I live and practice on the east central coast of Florida in an ecologically sensitive area that is easily impacted by use of non-indigenous plants and landscape techniques, especially the extensive use of lawns and non-native "pretty" plants. These plants and practices require extensive irrigation, fertilization, and pesticides to maintain, and most of these materials ends up in out waterways and lagoon system. The effects of these practices is devastating to our waterways and eco-systems. Even though we are considered to be a "wet region" with plentiful rainfall, most of the rainfall is during the summer months and the balance of the year can actually be quite dry and near arid. Drought tolerant native species have adapted to the periods of high rainfalls and then months without rainfall at all. We have developed a landscape design concept that we have referred to as "Florida Zen". It utilizes Florida Native species and materials (sand, crushed cocquina and solid stone, and very few but very selected "non-natives" that have exhibited characteristics for drought tolerance and the ability to thrive without irrigation or fertilizers or pesticides. These plantings are typically sparingly use as accents and focal points. Any plant that does not survive due to drought or other, is removed and replaced with something that can survive. Everyone who has seen these landscapes loves them, and we have used them in everything from modest homes to million dollar homes. What we have found is that until people (designers included) have seen options other than want they have become accustomed too, they have difficulty imagining something different. Even architects (whose training is in the design of the building or residence, has not received much training in the landscapes that can actually enhance their project. It only requires some additional education. No one feels that a Japanese Zen Garden is ugly, and it is made up of native plantings indigenous to the area. Native plantscapes are the same, just different materials suitable to the specific area and arranged to do the same that our building designs are intended to do, create beauty, move the eye, create a focal point, etc. I believe that as we as architects and designers learn more about the beauty of the palette of natural plant species available to an area, we will find the ways to incorporate them into our projects that enhance their beauty, not detract from. As some point, just looking at a landscape "design" that has and requires adverse impacts on the local ecology, will be considered UGLY.
------------------------------------------- Lawrence Maxwell AIA Spacecoast Architects, P.A. Indialantic FL -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-31-2011 14:25
From: David Schele
Subject: Are native plants ugly?
When this topic was first posted a few months ago, I corresponded with several members of this forum privately about using the National Wildflower Center as a resource. I neglected to post this link to the forum.
http://www.wildflower.org/ The National Wildflower Center was started by Lady Bird Johnson and has grown into a national repository of information on native plants. Click on the "Visit" tab to see an extensive set of demonstration gardens at this research center. There is also a section that includes links to major resources in the other states. On the "Explore Plants" tab select the "Organizations" button to search for agencies specific to your area of the country.
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David Schele AIA
Felder Group Architects Inc
Austin TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-23-2011 09:02
From: Vishal Charles
Subject: Are native plants ugly?
I couldn't think of a more catchy subject line but I have heard architects dismissing indigenous plants as not good looking enough for their projects. What do you think? Should we call good looking Hollywood celebrities instead of our neighbors in the next neighborhood grill? Apologies for the sarcastic pot-shot but it is the harsh reality.
Here's more on my blog.
http://www.archisage.net/profiles/blogs/native-vs-exotic-landscaping
Please chime in...