https://land8.com/members/markfoster/activity/ Activity feed for mark foster. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:50:19 +0000 https://buddypress.org/?v=6.0.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 b79a97b6d83915a6dfb9f900af4b67b2 https://land8.com/forums/topic/pool-construction-details/#post-154437 Thu, 30 Apr 2015 19:41:54 +0000 A good source:  http://watershapes.com/

]]> 0 69d36436fded4a72211a6140ea604f42 https://land8.com/forums/topic/job-prospects-2/#post-152327 Sun, 02 Nov 2014 11:53:44 +0000 I agree with the other posts, especially Andrew’s point about getting the client’s “buy in”.  
If you suspect the client is nervous about the expense of the build, you have every right to ask them what their budget is.  

]]> 0 1a50215992b406a0f1fd14b33b61534c http://land8.com/forums/topic/how-does-a-recent-graduate-get-that-first-job/#post-153555 Fri, 06 Dec 2013 13:28:21 +0000 Kelly,
Of the dozen jobs I have had, I only got one through a traditional channel (advertised, interviewed etc), and it sucked.  The best ones came from people I met while doing something else.
Great advice by everyone here–especially about networking and face time.  I would add that your best channels are not the folks hiring, but the folks w…[Read more]

]]> 0 bb7560daa81a15706df3434b7e4ee1bc https://land8.com/forums/topic/can-living-walls-save-us/#post-154276 Thu, 29 Aug 2013 19:17:12 +0000 Anything which requires repelling skills by the maintenance staff is probably not a good idea.  

]]> 0 4affc46bc26837366f3a7b29a29a58c9 http://land8.com/forums/topic/are-smart-growth-incentives-enough-to-fix-sprawl/#post-154923 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:36:49 +0000 The devil really is in the details.  Unfortunately, with gov cuts (planning) and the rest of us working 60 hrs to make the same as the old 40, those with much to gain are taking the process over–changing the meaningful things and leaving the window dressing.  Noble initiatives get morphed into faintly recognizable marketing tools. 

]]> 0 49c7e8542e02033d17f95a15a379bf25 https://land8.com/forums/topic/why-hasnt-anyone-heard-of-landscape-architecture/#post-155670 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:51:41 +0000 I think it’s mainly the numbers–we are a tiny profession.  Also, most of us can’t say what we do in one sentence.  

]]> 0 38ba724f5421f7f14b8b0f131e49de00 http://land8.com/forums/topic/pervious-parking-what-type-of-plant-to-use/#post-155860 Wed, 26 Dec 2012 23:12:44 +0000 From a growing media perspective, I have found the plastic pavers (i.e. “grass pave”) perform better than the concrete ones.  Some of this may be due to the lime leaching out of the concrete (especially at first).  It also seems that the concrete pavers cause the medium to dry out more quickly–probably acting like a wick.
The only drawback to p…[Read more]

]]> 0 7dadf13d75150d33a05acf5d5ca228ee https://land8.com/forums/topic/have-you-seen-the-la-tee-shirt-w-the-stupid-slogan/#post-155955 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:37:33 +0000 Time to get out my “I WILL!” shirt.

]]> 0 c5e273cd21ff7648a44fb0201706b301 https://land8.com/forums/topic/best-vine-for-full-sun-trained-on-wire-on-concrete-wall/#post-156104 Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:54:03 +0000 You may want to consider Japanese honeysuckle.  Loves heat.

]]> 0 525eedd7ef3160b09db4c1c5cf8c1998 https://land8.com/forums/topic/do-your-clients-know-what-landscaping-costs/#post-156136 Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:30:49 +0000 Hi Mike,
I took a good hard look at this several years ago, and was amazed how large a percentage of overhead it represented.  And, I don’t think your 50% “closing the sale” figure was much different than mine at that time.
The best thing I did was to charge for anything past the first meeting (we specialize in construction, so most projects need…[Read more]

]]> 0 d15c8c6e08e1ec330c947e3819123aa2 https://land8.com/forums/topic/feng-shui-and-landscape-architecture/#post-156193 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:33:41 +0000 I have worked with a few. I even worked with an ayurvedic practicioner once.  Overall, I had good experiences and learned a few things, but I found the principles a little too rigid–It can get a little frustrating when one of their do’s or don’ts conflict with common sense space planning.
I remember one instance where the consultant…[Read more]

]]> 0 59372a47fc7193584f7589ca9cc9aaea https://land8.com/forums/topic/how-close-is-too-close-planting-ornamental-trees-near-a-foundation/#post-156200 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:18:00 +0000 You may want to consider Serviceberry (Amelanchier).

]]> 0 1682a32a293f6c0a60838e95b8da550f https://land8.com/forums/topic/fountain-products/#post-156232 Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:47:21 +0000 Their website is very awkward.  It makes them appear all residential, but they have a division which produces and engineers what you are looking for:  urban scale components and systems  (pumps, led rings, dmx control systems, music sinc etc.).  
They have a truly revolutionary 24 volt on-demand pump, which replaces the huge horse…[Read more]

]]> 0 bc49d8f47bc5906b80824071b0c68e8f https://land8.com/forums/topic/in-case-of-emergency-what-if-this-tag-team-actually-wins/page/4/#post-156557 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:04:32 +0000 “when all was said and done, more was said than done”  author unknown.

]]> 0 0aa8fb6024d19c82df8304ae7d877223 http://land8.com/forums/topic/at-a-crossroads/#post-156272 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 22:36:11 +0000 Anthony,
“Looking back on your experiences and the current state of the profession, if you were to return to school to enhance your knowledge and degree, what would your focus be?”
Something I was sure of.
“Currently, I am interested in resort design, but for a graduate focus I am interested in a Masters in Urban design (Architectural and Urban…[Read more]

]]> 0 0e83bc25d72bad55fe8aecfa3d33d74f https://land8.com/forums/topic/in-case-of-emergency-what-if-this-tag-team-actually-wins/page/6/#post-156579 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 23:28:24 +0000 So…. why is a third centrist party out of the question?  
We have never had one.  Maybe it’s time.

]]> 0 7d1f5542699eb5ff5234d0e86c057cd4 https://land8.com/forums/topic/name-these-trees-found-in-north-wales/#post-156325 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 22:26:38 +0000 Hi Ernst,, just for you….
Sorry about the poor attempt at humor–the photo looked like a glam shot to me and I couldn’t resist.
I did not mean to suggest a forgery, or to demean anyone’s enthusiasm about this subject.  
 

]]> 0 197558bcfb42edb8b752b1ae42552300 https://land8.com/forums/topic/in-case-of-emergency-what-if-this-tag-team-actually-wins/page/6/#post-156587 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:10:35 +0000 Three things will happen:
1. the loosing party will come to the wrong conclusion that they did not go far enough to the left/right
2.  the winning party will come to the wrong conclusion and decide they have a mandate to go further to the left/right.
3.  we will deal with the debt, or it will deal with us.  either way, both parties will blame ea…[Read more]

]]> 0 44a545b4fe6ee39313085d083680f06d https://land8.com/forums/topic/name-these-trees-found-in-north-wales/#post-156328 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:16:33 +0000 Laburnum photoshopsis

]]> 0 0c6e308e5e2fcca5fd7c4c3d2eeecd38 https://land8.com/forums/topic/in-case-of-emergency-what-if-this-tag-team-actually-wins/page/8/#post-156609 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:21:58 +0000 Is it any wonder we are playing a guessing game about a possible Republican administration?  
State republicans ran on economy and budget in 2010, and they gave us union busting, abortion restrictions, and voter suppression.  Not exactly truth in advertising.

]]> 0 ad10e822ce21dedd3fe7f4709d10a034 https://land8.com/forums/topic/in-case-of-emergency-what-if-this-tag-team-actually-wins/page/8/#post-156615 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 20:28:51 +0000 Add to the “gutted and castrated” list:
FEMA
NASA
HUD
Dept. of Education
anything that has to do with non-military R & D
everything which has to do with the “Arts”   
End of tax breaks for any energy source that doesn’t burn or radiate.

]]> 0 c75c3e7f0c37343f9a9e879df258e120 https://land8.com/forums/topic/in-case-of-emergency-what-if-this-tag-team-actually-wins/page/8/#post-156618 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 13:31:12 +0000 Just to be clear:  The reason I called out landplanner’s reference to that post was because it was NOT mine.  My hide is plenty thick when it comes to my own posts.
I remember how hard it was to get some pretty basic answers to site design issues when I first encountered the real world, and I just want to make sure no one is too intimidated to u…[Read more]

]]> 0 81ef7350e58f5a1abc1b0b1ecfdf504c https://land8.com/forums/topic/in-case-of-emergency-what-if-this-tag-team-actually-wins/page/8/#post-156622 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 01:44:11 +0000  They seem to have no problem going way beyond the somewhat boring, mundane and timid  (but still important) i.e.”How can I handle the grade change of this patio ?” and targeting something that may have profound impact, and sometimes even an immediate one.
This statement really bugs me and I need to get something off my chest.  
Why did you re…[Read more]

]]> 0 a5db874524aff7db51bc07177f5faf13 https://land8.com/forums/topic/gravel-surfaces/#post-156495 Mon, 10 Sep 2012 23:17:15 +0000 Thanks Ernst.
While we don’t have the heat you do, I remember studies from around here showing that gravel mulch was detrimental because it heated the soil and caused plants to come out of dormancy early, but they were concerned with shrubs and perennials–not trees.  Maybe something to your theory….
Good luck with it.
Mark

]]> 0 ea75ea6cfd3dab0a5bca3bc28f768025 https://land8.com/forums/topic/gravel-surfaces/#post-156498 Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:32:45 +0000 Thanks Tosh,
Have you used this product?  

]]> 0 442ec7ada50ebc11d9861ef588cff52f https://land8.com/forums/topic/water-tables-and-trees/#post-156640 Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:26:10 +0000 Thanks bp.  I will check it out.  

]]> 0 70ed510c44670a30f1fe43e2c2a4a14b https://land8.com/forums/topic/double-and-single-steps-in-outdoor-patios/#post-156654 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 22:53:22 +0000 As I learned it, a “step” is a tread, which would imply 2 rises from one surface to another?  This is ok.  The trouble comes when you have a single rise between two surfaces– I never do this. 
I have never heard the two step/tread rule….sounds like advice from someone who has never designed in tight spaces 🙂

]]> 0 465e57a5e716006223888f6ca5df1571 http://land8.com/forums/topic/strange-question/#post-156689 Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:35:08 +0000 Andrew,
I’m pretty hands on during the build–constantly checking in, if not working alongside them.  (I do this mostly because I enjoy it, but also because I get some of my best detailing ideas by working with the materials themselves) 
The hardest thing when designing with other professionals (non-site oriented folks) is going from concept  …[Read more]

]]> 0 a9ab47e059e364100f65cbbd8377b0ed https://land8.com/forums/topic/helpless/#post-156736 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:30:07 +0000 Most non-design trained clients can’t see the things that we see immediately, which are the bad (or less good) consequences of a proposed course of action.  
I usually go into “unintended consequence” mode with the headstrong types– just politely (but firmly) letting them know where every decision they are making is going to end up.

]]> 0 eb9ed7054160bc45a86753e420d83c77 http://land8.com/forums/topic/strange-question/#post-156694 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:05:56 +0000 Having gone the design/build route, I think the thing that has removed the most drudgery is developing the craftsmanship and professionalism in my installation staff so that I don’t have to do working drawings/specs.  It also allows for lots of flexibility and creativity during the build process.
Interesting you bring up emails.  I am very c…[Read more]

]]> 0 43b30aa7a9c73fbc0b9af9d78125550d http://land8.com/forums/topic/strange-question/page/2/#post-156699 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:57:43 +0000 If you want meaningful input, you may want to frame your question better.

]]> 0 547d4d4547fd7b858376c9118800dcf9 https://land8.com/forums/topic/starting-a-design-consulting-firm/#post-168232 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 20:23:19 +0000 Are the design build firms your clients?

]]> 0 330f365803070f70eaba797d062f3e39 https://land8.com/forums/topic/design-build-course-as-graduate-project/#post-156796 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 23:21:25 +0000 Amen.  Lectures are one thing–but only one.

]]> 0 e5af1a00722887bec01e989286d21918 https://land8.com/forums/topic/wildlife-crossing-good-idea/#post-156874 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:43:54 +0000 I talked with a naturalist (in Georgia?) about the wildlife tunnels they installed under the freeways.  She said the biggest unintended consequence was the predators hang out there–kind of a modern day watering hole affect.  

]]> 0 ec2da51879486fb63d0453fa775db576 https://land8.com/forums/topic/design-build-course-as-graduate-project/#post-156798 Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:25:47 +0000 Wouldn’t this be better as a collaborative intern program? 

]]> 0 ca31e6f8db66dee607a01bbe31f561e5 https://land8.com/forums/topic/biobarrier-trifluralin/#post-157054 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 10:40:10 +0000 Weed barriers prevent root penetration, but the problem which develops (over time) is on top.  Sediment (air or water borne) will settle in the gravel and produce a medium for shallow rooted plants–especially when adequate water is present.   Finer weed cloths will also tend to clog with the sediment and make the situation worse.  
The best thin…[Read more]

]]> 0 b8695e4194ff142eb3ebb7f67223e265 https://land8.com/forums/topic/not-what-i-signed-up-for/#post-157118 Sat, 07 Jul 2012 17:57:02 +0000 My BSLA program also went from the ethereal to the downright tedious.  You may get a clearer picture by looking at/talking with the folks who are in the years ahead of you. 
Your entry reminded me of the feelings I had pretty much all the way through school!  With hindsight, I realize that I didn’t know enough then to know what I needed to know…[Read more]

]]> 0 a4665672c7629d0768dfb014e3eb76d6 https://land8.com/forums/topic/the-most-ambitious-public-planting-ever/#post-157142 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:05:58 +0000 Maybe you forgot to convert $ to Euros.  I hate when that happens.

]]> 0 e2dd86f1e48975aa0f786790a4af8747 https://land8.com/forums/topic/think-we-are-greening-the-greensward-think-again-urban-reforestation-and-streetscape-on-a-nearly-unimaginable-scale/#post-157167 Sat, 30 Jun 2012 00:18:56 +0000 Don’t forget Osage Orange trees.  What a truly odd plant.  I love the early fall when the fruit falls like civil war cannonballs.

]]> 0 57b2420cb2c72574182edcc79963e389 https://land8.com/forums/topic/client-wants-to-sue-over-weeds-in-plant-bed/#post-157186 Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:12:00 +0000 I have found lawyers to be some of the most flexible and least contentious clients–perhaps because they know what a losing proposition it is to go to court (for everyone).     
They also don’t mind an LA’s hourly rate–probably because it is about 1/3 of theirs!

]]> 0 1a2a3ccaa30f67f729e05138dffd1ea1 https://land8.com/forums/topic/client-wants-to-sue-over-weeds-in-plant-bed/#post-157192 Tue, 26 Jun 2012 23:10:47 +0000 Perhaps we should all file a class action suit against these clients– maybe “breach of humanity”.  The mental anguish has to be worth something…
Or, maybe  we could put a spec in the middle, starting with “in the event the client becomes insane….”  🙂

]]> 0 a859eeab2800fe58a350347f97d56fa4 http://land8.com/forums/topic/steel-edging/#post-157344 Fri, 08 Jun 2012 22:02:02 +0000 Steel does provide those nice clean sharp curves on a budget like nothing else can.    I think it has a place in certain applications, and we have used it many times.
Most manufacturers have more options than you may realize.  There are a variety of gauges  Some offer longer stakes.  Some make it wider (6″ vs. 4″).  All of which will give it more…[Read more]

]]> 0 cf43061c54a8394cba6108224272ba63 https://land8.com/forums/topic/quality-control-of-multiple-garden-landscape-installation-teams/page/2/#post-157430 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:13:04 +0000  I have found that if an employee’s desire and technical experience is sufficient, this is usually the fault of the person at the top (que the mirror!!!).  The “quantity vs. quality” tension is omnipresent, and having been on both sides (employee/employer) I know there can be some real mixed messages.
As we all know, materials and overhead are la…[Read more]

]]> 0 25b56d632d0497f70c900950fdd0e041 https://land8.com/forums/topic/quality-control-of-multiple-garden-landscape-installation-teams/page/2/#post-157434 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 12:51:11 +0000  “but whenever I do visit a site, I see problems that I believe should be obvious to my team leaders, yet seem to be missed completely”.
Are they just not seeing it, are they making a value judgement about quality which is below your standard, or do they not have the technical skills to pull it off? 
 

]]> 0 00c42fd10fc2a982bb3dd10e2f1f0968 https://land8.com/forums/topic/what-does-the-future-hold-for-therapeutic-landscapes/#post-157407 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:32:06 +0000 I agree that it is a specialty within our profession–and probably a great marketing hook.  
The largest local market seems to be “nursing homes”–especially the ones which emphasis rehabilitation vs. end of life care.  I have worked on a few of these, and it’s interesting to talk with the physical/occupational therapists…. 
I believe there is…[Read more]

]]> 0 a242321ab8c04157d56fc08be8ae9715 https://land8.com/forums/topic/what-is-value-proposition-for-landscape-architects/#post-158315 Wed, 23 May 2012 14:38:45 +0000 I don’t think practice law is the main reason so many contractors give “free design”.  I think they mistakenly believe it is an effective marketing tool.  Trouble is, most people who get something for nothing believe it is worth exactly that.
Clients run the gamut–from those who want the most stuff as cheaply as they can get it, to those who wa…[Read more]

]]> 0 fb35b398f9464ce8cc29746f5f0fd7aa https://land8.com/forums/topic/guiding-my-career-path/#post-157712 Sun, 20 May 2012 13:37:54 +0000 Thanks Craig,
Interesting how the grass is always greener?
I will remember what you said when I have yet another tedious conversation about the calcium content of the new type-n cement or the latest DOT regulation….. 🙂

]]> 0 9fa0e4e676bfd663211c453efa73d54c https://land8.com/forums/topic/mike-lin-phenomenon/#post-157477 Sun, 20 May 2012 13:16:28 +0000 I also took Mike’s course a couple of decades ago.   I don’t remember it being the “my way or the highway” as you describe it Alex.
We worked with lots of different media–not just markers.  (One which I found invaluable was prisma color sticks–super fast and subtle.  Good for small presentations.)
The other was the emphasis on qu…[Read more]

]]> 0 ec930e865597c6f640e33218d2d944b3 https://land8.com/forums/topic/alternative-career-paths/page/2/#post-157616 Sat, 19 May 2012 22:10:31 +0000 The “economy to scale” is hard to fight in residential–especially in the less than stratospheric markets.  Best to be design/build or partner up with skilled tradespeople.
If memory serves, wasn’t Tommy Church design/build?

]]> 0 a17f18f58e443d1e531a04b91ca0c9c9 https://land8.com/forums/topic/rope-or-steel-cable-pedestrian-suspension-bridge/#post-157523 Wed, 16 May 2012 10:57:46 +0000 I recently researched building a bridge across a stream and came across (many) companies using railroad car beds.  These would definitely be long and strong enough.  Here’s one:  http://www.paragonbridgeworks.com. 

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