When five of the nation's leading landscape architects gathered before their peers last weekend in Berkeley, the projects they discussed were located in Massachusetts and Minnesota, China and Spain.

But if there was no overt Bay Area hook, no matter: The issues and ambitions on display can be applied to any 21st century metropolitan region like ours, where the most challenging frontiers for growth lie in struggling with issues of growth and change; where the land in question is high-profile and politically charged.

"The art of landscape architecture can mean making our cities into places where everyone has a sense that they belong," said Kathryn Gustafson, whose past work includes a portion of Chicago's Millennium Park. "If you build really beautiful parks, people go to them. They have fun; they use their cars less. That's part of sustainability, too."

The afternoon of presentations was organized by Berkeley's Peter Walker, who was hosting a multiday gathering of executives from America's larger landscape architecture firms. To conclude it with a twist, he arranged for five practitioners to each present a current project that illustrated what they saw as today's design issues.

Gustafson selected the retooling of a rail yard in Valencia, Spain, into a grand crossroads where six neighborhoods will converge, drawn by paths and waterways into a hub with cultural buildings and a high-speed rail station nearby.

The Bay Area connection was indirect but palpable, given the similarity of the site to what San Francisco's Mission Bay once was - a 300-acre rail yard - or the leftover industrial nature of Pier 70 on the central waterfront.

Mission Bay has been criticized for unimaginative design that fits into restrictive planning rules from the early 1990s, while Pier 70's still-evolving design could be scaled back if voters next month approve Proposition B, which locks into place height limits for property owned by the Port of San Francisco.

Those spaces are shaped by politicians and interest groups as much as designers. Architecture and planning can take a backseat to community demands, with developers then whittling back the quality of buildings and parks to ensure a profit.

But the designers on hand Saturday kept returning to another element of city-building, a word rarely heard in today's public forums.

Beauty.

Read more:
Artistic landscape architecture brings a sense of belonging

Fort Worth, Texas (PRWEB) May 16, 2014

BRIT, the Fort Worth Water Department, and NBC 5 are partnering to sponsor the second annual EcoScape residential summer landscape contest to find the homeowner with the most creative, attractive, and water efficient lawn in the area. The contest runs from June 14 to August 16 and will be judged on three key criteria:

1.Design aesthetic appeal; composition; use of color and plant variety;

2.Water Conservation efficient irrigation/water use; use of non-vegetative materials such as fences, walls, walks, etc.; use of native and/or adapted plants; reduced turf area; and use of mulches; and

3.Appropriate Maintenance healthy landscape, no weeds; plants pruned as appropriate.

This is an effort to raise awareness of wasteful water usage and to challenge area homeowners to create water efficient landscape to reduce water consumption. It is estimated that half of the total household water use during the summer months goes to landscapes.

Residents with 1,000-square-foot (or larger) front yards are eligible and are invited to submit their water efficient yards that use native/adaptive plants and mix according to color, aesthetic appeal, and plant variety.

Fort Worth residents put more than 4.3 billion gallons of water into landscapes last year during the summer months. Despite how that sounds, weve made headway in Cowtown and for that reason alone, we wish to invite everyone to be part of this contest, assures Micah Reed, Fort Worths water conservation manager.

The EcoScape Contest is open to residential landscapes within Fort Worth city limits and Fort Worths wholesale customer cities, including Aledo, Bethesda Water Supply Corp., Burleson, Crowley, Dalworthington Gardens, Edgecliff Village, Everman, Forest Hill, Grand Prairie, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Kennedale, Lake Worth, Northlake, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, Roanoke, Saginaw, Southlake, Trophy Club Municipal Utility District, Westlake, Westover Hills, Westworth Village and White Settlement.

Applications are available online at the City of Fort Worth Water web site (http://fortworthtexas.gov/EcoScape/).

Go here to see the original:
BRIT, City of Fort Worth, and NBC 5 Team Up to Sponsor Second Annual EcoScape Residential Summer Landscape Contest

Residents of Foster City and those in the Mariners Island area of San Mateo are asked to refrain from watering their landscape while the Estero Municipal Improvement District temporarily shuts down its water transmission main Monday, June 2 through Monday, June 9.

The shutdown is required to facilitate the relocation of the existing water main that supplies the residents in the area. During the shutdown, the district will utilize backup water supply sources, which include its water storage tanks, a smaller water main and emergency water main connections with Belmont and San Mateo. The change in water supply may stir up sediment in the pipes and although the water is safe to drink, it may appear cloudy or discolored during the shutdown. Generally, running the tap for a few moments should clear up the cloudiness.

If the problem persists call the districts yard office at (650) 286-8140. For more information contact Associate Civil Engineer Laura Galli at (650) 286-3280.

Go here to see the original:
Residents asked to refrain from landscape watering

Photo by HANDOUT

A path meanders from the yard and through the woodland area, ending at a bench. (Courtesy Peggy Krapf/MCT)

Photo by HANDOUT

Perennials and ferns planted around a timber retaining wall add a natural, rustic look to the landscape. (Courtesy Peggy Krapf/MCT)

Anne Baker lived to garden.

It's what she knew, having grown up on an 1840's family farm in northwest Washington, D.C., and she did it well, according to her husband, Dave.

"She was always growing stuff," says Dave, 73, of his wife, who died at age 69 in October 2013.

"In our first apartment, she had houseplants all over the place, including a 1938 pothos that's still going strong."

A woodland garden at their home in Williamsburg, Va., was Anne's final passion. After moving into the house in 1999, she was determined to win the war on deer and voles, creating what she hoped would be an oasis of the plants she loved most _ hostas, ferns, irises and daylilies.

"I have a list of more than 300 species of plants she planted," says Dave.

Read the original:
Diggin' In: A garden legacy

An adequate supply of high qual-ity water has become a critical issue for the future prosperity of Texas. Booming populations have increased the demand on the state's already limited supply of high quality water. In addition, seasonal fluctuations in rainfall and periodic droughts have cre-ated a feast-to-famine cycle in Texas.In an attempt to reduce the excessive water use, Texas Cooperative Ex-tension is educating Texans on the principles of Earth Kind landscaping to help preserve and protect our most valuable natural resource. Traditional landscapes may incorporate one or two principles of water conservation, but they do not utilize the entire concept to reduce landscape water use effectively.

Earth Kind landscapes need not be cactus and rock gardens. They can be green, cool landscapes full of beautiful plants maintained with water-efficient practices. The same green Texas-style landscape which we are accustomed to can be achieved and still conserve water.

Start With a Plan:

Creating a water-efficient landscape begins with a well-thought-out land-scape design. Sketch your yard with locations of existing structures, trees, shrubs and grass areas. Then consider the landscape budget, appearance, function, maintenance and water requirements. Local landscape architects, designers, nurserymen and county Extension agents can help in this deci-sion making. Implementing your landscape design can be done gradually over several years.

Soil Analysis and Preparation:

To increase plant health and conserve water, add organic matter to the soil of shrub and flower bed areas. This increases the soil's ability to absorb and store water in a form available to the plant. As a rule-of-thumb, till in 4 to 6 inches of organic material such as shredded pine bark, peat and rice hulls. For trees, however, incorporating organic matter is not necessary; for large turfgrass areas, it is not economically feasible.

Plant Selection:

Select trees, shrubs and groundcovers based on their adaptability to your region's soil and climate. Texas is blessed with an abundance of beautiful native plants which are naturally adapted to the region. Most have lower water demands, fewer pest problems and less fertilizer needs than many nonadapted, exotic plants brought into Texas land-scapes. Through the support of the nursery industry, native Texas plants are becoming more available in retail nurseries and garden centers. Com-bining Texas natives with well-adapted non-native plants is a key to a beautiful, interesting landscape which conserves water. See our Web site for a comprehensive listing of drought tolerant plants for your area. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/

Grass Selection:

When considering a landscape's water requirement, it is impor-tant to note that turfgrasses require more frequent watering and maintenance than most other landscape plants. Carefully select grass according to its intended use, planting location and mainte-nance requirements.

Visit link:
Creating an Earth Kind Landscape

Chalet Landscape, Nursery & Garden Center 3132 Lake Avenue Wilmette http://www.ChaletNursery.com

Event: Back Yard Food Fest: A Celebration of Edibles May 31 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. June 1 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Tips:

Basil plants need consistent warmth, so wait until nighttime temperatures are regularly over 50 degrees to plant.

Leave at least a one square foot per basil plant

Water basil plants at the base and try to avoid watering over the foliage.

Harvest leaves as needed, but to ensure a bountiful plant, prune off stems above a pair of leaves.

To dry basil leaves, wash leaves and pat dry, place between paper towels and microwave for 60 seconds.

Combined chopped basil with a bit of water in ice cube trays and freeze. Drop basil cubes into soups or sauces for an extra dose of flavor.

Types of Basil:

Here is the original post:
Midday Fix: Basil growing tips from Tony Fulmer of Chalet Nursery

PORT RICHEY Raindrops kept falling on their heads, but that didnt stop Community Service Council of West Pasco members from completing a free yard makeover for a deserving elderly resident.

The outreach committee of the council partnered with Luke Brothers Landscape Services for CSCs 2014 Senior Spruce Up project at the home of Iselle Baptist on Bahama Avenue.

The rain delayed volunteers from starting by three hours until late that Saturday morning. But the workers persevered when Jennifer Selk of Verizon gave the go-ahead signal to defy the drippy skies, since there was no trace of lightning.

Among those joining Selk were New Port Richey Police Chief Kim Bogart and Pasco County lobbyist Shawn Foster.

The CARES Chore Team had nominated Baptist among several candidates in the event.

Baptist, 80, has experienced hardships from physical disabilities that require her to carry an oxygen tank, CSC publicist Becky Bennett explained.

Those limitations limit her mobility to do gardening and yard maintenance as she once could, Bennett added.

So volunteers helped by mowing, trimming, weeding, adding mulch and other greenery to Baptists yard.

CSC leaders thanked Scott Brantley, Pasco/Hernando branch manager of Luke Brothers Landscape Services, for supporting the project.

Sharon Tillman, a Medicare outreach specialist for WellCare Health Plans, donated coffee, water and doughnuts.

View original post here:
PR woman gets free yard makeover

Whether its for curb appeal or safety or even both, the lighting on the outside of your home can be as simple or as complex as you would like it to be.

From an aesthetic standpoint, Jason Keller, owner of Wolfes Landscape and Irrigation, of Topeka and Lawrence, since 2006, said outdoor lighting particularly up and down lighting - makes your lawn and property seem larger and it accentuates your whole yard.

It shows off all the plants, trees and trellises, he said. It just gives you a greater ambiance.

Keller said its important to have varying levels of light. He said a brighter light will draw the eye toward whatever the light is focused on, like a front door. However, he said lower levels of light are recommended for walkways and driveways.

Your eye is always drawn to the brightest part of the light, Keller said. You dont want to put bright spots in the middle of your yard. You want it softer as it gets away from the house.

Whether youre using halogen or LED bulbs in your outdoor light fixtures, Keller said both types of bulbs provide efficient lighting.

As a crime deterrent, Keller said outdoor lighting, including motion detectors, helps increase the safety around your home.

If you expand your lighting around your home, youll end up with a larger area of security around the house, he said. You want to make sure your surroundings are lit up.

While there are city ordinances that govern lighting around commercial businesses in Topeka, none exist for residential lighting. However, Sgt. Colleen Stuart of the Topeka Police Departments crime prevention unit has several suggestions as to how to make you and your property safer and less inviting to criminals.

The TPD, she said, uses the principles of the nationally-recognized program, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED, to make recommendations on how the proper lighting can reduce the chances of residential and business crime.

See the rest here:
At Home Living: Outdoor lighting offers curb appeal, safety

For Spring break, my family, a few friends, and I drove nine hours to camp amongst the cliffs and Fremont cottonwoods of Zion National Park in Utah. It was breathtaking.

The second day we were there, my kid wore a crisp white button-down and a nice pair of tan colored jeans.

You need to change into a t-shirt and shorts, or something. You are going to wreck your clothes.

He let out a lengthy sigh. "Camping is no excuse for bad fashion."

My response? Camping is the only excuse for bad fashion.

He reluctantly changed into something more sensible.

In my luggage I packed a pair of worn-in hiking boots, a plethora of yoga pants, fleece jackets, a thick wool sweater, tanks, ratty t-shirts, jeans, and my favorite beanie. It was an array of wardrobe items I normally reserve for bedtime, or yard work the kind of stuff I didnt mind getting dirty. And it was a good thing, seeing as our campsite experienced a caterpillar apocalypse so intense that one morning I put on my wool sweater and found that the caterpillars had built not one, but three, cocoons inside its sleeves and the same with my socks. Shudder.

One afternoon we drove out to nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. With my hair in a sloppy pony tail, wearing an old t-shirt and a pair of yoga pants, I hiked the Navajo trail. I ran into Rebecca Boland and Samantha Clark, dressed for the occasion Boland in an Aztec themed poncho and sun hat, and Clark in a simple patterned jumper. They matched the scenery. My sons sentence from the day before rang in my ears, leading me to question my assertion that camping is an excellent excuse for bad fashion. I had serious outfit envy.

Original post:
Natural landscape served as inspiration for stylish Canadians

08/05/2014 - 09:04:08Back to World Home

Detectives from Scotland Yard are understood to have arrived in Portugal to help with the excavation of a number of sites as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Specialist officers are expected to examine several sites in Praia da Luz after permission to dig was granted by Portuguese authorities.

Madeleine went missing from the area while on a family holiday on May 3, 2007, when she was aged just three.

The excavations, which are expected to be conducted by forensic experts, are not thought to necessarily be in connection with a search for the youngsters body or remains.

Janice Runacres, a former forensic manager with the Metropolitan Police, told Sky News: They will be looking at aerial photography, maybe taking aerial photography now, and looking at historic aerial photography to see if there is any changes in the landscape, changes in perhaps more lush vegetation in certain areas, and this may indicate areas for further focus.

The request to search a number of sites is thought to be among a series of requests made by British detectives in connection with the search for Madeleine.

At the weekend Madeleines parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, thanked the public for their unstinting support at a prayer service on the seventh anniversary of her disappearance.

The couple were joined by about 100 well-wishers, friends and relatives for a low-key open-air service in the centre of Rothley, Leicestershire, which saw candles being lit for all children around the world who have been taken away from their parents against their will.

They also spoke of the familys gratitude that the Metropolitan Police investigation was now moving on to a very active phase.

Go here to read the rest:
Scotland Yard detectives arrive in Portugal in search for Madeleine McCann