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We used to do site chats: see here - http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/valuing-a-landsca...
Don't worry, I'll chair the first one and then others can get involved next week if they are up for it.
Just post a topic and we'll decide which one is the most popular.
j.p grass roots h&g said:
Could someone-maybe you Gary-do a summary of the live chat? I'll be out Wednesday evening but I'm really interested in landscaping trends. I agree with your "current trends" Gary except the one for more artificial grass-I haven't had one enquiry for this yet.
Read this article about outdoor living trends from the American Society of Landscape Architects.
http://www.asla.org/outdoorlivingtrends.aspx
One question I have.
Groundforce drove the decking trend but since now that the internet has become such a strong medium, what drives trends more successfully, internet or TV?
What a good idea this is.
In terms of plants trends, we are seeing two very distinct lines.
Garden Centres, so the majority of plant buyers have gone "safe" this year following two hard Winters. So bog standard deciduous and evergreen Shrubs, Climbers, Herbaceous et all, all available at your local Garden Centre.
Designers and Landscapers do not appear to be put off by the weather that happened, and can do nothing about. Bamboo that is allegedly not in vogue, is with our Landscape and Design customers. Grasses, struggle to sell them to Garden Centres as they are also not in vogue, yet Landscapers or Designers appear not to have heard this message, as we find that they are constantly requested.
Old faves like Lavandula, Hebe and yes Ceanothus despite last Winter. Phormiums, yes all ours died last Winter, still asked for them every week. Even Canna! we have some great ones in 10 litre pots, sold to Landscapers, yet to sell one to a Garden Centre.
When in around 30-50 years, Landscapers and Designers overtake Garden Centres and set the trends in plant production, that will really be fun. Trouble is then, I will be too old to enjoy it!!!
Hi Rowly
I should have sorted this yesterday but I've been a bit snowed under.
Gary Cobb is going to chair the discussion this Wednesday - here's his topic:
"Does hard landscaping get the media exposure it deserves ?
I suggest the largest part of the budget in most garden builds is spent on hard landscaping.
Often, it's the ONLY thing the client asks for with any subsequent planting carried out by themselves!
The RHS Shows and the media surrounding them spend the vast majority of their time talking about the soft landscaping, ( fair enough for the RHS, it is a horticultural society after all ). Shouldn't the media however focus equally on the hard landscaping and structure of the garden ?
Is hard landscaping considered secondary by our gardening media ?"
Also promise to get a section for the live chats up and running so that that we can all find them easily.