[Bill Wilber]

The chimes would be fun, but getting the kids to make the noise themselves is what i was leaning toward. That said, the drums are a good idea. In my mind though I’m picturing something like a hollow frog that the kids could tap/stroke with a mallet to make frog sounds. I’ve seen much smaller handheld versions, but nothing on the scale of an outdoor play space. Thanks for your reply.

[Bill Wilber]

I feel your pain on this topic.
As a Landscape Architect I am continually frustrated when I am brought in on the tail of the project.
As you described, the architect and engineers have, most times, put together a rather complete project, and I’m left wondering if I should even ask what could be changed. If I do say anything, my objections are usually minimal, at best, considering that their portions have, in some cases, already been approved by the city/county. Not to mention that being brought in on the tail usually means that most of the budgeting has been allocated and the client would not be too pleased to have the design process drag on.
I recently passed the LEED and absolutely love the idea of the holistic design approach and all design professionals getting together at he beginning of the process. As landscape architects we have a unique viewpoint on the possible programming for a site. And it is OUR job to educate the rest of the A/E/C community as to our value in the earlier stages of the project. So to sum up your last question, we definitely could have the “power”, but most times we’re not given the opportunity.

If I could add to the discussion another question or two…
How many LA’s get the first call on a project from the owner/client? Before the Architect or Engineer?
My guess is not many.
So if my guess is correct, what is to stop the A/E’s from some selling as many services to the client, ie. site selection & planning, before bringing the LA on board?

These views are based on my experiences as a “sole proprietor” business, an LA that works for one of the big “factories” might think differently.

[Bill Wilber]

Ahmad –
Not sure if you found the info you were looking for….
But http://www.pfaf.org (Plants for a Future) is a great resource for edible and medicinal plants.
I used it extensively for a Tranquility Garden I recently completed at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, Florida.
In that project 95% of the installed plant material has a medicinal heritage.
It was quite challenging.
Good luck with your project.
– Bill

[Bill Wilber]

Hi Megan –
I don’t have a residential project for you to cover, but I recently completed a courtyard renovation at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine. the dedication ceremony is actually tonight.
The existing courtyard was a bout 10 years old and was designed for design sake. Not for the users. The main benefactors, Clark & Alice Alger, had a vision to create a Tranquility Garden where the patients, families, and employees of Flagler Hospital could reflect, meditate and relax.
We kept a small portion of the existing hardscape and revamped the rest, reusing the old concrete pavers in a new configuration, and we added 4 new pergola structures, new landscape lighting, new fountain feature. Also, being in a hospital I thought it would be intersting to use a plant palette comprised entirely of plants that have some sort of medicinal heritage. (i.e. Saw Palmetto, used to treat prostate cancer) and cross-referencing those with plants that are low maintenance and low water use.
I have a few pictures on my website (3w-designs.com) that you can view to get an idea of the finished product.
Please let me know if you are interested in further discussing the details.
Sincerely,
– Bill
P.S. I am a subscriber to your magazine, and I use it frequently for inspiration in my designs.

[Bill Wilber]

Frank,
The Adagio Miscanthus you mentioned is a great selection, I am not as familiar with ‘Yaku Jima’. But if your looking for alternatives, try Pennisetum (a.k.a. Fountain Grass) and a smaller variety is known as ‘Hameln’. Or, Calamagrostis x ‘Karl Foerster’ a more upright selection.

Check out Greanleaf Nurseries website’s product search (http://www.greenleafnursery.com/search.asp). They have pictures and detailed info. about many plants and they have superb quality if your looking to order.

Stay Creative,
Bill

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