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The Philosophy of Exotic Plants
Recently I was asked to discuss the concept of exotic and native species with a fourth grade class. Being a request from my mother, I shrugged and agreed. The talk should be simple enough right?…. but I’m having second thoughts.
Granted, exotic species can overtake our fragile natural ecosystems, reduce food and habitat for wildlife, and require millions of dollars to control. Native species often require less maintenance, fertilizer and reduce the sequestration of our natural resources while ensuring the pleasures of wildlife and a healthy, happy ecosystem.
Reformation of The American Lawn !
The January issue of ASLA’s Landscape Architecture Magazine was met with excitement as we are introduced to LawnReform.org. What originally began as a web blog in early 2011 has transformed to a platform for sharing your images, observations, and info on lawn alternative plants. Alternatives to over watered and over fertilized lawns are a major goal in some circles, but often it is difficult to spend time to research and experiment the hundreds of groundcovers and lawn substitutes in our environment.
Park Review: Lake Whitney Water Treatment Plant, New Haven, CT.
In an effort to redesign the defunct ‘sand filter’ Lake Whitney Water Treatment Plant, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. (MVVA) and Steven Holl Architects collaborated to create a new state-of-the-art treatment facility while putting the sites landscape at the forefront of the design. Their stellar creativity and environmentally sensitive design was rewarded with a 2010 ASLA Honor Award.
Notable Books of 2011
A list of some of the notable books of 2011. The topics range from urban agriculture to map making, but all are pertinent to the ever evolving role of a landscape architect. Forgot to get your favorite LA a Christmas present? Add one of these thought provoking books to their collection. (The books are not ranked)
