garden design

How Did I Become a Landscape Architect?

debbieAbout Orterra, Education, Environment

It all started a few years ago now when I was studying science at university with the intention to be a vet. I had desperately wanted to work as a vet since my grade 10 work experience. I was hooked when I saw my first operation on a baby lama the day I arrived. However, years later while working towards this goal at university it changed. I was in the middle of an animal anatomy subject standing there cutting up a calf fetus. I realised this is not what I want to do anymore. So, as you do in life […]

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What Is Different About Soil In An Urban Environment?

debbieEnvironment, Garden Design, Infrastructure, Property Development and Commercial, Residential, Tech
Soil

When we talk about soil in an urban environment they are referred to as urban soil. Or soil that is “ extensively influenced by human activities, found mostly but not only in urban areas.” Source So basically, it is soil that has been disturbed by humans. Which when you think about it are a lot of the soils which we see and walk on day today. Most of us live in an urban environment whether it be a town or city. There is probably very little of the world left that has been untouched by humans in some way. So […]

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How to Choose the Right Plant for Your Garden

debbieEnvironment, Garden Design, Residential, Tech, Uncategorized

It’s the weekend and you’re looking to put some new plants in at your place. You visit the local nursery, pick some plants you like the look of, take them home and plant them. Only to find a few weeks later that they aren’t growing – or worse – they’re dead. As much as we need to like the look of the plants we buy, it’s just as important – if not more – to look at the growing conditions and your lifestyle, first. Because there are downfalls to picking looks over substance that can easily be avoided with some […]

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Understanding How the Design Process Works

debbieGarden Design, Residential, Tech, Uncategorized

I know there are many people out there that do not understand the design process. It seems to be some mystical thing where you start by talking to someone and end up with drawings of what looks to be a great space. There are several things you can do to make sure you as the client end up getting the results you want. Design is a cyclic process. Now, what do I mean by that? Designers use what is called a cyclic (occurring in circles) process to develop ideas (See Figure 1 below). Figure 1 ETC Model (Based on ETC […]

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You Have Decided you need Professional Designers Help. Now what?

debbieGarden Design, Residential, Tech

Designers are all different. It’s what gives us the ability to create interesting, diverse, and surprising spaces. So, what do you do when it comes to your home? So how do you choose someone? How do you find someone you want to work with to create your retreat? Unfortunately, hiring someone to design your garden is not quite the same as hiring an electrician to install a powerpoint in your house. There is a correct way to install a powerpoint. There is no correct way for a designer to design your garden. Below are some steps you can take to […]

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How to Get Help Designing Your Garden

debbieGarden Design, Residential, Tech, Uncategorized

You want to do something with your garden. It’s a common occurrence, that sometimes we get to a point where we would like to do something with our garden. That something bugs you, and after looking at Pinterest wondering through the aisle at Bunnings and driving yourself crazy you decide that you might need the help of a professional. Before you go through the process of working out who you are going to hire, I would suggest you ask yourself the questions below and work out which category you fit into. First Question – I know exactly what I want? […]

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