Blog
Eight Reasons Why LABash 2026 Left Us Buzzing
LABash 2026 recently convened at The Ohio State University (TOSU). This year’s theme, “Cross-Pollinate,” reflected what materialized in real life—landscape architects exchanging ideas, listening as much as they talked, and experiencing the city of Columbus and The Ohio State University as living classrooms for their craft. Here are 8 highlights from the event: 1. Celebrating creativity: 1,000 Trees Gallery + The Ramp Up Awards Leading up to the conference, event organizers invited participants, students, artists, and other landscape architecture enthusiasts to build a “forest unlike any other.” The 1,000 Trees Gallery consisted of crafted model trees, each made by a different artist, which all came together as a shared installation. The exhibit reminded us that our field is built from ind...Read More
Aluminum Landscape Edging and Restraints
There are many choices when it comes to landscape edging, including wood, steel, concrete, and plastic how¬ever aluminum outperforms them all. Aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio. It is lightweight, very strong, and 100% recyclable. Permaloc manufactures edging and restraints utilizing non-corrosive 6063 aluminum that is a grade higher than that which is used in marine applications. The lightweight characteristics of aluminum make it a contractor’s choice as it can be cut and formed in the field, transported, and installed by one person, thereby saving labor costs that would otherwise be passed on to the end user. As a Landscape architect, design is key. Aluminum just looks better as an architectural accent and will last the test of time.
Spring Forward: Four Must-Attend Events to Fuel Your Landscape Architecture Career
The transition from studio culture to professional practice is one of the most exhilarating—and occasionally overwhelming—chapters of a landscape architect’s career. As an emerging professional, you’re learning how to detail a bioswale or navigate an RFP—while developing your vision as a design professional. This spring, the calendar is blooming with opportunities to help you bridge that gap. Whether you are looking to ground your practice in historical precedent, master the “soft skills” of the office, or dive into the research shaping our future, these upcoming events are the perfect fuel for your professional fire. Below is your guide to some standout gatherings to help you grow your skills, expand your network, and connect your work to larger conversations in the field. CEL...Read More
8 Reasons to Attend LABash 2026
The LABash Conference, a landscape architecture conference led by students, for students, is being held March 11-13, 2026 at The Ohio State University. Here are eight reason on why you should attend! 1. 1000 Trees Gallery – Nick Antonelli LABash invites you to experience a forest unlike any other you’ve seen before. Come to the LABash’s gallery space to see your tree standing among 1,000 others, each one a unique 96expression shaped by hands from across the continent. Guided by this year’s theme of cross-pollination, the installation brings together crafted model trees to form a whimsical, expressive, and evocative landscape that grows through shared creativity. These trees are much more than a collection of found material, they are subjective symbols of place, memory, and landscape....Read More
Beyond the Ramp: Designing for the Whole Play Space
By Jill Moore, inclusive play specialist, Landscape Structures Inc. When I roll into a new park, one of the first things I notice is whether inclusion ends at the ramp or if it extends to the entire space. Too often, I see beautiful playstructures that “meet the code,” but don’t truly invite everyone to participate. As a wheelchair user, going to the playground as a child frequently meant I was relegated to the sidelines. Now, as an inclusive play specialist and an advocate within the space, I get to see firsthand the impact of creating playgrounds that go beyond minimum requirements. The law sets the floor. As designers, planners, and advocates, we can reach for the ceiling. That perspective isn’t new at Landscape Structures. Back in 1993, our Cofounder Steve King, was appointed to the Fe...Read More
News You Can Mulch
Between tending to clients and designing site plans, to keeping up with professional development trends, it’s easy to lose track of the latest industry news. That’s why we rake the internet for the freshest information relating to landscape architecture, planning, gardening, and more–all for busy landscape architects and industry partners. Starting at Harvard and Falling for Your First Tree At Harvard, students are gathering wisdom from surprising mentors—trees. Why This Stairway That Would Connect SF Neighborhoods Has Been Unfinished for 10 Years Read why residents of Dogpatch and Potrero Hill say a completed outdoor stairway would be heaven. Here Are All 2026 Team USA Olympians With “Normal” Jobs While we feel accomplished when we reach our daily 10,000 steps, landscape archi...Read More
Accepting Nominations for Social Media Awards in Landscape Architecture 2025
Attention landscape architects! Are you a master of microclimates and Instagram reels? Is your social media marketing as sharp as your pruners? If so, we want to hear about it! Land8: Landscape Architects Network is proud to announce the 8th Annual Social Media Awards in Landscape Architecture, co-presented with the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Established as an online hub for landscape architecture professionals, Land8 has evolved into a vibrant international community, bringing together practicing landscape architects, enthusiasts, and learners eager to explore the field. At Land8, we appreciate the role that social media plays in amplifying the visibility of our profession; now we’re celebrating the industry leaders who light up our feeds. If you’re a fir...Read More
Residential Designers: What’s in Bloom for 2026?
As we welcome the new year, the crew at Land8 is reviewing our resolutions. Top among them: Connecting with our peers in the residential landscape architecture, design, architecture, horticulture fields, and beyond on their projects for the year ahead. What materials, techniques, tools, and cool gadgets do you hope to use in 2026? Weigh in below! Loading…
News You Can Mulch
Between tending to clients and designing site plans, to keeping up with professional development trends, it’s easy to lose track of the latest industry news. That’s why we rake the internet for the freshest information relating to landscape architecture, planning, gardening, and more–all for busy landscape architects and industry partners. Here’s the latest for the week of December 15, 2025. → Rare Talipot palm bloom continues in Rio as trees near end of life In a park in Brazil, several decades-old trees bloom simultaneously for the first and only time. → The Bay Area neighborhood most vulnerable to sea level rise is also sinking: “A right now problem” See how one California community is seeking solutions to address sea level rise. → Hilton Hea...Read More
Gifts for Landscape Architects, Designers, Gardeners, and More!
The holiday season is upon us! If you’re anything like us, it likely snuck up on you…again. Do you have someone in your life who loves landscape architecture? Whether they’re a professional designer or just a would-be gardener hoping to turn their black thumb a little greener, our friends at Landscape Architecture Magazine have your back. They asked over a dozen professional landscape architects and designers what they wished someone would gift them. See their recommendations after the jump. Then, tell us in the comments what’s on your holiday wish list! Landscape Architecture Magazine Gift Guide
ASLA 2026 Professional and Student Awards Call for Entries
Showcase the best of landscape architecture—ASLA’s 2026 Professional and Student Awards calls for entries are open. Professional Awards The ASLA Professional Awards honor the best built and unbuilt work worldwide. Submit early to save with tiered pricing: Early Bird deadline: January 9, 2026 ALL materials due (all professional entrants): February 6, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PST Recognition: Winners are celebrated at the ASLA 2026 Conference on Landscape Architecture and featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine. Professional Categories: General Design Residential Design Urban Design Analysis & Planning Communications Research Landmark Award ASLA/IFLA Global Impact Award Community Service and other special recognitions. Professional Awards Jury Chairs: General Design, Residential Desig...Read More
Spark Talks: Beyond the Classroom – Bridging Studio to Reality
ASLA invites landscape architecture students to join Spark Talks: Beyond the Classroom – Bridging Studio to Reality, a dynamic five-part webinar series designed to help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Starting on October 23, these short, engaging conversations bring together emerging professionals—many of whom were students not long ago—to share their experiences, lessons, and insights about transitioning into the workforce. Each session explores a different facet of post-graduate life. The series begins with “Office Life 101,” a high-level overview of what to expect after graduation, featuring voices from large firms, small studios, and public practice. Next, “Marketing Skills/Business Development” offers a behind-the-scenes look at how professio...Read More