At Specialty Gardens, our thoughtful design process is built around several main principles:
- Consider function before form; this means that each design decision
must have a purpose and must be defensible. Aesthetics are vital to
good design but mean very little if the plan does not work with the
other aspects of the project like positive drainage and pedestrian flow.
- Consider the style, architecture, and age of the home and
neighborhood being designed around. Remember that the design must appeal
to the client’s specific taste but also to the masses if ever they
decide to sell.
- Consider ease of maintenance; we assume that most people have more
enjoyable things to do than weed-eat, let’s make that machine go away
forever. We will suggest you use natural materials in your gardens that
do not require complicated or expensive upkeep.
- Consider using plant material that is native to the area or has
proven to be tolerant to our climatic conditions. Use the correct plant
for the location. We are plant material experts! Just ask us.
- Consider environmental sustainability and be a better steward of
the land. Use permeable materials to keep water from running off the
property. Design rain gardens to collect runoff from hard surfaces and
use plant material that is drought tolerant.
- Consider the rest of the ecosystem. There are healthier
alternatives to pesticides; the easiest ones are biological controls or
growing plants that do not support the pests and diseases we are
constantly fighting.
In the spring of 2012, Specialty Gardens expanded to include
horticultural garden maintenance and planting to our clients. We employ
landscape gardeners trained to spot potential issues before they become
problematic, and are invested in the health and beauty of your garden
from the soil through the entire plant system. Our professionals are
trained in botany and weed science and understand the biology of plants
and what they require to flourish.
Our maintenance regime includes the correct fertilizer where
needed and any removal of insect/disease infested plant material.
Insecticidal soap may be applied, but the use of harsh chemicals is not
encouraged. Weeds will be removed; plants will be staked if required and
light pruning will be done if needed. This service has become very
popular since its inception, and we look forward to providing more
opportunities for beautifully maintained gardens within our community.
Specialty Gardens has been a certified member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers
since 2003, and has achieved ‘Permanently Certified’ status. Other
societies we belong to that provide important contributions to our
ongoing education include
The Botanical Society of America, The North American Native Plants Society, The American Society of Plant Taxonomists, The Weed Science Society of America, Alberta Invasive Species, and the Alberta Horticultural Association.