How important it is to have good communication with regards to our landscapes and gardens. Unfortunately, plants, spatial elements design of the garden, trees, shrubs, groundcovers, features focal points do not talk to us. Plant material is alive, and, in all circumstances, we need to carefully monitor our landscape during its lifespan for all the nutrient, feeding, management plus mulching input. Water coverage should only be reliant on precipitation.
Good dialogue as overseers of a landscape needs to be clearly communicated with passion and vision for achieving the standard that is required. A good knowledge of plant material in the dialogue will be important. Practical understanding of the growing conditions include all the issues that need to be taken into account with regards to positioning, sizes, heights and understorey planting combinations use. Then finally check that everything will work within that space once all the boxes for plant material combinations have been ticked.
This information is not known to the client. We as experienced professionals in the industry need to be highly communicative to staff and clients to ensure that we can transmit this information across efficiently. At the same time, we as professionals in our industry have a vision for the end result which often the client is unable to perceive or appreciate.
In addition, how important it is to listen. Listening is a very big part of our success. Everybody in that space needs to be considered, particularly when it comes to explaining the vision to the clients that we work for. Often this is overlooked. If design emphasis is not adhered to the final installation completion is not according to the plan instructions.
As one listens, notes should be taken to record salient information and an understanding of the planting combinations may need education and explanation.
Showing passion for the work to be done, being enthusiastic and relational is really what our job is all about.
Plants and people rely on us for every bit of life expectancy!!
Should you require additional information on training development, please contact Jo-Anne Hilliar at Landscape Design Consultants International.
Call: 082 570 5858
For further input in skills training and auditing of landscapes.
Landscape Design Consultants International is owned and managed by Jo-Anne Hilliar, a professionally trained Landscape Designer who qualified with a Garden and Landscape Design Diploma through the University of Natal in 1990. In 2005 the company shifted its operational focus to offer landscape design consulting expertise in managing, overseeing and auditing expansive commercial, industrial and environmental sites in South Africa and internationally. Jo-Anne established the Landscape Design School in 2001. Read more…