Software

No Picture
Software

Landscaping Lights Ideas

March 1, 2014

Landscaping Lightswhen it comes to illuminating your landscape at night, there are so many different options available that it can be difficult to focus on just the most basic landscaping lights ideas. Indeed, with so many different things that can be lit in the landscape, you may not want to stop with only a few. Here are some landscape lighting ideas that will help you get started on your way towards a beautifully lit landscaping ideas

Landscaping Lights

Most people that are looking to illuminate their landscape are really only thinking in two dimensional directions. You can throw light in any direction in order to enhance the landscaping and to really bring out a lot of dramatic effects in the outdoor environment.

Downlighting

Throwing the light onto the ground from low-voltage landscaping lights is an excellent way to dress up an area, but it is not the only thing that you should really be considering.

Up Lighting

Shining light up onto feature objects in the landscape is an excellent way to really make an impression. For example, arbors, trees or anything else that stands above the general landscaping can usually benefit from a little bit of lighting.

Wall Lighting

Along with that, you might try throwing a splash of light against any architectural features that are in the garden area, including the side of the house. Keep in mind, it is not always necessary for you to stick with white lighting although this is preferred by many people. Various colored light filters can bring out hidden characteristics of lighted object that may not be seen with white light.

Submersible Lighting

Do you have a pool or pond in your landscape area? You should try using some submersible lighting in order to add an interesting feature to this area as well. This is a good place for you to try out different colors and lights, and you can even get rotating lights that will continuously change the look of the underwater environment. It is important for you to make sure that these are installed by a qualified electrician however, and that you have everything hooked up properly to avoid shock hazard.

Focus Your Light

Finally, keep in mind that whenever you are looking for landscape lighting ideas that you do not focus on the source of the light but rather, on what it is illuminating. It is far better if you hide the source of the lighting and do not make it a feature in itself. Simply use it to make the outdoor environment more inviting and to create some dramatic effects by spreading the light around and illuminating feature points within thelandscaping lights area.

Keep light focused on the areas you want to highlight and you will be pleasantly surprised at the result, and at how many other landscape lighting ideas will come to mind.…

No Picture
Software

What to Look For in a Landscaping Companies

November 22, 2012

The first thing you should determine when looking for landscaping companies is whether or not their first concern is to enhance and protect the environment. They should have firm knowledge about “green” methods of design. They can ultimately be responsible for health problems in plants as well as human beings. They should know how to keep your plants healthy, not to be reliant on toxic chemicals and how to use as little water as possible.

Landscaping Companies

Determine whether or not the company builds healthy soil. The company should offer a soil test before starting the design and should then prepare the soil properly by adding compost and other enriching materials. See if the company knows about the latest, most eco-friendly ways to mow lawns. Do they use gas mowers? Or do they opt for mulch or reel mowers that leave the environment cleaner? The company should also “mulch” the garden beds annually with leaves, bark or compost to keep in moisture and to prevent erosion. Ask the company which types of fertilizer they use: “slow release” fertilizers last longer and do not over feed plants landscaping companies near me

Your landscaping companies should be one that considers the existing landscape when planning the design. They should remain aware of natural plants and grass growing in your garden and should utilize these for optimal growth. The company should make use of native plants that will thrive in the environment and should give you plant options that are naturally more resistant to insects and other pests. Determine if the company respects the environment by using “drought-tolerant” plants to save water.

Hands-on Approaches

The company should explain to you what pest control methods they use and these should be organic or environmentally sensitive. They should monitor your yard for pests, but only use measures against them when it is absolutely necessary and these measure should only ward off insects and not harm them. A company that uses minimum pesticides and more hands-on approaches: like mulching and cultivation is a company to trust.

When it comes to water, the company should be modest. They should be able to fit the irrigation to the soil you have and should recommend watering times that will lead to the least evaporation, for example, at night. The company should build the soil to retain moisture and should help you understand irrigation better: they should set the controller to water the plants more in summer and less in other seasons and they should show you how to skip cycles in a heavy rain season. A good company will also check your irrigation regularly for leaks and broken parts.

Ultimately, your landscaping companies should clearly know what they are doing. The specialists should ideally have good educational backgrounds in horticulture or landscape architecture, the company and staff should have hands-on experience as well as references or examples of previous work. The company will also ideally be affiliated with landscaping or ecological associations, such as the South African Nursery Association (SANA) and South African Green Industry Council (SAGIC).…

No Picture
Software

Creating the Perfect Brand Image Through Landscaping Logos Design

June 16, 2011

Landscaping LogosA landscaping logos is a brand ambassador of your business that will be always there to talk on behalf of your company whether you are present there or not. A perfect corporate identity will provide strength, credibility and sales to your business by expanding the exposure to the millions of people.

Landscaping Logos

I think same goes with a well-designed landscaping logos designs. These brand marks if designed well will do all the wonders to your business. Designing well means that a brand mark is not only unique, distinctive and enthralling but it is totally in accordance with the nature of this business as well. There are certain features that one needs to consider while designing these corporate identities out of which some are:

Colors:

Professional Graphic designers love to play with them as they get a wide variety of options to be used in them. You can include anything to everything in it and so you can use as many colors as you like. Green is the hot favorite when it comes to these business identities because a beauty of nature is often symbolized by this particular shade of color. Other colors that are frequently used are those that can be soothing and relaxing to the eyes landscaping companies

Objects:

When it comes to the objects, beautiful houses, greenery, skies etc are preferred by the professional graphic designers. In short, objects that provide picture perfect beauty that takes a viewer in the world of imagination are mostly preferred in them.

Fonts

Abbreviations are avoided in landscaping logos so fonts are chosen very carefully. This tactic is especially used to emphasize on the name of the company. Fonts can be of any type ranging from bold, italic, contemporary or classic etc. The only thing which you should take care of is that they are clear and readable so that a viewer doesn’t find it difficult to read.

Slogans:

Use of slogans are considered good in these brand marks for they help in recognizing a brand head and shoulder above the rest. Therefore, it is always recommended to use small caption that helps in attracting the visitor’s attention. Slogans can be placed on any side of this brand mark as long as it is visible to the eyes. Make sure the corporate identity is not overshadowing the slogan in any way and try not to use more than three to four words in it.

The preceding four components are very important to create a perfect brand mark identity but make sure you are not trying your hands on it if you are not a trained graphic designer. The only solution to this problem is to hire the services of a professional graphic designer or landscaping logos to help you craft a perfect brand image of your business. Moreover, you need to be very much careful while going for a service as well as there are so many out there claiming them to be the best.

In short, go through the above ideas before you actually go for your business identity.…

No Picture
Software

Figuring Out the Landscape Definition

February 13, 2011

Landscape DefinitionFolks typically need to figure out simply what the landscape definition truly is. Whether you are interested in moving into it as a career for yourself or simply wish to be sure you are hiring the appropriate person for the job, it’s helpful to study what the landscape definition truly means. The landscape definition is that a landscaper is anybody who works on modifying visible areas of spaces of land.

Landscape Definition

So for any person who needed to get a yard, pool, deck or different space fixed up it would be a landscaper they would need to call. There are do it yourself landscaping designs you may follow but most people select to hire professional landscaping definition  so that they know they are going to get the best results. There are some things to remember when you go to hire an expert landscaper, to be sure you make the correct choice and don’t waste your cash.

First you could work out what it is that you want to get done in your landscape designs job. Make a listing of different tasks you do not want to forget to tell the landscaper.This way, they’ll have a transparent concept of what it is that you simply want to get out of this job and what outcomes you’re looking for. You should also take the time to set out a budget landscaping

Landscape Company

That is also going to assist by narrowing down your selection of landscaping definition firms somewhat. Now you might want to get started on the search for your landscaper, only after you’ve these details figured out. Then you definitely need to check out their web sites, call in and talk to somebody from the company and do whatever else you can to find out info on each company.

Studying reviews might be useful here because then you’ll be able to see what other people just like you had to say about every company. The more you learn the more you’ll find out about each landscape designs company and the easier it is going to be to make a decision. All the time read opinions and see what others have to say on a company before deciding on them.

You want to see what past customers had to say about them to get more insight into a firm and what they have to offer. Sure this will save you some money to start with but if they don’t get the job done right it is going to cost you far more cash in the long run.

Aesthetics and practicality each have to be considered when coming up with any landscaping design. It is best to work with your landscaping team and allow them to know how they are doing along the way.…

No Picture
Software

What Is Landscaping?: Landscaping As A Science And Art

October 8, 2009

What Is LandscapingSome people may not be too conscious about their environment, but no one hates a beautiful surrounding, right? Isn’t it refreshing to stay or behold a beautiful place? That is what landscaping do – to develop a particular area according to what one prefers. So, what is landscaping? Basically, landscaping is any activity that transforms a land or an area into something that a person wants it to look like. And this land development varies in many different designs, ranging from garden landscaping to bricks or blocks landscaping. Many people prefers garden landscaping that uses plants, both flowering and non-flowering plants.

What Is Landscaping?

This land development is not just putting plants, bricks, walls and fences, or swings in a random manner. What is landscaping then? It is actually considered as a science and also an art. As a science, it requires keen observation and knowledge about the different elements of nature (like landforms and bodies of water) and life elements (like plants and animals) and how they can be put together to get the desired look of the area. It also requires the knowledge of construction and even color combination.

What is landscaping? Landscaping may include buildings, structures, fences or walls, and other material objects that needed construction. The landscaper must know the right places of these material objects in the area so that they fitted naturally together making the area look great. As for color combination, it creates the ambiance of the area, like cool colors are relaxing while warm colors enliven the viewers.

Landscaping Design

Meanwhile, as an art, landscaping requires good designing skills. This skill is the main highlight of land development because designing is the main core of landscaping and what is landscaping?. It is important that landscaper must know the appropriate design of the area and how it can be executed. Planning is also crucial because well planned landscape creates a successful land development. Designing is not an easy job for land developers because it considers many aspects both the “hardscape” and the “softscape” of the area. The hardscape being the structures in the area as well as landforms, terrain shape and land elevation, while softscape includes the lawns, shrubs, trees, etc.

Discussed above are just a few of what is landscaping about. Developing an area is not simple and requires a lot of considerations. But there are people who are inborn with this talent. And there are also those who gain expertise in this field. If you are not one of these people and your yard needs developing, you can employ help from experts who offers these kinds of services.…

No Picture
Software

Landscaping Software – Are They Really Free?

April 8, 2009

Landscaping SoftwareHave you heard of someone using landscaping software in landscaping his own garden? If this thing is new to you, then hop in and start learning more about this cool stuff for your Landscaping needs. Landscape design has never been so exciting than before with this software.

Landscaping Software

You maybe dreaming of landscaping software your garden but you think landscaping is too expensive that you hold in to that dream and even leave it as a wish that you think is impossible to achieve. Some other folks think of landscaping as a very expensive idea because they are thinking of hiring a professional landscape designer due to their lack of creativity and artistic talent. However, technological advancements have made a way for easy and convenient landscape design ideas that could make greater advantages to both the novice and professional outdoor designers landscaping

Here are the Landscape Software.

1. It is offered as free software. Yes, you read it right. You can get it free. It has copyrights but you can download it for free with proper instructions and permissions.

2. It has great functions. It has tons of designs which can help any beginner to think of any desired design. The 3D features allows you to modify the designs or even try your own creativity to add plants, rocks, lighting, fountain and other accessories on any preferred landscape. You are offered a lot of landscape design choices here. It also has its “aging” software which allows you to see the actual design after a few years. You can then eliminate design choices that may not fit your preferences while on this “aging” process.

3. It even allows printing. You can print out preferred designs and layout variations for contractors to bid on the project or for further personal considerations. The software even provides you a material list for your landscaping software design. This list even includes the names and numbers of the trees and plants that you need for the designs.

4. It is easily accessible. Downloading your software is easy. You can access this free software directly from Google search and select from the list. There is no opt-in stuff that you have to deal with. It keeps you free from disclosing your personal details as it lets you download the software quickly. You could even delete your download and look for your perfect fit without any hassle.

Freeware Consequences

Nothing is totally perfect. We all have our limitations or weaknesses. You have to understand that your amazing software has few limitations too.

• The free version usually comes as a demo version. Just like any other freeware, the software may not let you change garden designs, especially for the layout of the flower bed. Changing sizes, locations of the trees and plants and the colors are the only features that are usually allowed for harmony and balance. If you want to use the special advanced features in your landscape design, you can upgrade it to its full version.

• It does not offer technical support. Your free version software does not include company support about the technical features. The full support is catered by the upgraded or full version purchase.

The Right Choice

If you will weigh the consequences to its actual freeware features, you can see that this has still more advantages for your landscape project. It depends on your particular needs and preferences in deciding whether to upgrade or not. A new designer may take advantage of the free version for personal use. Experts can both go for the freeware or full version based on the demands of clients and contractors. If you want to start a landscaping career, there are many courses and resources available for you.

You can even start designing with the freeware and upgrade to its latest version once you have saved enough to get more projects for more success. The choice is all yours.…

No Picture
Software

Landscaping Software Free Design Programs

October 3, 2008

Landscaping Software FreeFor those who just want to dabble or for those wanting to try their hand at a free option, finding a good landscaping software free package can be challenging. Many of the big-name home and landscape software providers offer a trial period, but there aren’t very many completely free packages. Below is a list of the free landscape design software programs available on the Internet.

1. Landscaping Software Free

Most landscaping professionals consider Google SketchUp to be the best free option. You can use the program free for as long as you want. They do have an upgrade option (Google SketchUp Pro) that costs $495. However, you don’t need the pro version to be able to create some pretty amazing landscape designs. The power of this free tool is unmatched by any of the other free options.

The one downside to the Google SketchUp free version is the learning curve you will face. Don’t expect to download the free version and have an amazing landscape design done in one day.

2. Better Homes and Garden Plan-a-Garden

Better Homes and Garden (BHG) has a free software tool known as Plan-a-Garden. This software tool is super easy to use but it’s in a different class (a much lower class) than Google SketchUp. If you are simply looking to design (in 2D) a small, vegetable-less garden then this is the option for you. You can create simple designs in just a few minutes.

The one thing that really annoyed me about this tool is that it doesn’t offer any vegetables. You are limited to flowers, bushes, trees, and structures.

3. BBC Virtual Garden Free Tool

A lot of people mention using a free landscape design tool provided by the BBC. Getting BBC’s garden tool to work correctly is difficult. The program has a history of crashing and BBC is no longer providing any form of customer support on the tool (it’s hard to offer customer support on a free tool). If you do get this free landscape design software to work, then supposedly it has 3D capabilities.

4. PlanGarden

This tool would be on the other end of the spectrum from Google SketchUp. PlanGarden has very few capabilities when it comes to landscape design. This software program is designed to help you design and manage your garden. If that’s all you’re looking for, then PlanGarden might be a good idea for you. PlanGarden is basically the same tool as BHG’s Plan-A-Garden software, but it comes with vegetables! Note that this tool is no longer free. They do offer a 45 day trial though.

5. The ShowOff Visualizer

The landscaping software free offered by ShowOff is one of the better free options out there. It has a feature that allows you to upload a picture of your landscape or house and then you can create your design by adding objects to the picture. Unfortunately that’s about where the usefulness of this software ends.

The software is useful, but it still acts like free software. There are a lot of bugs and annoyances. For example, it logs people out at random times and doesn’t save your work. You can’t rotate the objects you insert. There is no 3D mode. The user-interface isn’t very intuitive and it’s hard to find the objects you are looking for to insert into your design. This software doesn’t compare with the paid programs available.

Overall ShowOff is probably your second best option after Google SketchUp for landscaping software free. You can accomplish some pretty good designs in a matter of minutes. You can add trees, swimming pools, and lawn ornaments.…

No Picture
Software

Landscaping Design Ideas Guide

January 31, 2008

Landscaping DesignWhen you are looking for landscaping design ideas it is wise to keep in mind that good landscaping can significantly improve your home’s appearance by adding style, livability and personality. You will not be able to create a design until you understand why you are landscaping your property landscaping ideas

Landscaping Design

Some research will provide many exciting ideas and produce a landscaping plan that will result in a satisfying project. There are many different designs that can suit the different features that make everyone’s yard unique. Trees, shrubs, plants, sun plants, and ground cover are a few ideas you will want to consider. You must be realistic about the amount of work and energy you are prepared to expend before you decide on your plan.

Landscape Design Ideas

Home improvements can be very expensive and you must start out with some definite landscape design ideas or you will wind up spending much more than planned, and waste a lot of extra time before finally finding one you like. Landscape design is generally considered to be a part of the larger field called landscape architecture. A great way to add character and enhance your property is with an attractive landscape. You need to get started on your project now to make your landscape design a reality. Soon your landscaping design ideas will come to life before your very eyes.

Visualizing our finished project is usually difficult for most of us by just looking at a layout, and there are some excellent programs that can make it much easier to design your landscaping. Most of the original software was developed for professional landscapers. They have now been modified for the beginner who want to do-it-themselves, and you can find many do-it-yourself design programs on the internet that are reasonably priced.

These programs allow you see a virtual picture of your design and enable the user to make your changes come to life. You can import a photo of your home or building in many of these programs and it will design the landscape around the photo.

Landscape Online

Most of the programs will offer advice on using and placing different elements into your design. Your landscape will always change with time and these programs can allow you to visualize what it will look like in the future when the plants and trees have matured. Online design programs that allow you to design your landscape online are very popular, and are less expensive than the software you can purchase.

What is the best type of landscaping design for your yard? Plant selection should be the first part of your design because it is what catches the eye in each of the four seasons. Looking through home improvement and landscaping magazines is always a good way to get fresh ideas. Properly landscaped yards can increase the value of the property by as much as 15% in some cases. Utilize all your ideas by thinking through your landscape design ideas.…