Art, Science, and Nature
I’ve long understood Ornamental Horticulture, aka Landscaping, to exist at the nexus of Art, Science, and Nature. The Science of Botany, The Nature of the Elements, and the Art of combining Them in a sensorily evocative frame. Proper landscape design (I won’t say “landscape architecture”, for that field lost its way in the weeds some time ago) necessarily uses the basics of all good design composition. Mass, texture, line, color, the ability to draw the eye into and through a scene….all must be judiciously employed. The difference with landscapes is the artist must always customize their creation to a preexisting medium: All of a property’s structures, and their surrounding terrain. This makes landscape artistry a rare orchid in the vast world of design. Each new project is more akin to a puzzle than a blank canvas. The end result should be unique, surprising, and beautiful, but the pieces of the puzzle are already there…waiting to be discovered.
This is the special talent of the proper landscape designer. Knowing where the water goes, and how to maximize its magic. Seeing where to accent the residence, and where to deflect attention. Finding the right counterbalance to existing weight, like trees, buildings and bushes. Feeling when to visually expand a space, and when to contract it. Understanding where the proper French Curve should be to contrast the recto-linear house and walk. All of this, and more, must be juggled with the needs and habits of the homeowner, while remaining synchronous to the local bio-system. Now add in the volatile nature of both the nursery industry, and Mother Nature herself, and the accomplishments of the Ornamental Horticulturist become truly impressive.
Why take chances then when it comes to investing in your family’s outdoor living space? Whomever you choose to help you create your personal paradise, make sure they understand and integrate all of these exceedingly vital elements. Unlike any other investment you can make, every one of these threaten to sabotage the whole if left unconsidered. With over 35 years of award-winning design experience, our team knows how to deliver results that check all the boxes. Beauty, Utility, Sustainability, and Affordability. Contact us today, and trust RAM to solve the puzzle of your unique landscape.
