AU Blogspot

With their latest groundbreaking video, created from 3-D data captured by the latest in laser scanning technologies, Radiohead continues to close in on the singularity many of our childhood friends may or may not be sleeping through.  The video speaks for itself, so my story ends here.  I’ve included a link to the “making of the video” as well.  These features are usually boring, but this one is actually cool.  Check it out…  

Ryan Rode
Interactive Services Manager
Ashworth University 

                           Image courtesy of Johannes Gilger. 

I am sad to say that there are a tremendous number of beautifully designed and perfectly installed landscapes that look terrible!  On the other hand, I’ve seen landscapes that were not professionally designed or installed, but which have been well-cared for, that absolutely sparkle!  Quality maintenance is an essential ingredient for the long-term beauty of any landscape. 

Here’s the key point I want you to understand when your design is created.  If the client asks for low-maintenance, then a low-maintenance design should be implemented.  There is no way that a high-maintenance design can be “transformed” into a low-maintenance one after it is installed.  The designer needs to determine what level of maintenance can be expected and use this as a criterion for the design.  A design and installation that looks great five years after it is installed is a living marketing tool for your business! 

There is another reason why you should consider offering maintenance services to your clients.  It is the bread and butter of many successful landscape companies.  In fact, many new design and installation opportunities often come from the maintenance side of the business.  If a particular landscape looks great, folks ask the owner who is doing the landscaping, and if it is you, this is an instant referral!  Also, by maintaining the landscape, you have ultimate control over your designs.  If you offer a guarantee on the installed plants, it is very easy to keep an eye on the installation and make sure it is receiving adequate care.  If a plant happens to die, you are right there to replace it as you complete your regular maintenance activities. 

One more note about this part of landscaping is that the term really should not be landscape maintenance but landscape management.  The difference is that someone who maintains plants hopes to keep them looking about the same from one year to the next.  A landscape manager, on the other hand, works to improve and enhance the landscape from one year to the next.  This is a perfect role for the landscape design professional, as it allows for new design activity to continue virtually forever.

Richard Ludwig
Landscape Design Program Instructor
Ashworth University School Of Skilled Trades