Frequently Asked Questions - Commercial

1. How do I get started?
2. Where can I find the plant material I need for my project?
3. Why do some plants thrive and others struggle to survive?
4. Who do you recommend for installation?
5. What is a Registered Landscape Architect?
6. When is the best time to plant?
7. Further Questions?

How do I get started?

The first step is to fill out a questionnaire to help you clarify your needs and identify some of the high priority areas in which you may want us to focus upon.  Simply contact us and we will tell you how to obtain the questionnaire.

Where can I find the plant material I need for my project?

We will provide a list of sources for you to check out.  If you need assistance just give us a call and we'll see what we can do to help you locate the plant material and/or recommend suitable substitutes.

Why do some plants thrive and others struggle to survive?

Plants that thrive are living in favorable conditions, while those that struggle are having difficulty handling the conditions in which they are trying to live.  Some of the major factors that effect success include...

• Hardiness to the region in which they live,
• Soil conditions and water requirements,
• Shade and wind tolerance, and 
• Susceptibility to insect disease, salt and pollution damage
• Maintenance

For plants to thrive in a particular area they first of all need to be hardy to the area.  When I returned from North Carolina, I wanted to so desperately to find a way to use plants that thrived in that area...they were so beautiful and added so much color.  But they just didn't have the genetic makeup required to thrive in the Midwest.

Other important factors include soil conditions and water requirements.  Most broadleaf evergreens, such as azaleas and rhododendrons, prefer an acidic soil so our alkaline soils must be amended regularly for theses plants to thrive.  Some plants prefer more or less water than others to thrive.  For example, yews and dogwoods hate "wet feet".  

Shade and wind tolerance must also be considered.  Although a few plants can thrive from full shade to full sun conditions, most are a "bit more picky."  A few are even "picky" about the amount of wind they'll tolerate.  For example, most broadleaf evergreens, such as azaleas and rhododendrons do not like northwest winter winds blowing on them.  

Susceptibility to insect disease, salt and pollution damage are also factors to consider.  Fast growing trees have weak wood and are much more susceptible to insect  and disease damage.  Junipers don't like the salts used in winter to de-ice roads.  There are actually lists available of urban street trees....trees which tolerate pollutants better than others!  

Lastly, for plants to thrive they generally require some level of routine care, particularly those that are not native to the area. Even low-maintenance landscapes require periodic maintenance to keep the conditions favorable for success.

To improve seasonal interest and hardiness, man-made cultivars have been created which have improved seasonal interest and hardiness. For example, weak crotch angled  Bradford Pears tend to break in half during our Midwestern ice storms. So improved cultivars, such as the Aristocrat Pear, have been created to withstand this type of stress.

Who do you recommend for installation?

Based on the scope of your project we will make recommendations from a list of contractors with which we, and others, have had positive experiences.

What is a Registered Landscape Architect?

So, you all know I'm a Landscape Architect, but how does that make me different from your local nurseryman or landscape designer?  

Well, a Registered Landscape Architect is registered by the state by passing an extensive 3-day exam which covers many aspects of the profession.  Among them are grading, layout, details, design theory, and of course, plants.  To maintain our registration we must also complete a number of continuing education classes each year.  

So, I have been trained to not only guide you in the selection of appropriate plant material for you and your site, but to place it in such a way so as to create exciting outdoor living spaces.

For more information on what Landscape Architecture is and the full range of services that a Landscape Architect can provide, check out the website of the Department of Landscape Architecture at Ball State University.

When is the best time to plant?

Generally Spring and Fall.  Summer is also an option, if you are willing to do a lot of watering to help your plants "beat the heat."  Some plants do thrive best when planted during one season over another.  For example, perennials generally thrive best when planting in the Spring, while bulbs seem to do best when planted in the Fall.

Further Questions?

Do you have a question that we didn't cover? Feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help.

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