Garden Chat - Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc., NJ, PA



	Ask the Experts - David M. Chewey President of Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. takes us outside LivingMedia, Colts Neck, NJ Spring 2010 May/June Garden Associates Landscape Architecture Inc. has been a premier landscape architectural firm for the past 20 years with offices in Red Bank and Somerville, N.J. as well as in Manhattan. Their philosophy is "Beauty by Design" and their mission is to design beautiful gardens and outdoor living spaces for their clientele. These gardens and spaces allow clients a place of refuge from the hurly-burly world of today. Their skilled team of Landscape Architects will show you how to make the most of your dreamscape and reap its rewards for years to come. Call them at (732) 933-2678 to schedule a consultation. What is a Landscape Architect and what is the difference between a Landscape Architect and "Landscape Contractor"? A Landscape Architect has a tremendous influence on how people interact with their environment. We can be defined as artists who shape the world in which we live. We design spaces for people to experience visually, physically and psychologically through careful consideration of all outdoor components. Landscape Architects need to creatively blend art and science to ensure that a site not only looks good but that it also functions well. In order to become a Landscape Architect you need to obtain a 4-year college degree, have the appropriate amount of work experience, pass a licensing exam and then maintain that license with continuing education credits. Our schooling and extensive work experience allows us to knowledgeably coordinate with clients, architects, engineers, building professionals and government officials to ensure successful projects from initial design to final implementation. In contrast, a landscape contractor focuses more on the construction aspect of a project. Landscape Architects and landscape contractors need to work closely together. Effective project management of all the moving pieces results in a successful end result. What are the current trends in residential Landscape Architecture? Current trends in residential landscape architecture suggest that homeowners are looking to create outdoor environments that bring all of the amenities from inside the home to the exterior of the home. Spaces that incorporate fireplaces, fully stocked outdoor kitchens, outbuildings with TV & audio capabilities, etc. A well designed space should be an extension of your home. The goal is to blur the boundaries and enhance the experience. Does the value of a home increase after using a Landscape Architect? There have been studies to prove that a well planned and professionally executed landscape plan will in fact increase the value of your home. First impressions go a long way when selling a home and a well designed environment will bolster that first impression, as well as the overall experience >>Click here to read entire article from LivingMedia; Colts Neck, NJ Spring 2010 issue. Build the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen : Insider Design Considerations for Outdoor Kitchens Landscape Architecture Tips by Robert Howe, Jr. ASLA, LLA, PP, Senior Landscape Architect- Red Bank, NJ Once the lazy days of summer officially start, nearly every weekend in New Jersey will be filled with the excitement of outdoor entertaining and family BBQs. If you are considering installing the ultimate outdoor kitchen this year and don’t know where to begin, look no further, Garden Associates is here to help! When designing an outdoor kitchen, one may wonder what exactly goes into it. Here at Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. we decided to have Robert Howe, Jr., ASLA, LLA, PP, Senior Landscape Architect from our Red Bank, NJ office location, provide our readers with exclusive insight on what a professional thinks about when envisioning the perfect outdoor entertaining area…. ...Some design thoughts on outdoor kitchen design considerations from the landscape architectural viewpoint of Robert Howe, JR. LLA, ASLA, PP... What is the first thing to consider before installing an outdoor kitchen? The most important initial design consideration when coming up with an outdoor kitchen concept is its potential relationship with the homes indoor kitchen area and the configurations with both indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. Also the circulation pattern and the proximity to any other existing or potential outdoor landscape ( seating areas, pergola or gazebo structures, spa, swimming pool etc. ) features has to be taken into consideration and designed so as to make all the structures flow within the entire outdoor space being created. The architectural style and character of the home should be complemented with similar materials and style, along with the selection of low maintenance and durable materials to withstand the rigors of being part of an ‘outdoor’ kitchen. Most of our clients love entertaining family and friends. What is the best way to begin the ultimate outdoor kitchen plan? The size of the kitchen and the entertaining area must fall within the client’s potential anticipated entertaining projections and needs. I like to relate all of the various structures and entities to be within certain predetermined site lines (viewing areas) that create a plan with one single functional entertaining space being envisioned. Extending the areas entertaining season with outdoor heaters / pergolas / shade structures / and fireplaces should all be taken into consideration. The incorporation of landscape lighting and music (outdoor speaker systems) into the overall landscape architectural concept plan will also enhance the client’s enjoyment and use of the outdoor kitchen area being envisioned. Probably most importantly, I want to make sure that all of the client’s wishes and expectations that were discussed during the initial consultation visit are included into the final concept plan. Robert Howe is here to help our South Jersey clients achieve the perfect blending of beauty and functionality when it comes to designing the ultimate outdoor kitchen and entertaining areas. Call our office or fill out a consultation request today to begin planning your dreamscape. Red Bank Office: 732 933 2675 Garden Beautiful Charity Project: Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center Therapeutic Garden Design As part of the Garden Beautiful Charity, Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. is working with the Friends of Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center’ organization to revitalize the gardens and contemplative area at The Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center in Monmouth County, NJ. The Garden Beautiful program was initiated by the firm in 2007 to bring beautiful gardens to communities throughout New Jersey. As part of the program the Child Advocacy Center was selected in late fall of 2009. Garden Associates Landscape Architecture is committed to the continued success of this program and has donated a detailed site design at the start of 2010 and will be providing coordination and project management for the Child Advocacy Center until the project is completed. Installation of the landscape design will begin this spring by utilizing donations of material and labor from local nurseries, landscape contractors, and volunteer groups. The project is expected to be completed by early summer of 2010. Robert Howe, Jr. LLA, PP, from Garden Associates’ Red Bank location is heading the project. The goal for the exterior is to transform the yard of the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center into a peaceful getaway. The design features a therapeutic garden and contemplative area for the children to use along with the center’s staff. Therapeutic gardens are excellent in the reduction of stress and anxiety. They are proven to lower blood pressure, foster positive feelings, reduce negative emotions, and reduce stressful thoughts. In addition to the therapeutic garden, the new design also incorporates a planted memorial garden to introduce color, smell and textural plantings of interest to further initiate a soothing response for the children. Regular communications through newspaper articles and newsletters will be made to update the public on the progress of the program and continually acknowledge everyone who will ultimately ensure its success. To donate planting materials and/or labor please call Robert Howe Jr. at (732) 933-2675. For more information on the Garden Beautiful Charity or Firm, visit www.gardenassoc.com. Friends of the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center, Inc.,. is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization established in 2003 to raise the funds to build a child advocacy center in Monmouth County. The child advocacy center will serve as a safe, child-friendly facility for the victims of child abuse, neglect, and assault and their caregivers. This one centralized facility co-locates the professionals who provide the law enforcement, mental health, medical, victim advocacy, and prosecutorial services, resulting in a more coordinated response and investigation into reports of child abuse. The children need only travel to one location to tell their story, greatly reducing their trauma and stress. Without a centralized facility, the children of our county must travel to various locations to access these services. With the creation of the MCCAC, the child and their families will find a private and compassionate location and will be less overwhelmed by the investigative and criminal processes. The result will be fewer recantations in their testimony and the beginning of their healing. http://www.friendsofmccac.org Silver Crest Roof Top Garden and Water Feature Green Roof Design: Garden Associates Landscape Architecture worked in partnership with the architects at Pallente Design to develop an intensive green space and water feature for patients and visitors at The Silver Crest Rehabilitation Center, located in Queens, NY, on top of a one story addition. The green roof and water fall were developed to give patients and visitors a place to enjoy nature and escape for the rigors of rehab. Water Feature Rendering Green Roof Design For more information on Garden Associates' Green Roof and Sustainable Designs >>Click here Garden Beautiful Charity Revitalization Project at Fleming Castle Museum is now complete! Installation for the Garden Beautiful Revitalization Project at the Fleming Castle Museum is now complete. The redesigned space features various flower gardens, additional pathways, gathering areas and a gazebo to add the finishing touch. Fleming Castle intends to use the beautifully renovated grounds for public events, educational activities, and weddings. The project was undertaken by the Garden Beautiful Charity and the Flemington Borough. Success of the Revitalization Project was made possible due to donations and labor provided by local community organizations and area businesses. Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. donated a master site design plan at the beginning of the year, and coordinated with Carmen Grimes, president of the Fleming Castle Board of Trustees and Rob Ozimek from the Borough of Flemington in organizing project installations throughout the length of the project. This project would not have been possible without the support of our generous donors. Many thanks go to; Miller Landscape Services, Inc. of Neshanic Station, NJ along with Green Piece Landscaping of Pittstown for providing installation services; Garden Gate of Flemington, NJ for the donation of planting materials; Swing Town in Neshanic Station for presenting the castle with a gazebo at cost, and Sweet Valley Farms of Ringoes, NJ for generously donating planting materials. To celebrate the beautifully revitalized grounds, Fleming Castle and the Garden Beautiful Charity hosted a Garden Dedication Reception for the area business community on June 4th. Kelli Dochterman, from the Borough of Flemington, was the key ingredient in organizing the reception. Her efforts helped bring local restaurants to sponsor the event by featuring their most popular dishes. Sponsors include Fusion on Main, Yordana’s Ristorante, Bok Bok Fresh, Baker’s Treat, Theresa’s Deli & Café, Jakes Restaurant & Bar, and Shop Rite of Flemington. Tremendous support from the local community has made the Fleming Castle Museum Revitalization project a success. On behalf of the Garden Beautiful Charity, Fleming Castle Museum and the Flemington Borough, thank you to all those involved in the landscape enhancement and the Garden Dedication Reception, your generous contributions have been greatly appreciated. Without support from the local community members, organizations and area businesses, beautification projects would not be possible. Stop by our blog to see pictures from the event! Garden Associates Started a Blog! Visit www.gardenassoc.blogspot.com and stay current on what is happening at Garden Associates. We will be positing current projects, upcoming events, exciting news about our Garden Beautiful Charity, and lots more! You can also sign up to receive our seasonal E-Newsletter or follow us on Twitter. Fleming Castle Museum Garden Beautiful Charity Historical Revitalization Project Sponsored and Managed by: Flemington Borough, “Friends of Fleming Castle” and Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. Program Overview: Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. has initiated a Garden Beautiful program to bring beautiful gardens to communities throughout New Jersey. Garden Associates Landscape Architecture is committed to the continued success of this program and shall donate project design, coordination and management for the selected candidate. As part of this program, Garden Associates has selected Fleming Castle in Flemington, NJ. According to the New Jersey Historic Trust, Fleming Castle may be the last surviving 18th century building in Flemington, dating to c. 1756. In 2005 Flemington Borough acquired the building and grounds, making it available to the public as a museum, depicting life in the 1700’s. The goal for the exterior is to transform the yard into a functional yard useful for public events, educational activities, special group tours, weddings, etc. while also paying tribute to the property’s rich history. A master site plan was completed by Garden Associates in September 2008 inclusive of a Gazebo, planting areas and lawn spaces that can accommodate group activities as well as a temporary tent. The objective is to implement the master plan utilizing donations of material and labor from local nurseries, landscape contractors, and volunteer groups. Recognition will be given to everyone involved through the use of tasteful permanent signage. Garden Associates expects to kick off this project in the fall of 2008, anticipating completion by Spring 2009. Regular communications through newspaper articles and newsletters will be made to update the public on the progress of the program and continually acknowledge everyone who will ultimately ensure its success. If you have any questions, please contact: Michael Medea (908) 823-3330 mmedea@gardenassoc.com Garden Beautiful Charity Our way of giving back one beautiful space at a time... At Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. we firmly believe that givers gain. That is why in 2007 we created the Garden Beautiful Charity. This is a way for us as Garden Associates and Landscape Architects to give back to the community through a way we know best - Landscape Architecture. Mansion in May is of course one of the best ways we can donate our time and resources for an awesome cause and yet expose the community to Landscape Architecture. The main goal of the Garden Beautiful Charity is to bring beautiful gardens and sustainable landscapes to the local community. Garden Associates donates the landscape architecture/design as well as project management support for the entire project, and by involving local business and organizations in revitalization projects the solutions to beautification are obtainable. In the 14th Mansion In May event at Froh Heim in Far Hills, NJ Garden Associates jumped at the opportunity to get involved. With a design space in mind, Lower Retreat was created. . . Lower Retreat Before Design Concept Transformation As with all old estates of this grandeur, the gardens are usually quite ornate. We chose a space that would reflect a contrast to those gardens, one that would be more natural, and subdued. Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. has transformed this unique space into a 'lower retreat' Imagine coming home after a hectic day- longing for a private retreat. This refreshing space becomes a bit of a mind eraser, one that balances the beauty of water and nature. Incorporated is a mixture of native plantings from Viburnums to Perennials that capture the essence of a romantic estate in natural setting... pea gravel paths are used to soften the space from the surrounding entries. This soothing sound of crushed stone under your feet and a water feature add to the tranquil effects of this retreat. For more information on Mansion in May and the featured estate, visit www.mansioninmay.com Construction at Pickell Park was a Success! Garden Beautiful Charity Revitalization Project READINGTON TWP, N.J., Pickell Park—May 8, 2008- Construction at Pickell Park in Readington Township was a success! The community really pitched in to bring beauty to the park during construction dates on May 2-3rd. The Garden Beautiful Charity and Readington Township is very pleased with everyone’s efforts in making the park’s transition such a sensation. After seeing the construction in progress, Linda Busch of the Recreation Committee at Readington Township said, “The Park really needed some extra TLC.” And the results are stunning. Now when you enter into the park, the main drive welcomes you with bountiful plantings and 12 beautiful Weeping Cherry Trees, which were kindly donated to the town by Mr. Joseph Chesla, a Readington local. Linda Busch, and her husband Herbert Busch, helped keep the newly installed plants healthy by continually watering them until plantings became well established. Over the next few weeks the plantings will flourish, and when you stroll through the paths among the various flower gardens graciously donated and installed by members of the local community, you will see how beautiful the park has become. The plants installed at the park, along with planting materials, have all been generously donated by the following companies: Hionis Nursery, Whitehouse Station; Hidden Acres Nursery, Flemington; Miller Landscape Services, Inc., Neshanic Station; Moss Landscaping, Branchburg; Revolutions Landscape Contractors, Lebanon; and Rutgers Nursery & Landscaping, Ringoes. Bed preparation work and planting were provided by: Miller Landscape Services, Inc., Moss Landscaping, Revolutions Landscape Contractors, and Rutgers Nursery & Landscaping. A late addition to the plan, which was a custom Hunterdon County wildflower mix, was donated by Four Season’s Greenery in Whitehouse. The mix, located around the drainage swales throughout the park, will help aid in sustainability and rain water run off. To protect Pickell Park’s newly installed flowers and shrubs to against deer damage, New Jersey Deer Control, located out of Sparta, NJ provided an application of natural deer repellent. The Garden Beautiful Charity would like to acknowledge Doug Miller of Miller Landscape Services, Inc. of Neshanic Station, NJ, for going above and beyond by providing additional materials and planting bed preparations throughout the park on May 2nd. Miller Landscape Services, Inc. made the final plantings a flawless conversion and an uncomplicated endeavor for all those volunteering time to help with planting on May 3rd (volunteers from: Anderson House, Whitehouse Station; Rotary Club, Whitehouse Station; Wachovia, Whitehouse Station; and Weichert Realtors, Oldwick). Each garden section was donated and installed by volunteers who signed up in late fall of 2007 with the Garden Beautiful Charity. The Garden Beautiful Charity founded by Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc., works with local communities and organizations to enhance public outdoor spaces, such as parks, and involves local business in the process. The Charity began working with Readington Township in spring of last year on revitalizing Pickell Park for the public’s recreational enjoyment. Garden Associates donated the landscaping design plan and provided project management support for Readington Township upon completion of the project. The landscaping plan is based upon a low maintenance and sustainable design that will allow the park minimal repairs and upkeep. The park will continue to look beautiful thanks to the Recreation Committee and the Department of Public Works, both of which will help maintain the park. Garden Beautiful - Pickell Park, Readington, New Jersey - Beautification Project Sponsored and Managed by Readington Township and Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. Program Overview Garden Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. has initiated a Garden Beautiful program to bring beautiful gardens and sustainable landscape to the local community. By partnering with the township and the local community, Garden Associates is committed to bringing the program to fruition. Garden Associates donates the landscape architecture/design as well as project management support for the entire project. As part of this program, Garden Associates has selected Pickell Park as one of the first local park revitalization projects. A master site landscape design was completed by Garden Associates in September which includes a garden path originating from the entrance on Mountain Road. The goal is to have the design installed in sections with donations from local nurseries, landscape contractors, and local volunteer communities for each section. Each section will be given a name and recognition to those who donated material or services. The target date for the re-opening of the park is set for Memorial Day, 2008, as a ribbon cutting launch at the commencement of the Memorial Day parade. Installations will begin in early Spring, one section at a time. Regular communications through newspaper articles and newsletters will be made to update the public on the progress of the program and give recognition to those who have come on board to support the program. The goal is to generate excitement for the program and increase participation in both the program and the parade. Our new design studio and corporate offices have relocated to 3470 Route 22 West and County Line Rd., Somerville. We created this change to be more accessible to our clients, to provide a studio for clients to see our work and to become a more community based company. Why does the feeling of something new make us feel great? It is because it stimulates us to think in a different way; it gives us a sense of achievement and a new starting point. At Garden Associates Landscape Architecture we took the opportunity of the new year to combine all of the above. Our company image represented by our new logo will present a clean, crisper view of Garden Associates Landscape Architecture. This will filter through to our services, people and our designs. We have restructured our company by creating three groupsdesign, masonry and landscape within Garden Associates Landscape Architecture to provide you with better service through our dedicated teams. These craftsmen will bring their expertise to your project. You will know which service you are engaging in and who is responsible. Our customer care program will ensure that we carry through a clear and crisp view of the service we are providing to you as well as making you have the best landscape experience ever. FLORAL DECORATIONS AND AROMATICS Floral decorations and aromatics Lavender, perhaps the most beloved of herbs, has been valued since biblical times for its beauty, aroma, healing qualities and ability to repel insects. Victorian young ladies created lavender "bottles" by folding the stems over to encase the blossoms and then weaving ribbon through them. European women used to receive similar sachets as engagement gifts to scent their dowry chests. You can make these same woven wands to freshen your clothing or linens and naturally repel moths. By Amy Chewey DESIGN AND DESIGN TRENDS Green styles and smilesis what we at Garden Associates are feeling these days. As I pen this, there is at least 15" of snow on the ground. This is a cool thought for our summer readers. Our office is busier than ever creating some fascinating new projects. We are finding that as we enter into our 15th year of creative space design the sites that we are presented with are more diverse than ever. Suburban growth has pushed the envelope and presented us with larger lots, steeper slopes and more wooded areas than ever before. For this reason we strive to preserve as much of our natural surrounding while keeping within the local color of the community. Here at Garden Associates you will see a turn to a more realistic approach to design: green styles. This style will utilize local materials, native plants, perennials and grasses and complement existing architectural features, for a feeling that our design belongs to its surroundings instead of standing out! Of course as always we listen to our clients needs, wants and aspirations so that we may combine our green style with your smile. by David M. Chewey, CLA