthetical pleasing extension of
indoor living to the outdoors. Landscape designers have a sound knowledge in general
horticulture and landscape architecture.
Site Plan
A drawing of the locations
of plants and inanimate
objects in a landscape.
Planting Plan
A drawing specifying by
means of symbols the
types and names of plant
species, the quantities, and
their locations in a
landscape.
Landscape Contractor
The landscape contractor is a person who, using the architectural plans, installs the
structures and plants in the landscape. It is important that the landscape contractor and
architect thoroughly understand one another and agree on the practices and their implementation
at a particular time. The landscape architect may recommend a specific
contractor to a client.
Nurseryperson
After the plans have been clearly understood, the landscape architect contracts with
suppliers for the materials to be used in a project. Plant materials are obtained from a
nurseryperson. The landscape architect may participate at this level to ensure that the
most suitable materials are selected for use. After installation of the landscape, the landscape
architect inspects the work and approves it if it is done according to plan.
Landscape Maintenance Supervisor
The maintenance supervisor is responsible for managing the finished project to ensure
that it becomes properly established according to plan and to the satisfaction of the
client.
15.3.2 ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
Beauty is influenced by culture, traditions, and personal experiences; the elements that
create beauty can be learned. The landscape designer or architect uses plants as the primary
objects in creating a design. Plant species have certain characteristics or features
that influence how they are used in a landscape. By themselves, each of these features is
beautiful and desirable in its own way. However, when more than one feature is found in
a place, their interrelatedness and interconnection become significant in how the viewer
senses the visual scene. Choice of features can either enhance or diminish the overall
appeal of the display. To make appropriate choices, one needs to understand the nature
of the features.
15.3 Landscape Designing 477