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| Cost Effective Landscape: Learning from Nature |
| Part 2: Prepare conceptual solutions |
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Willow as artwork Use natural characteristics - explore solutions - wise use of resources Creating a feature or landmark in the landscape can often be a primary objective in the design process. However other constraints can help to shape the characteristics of the design. Minimising future maintenance requirements and maximising ecological value are two additional important objectives. Alternative solutions must be generated and assessed as a matter of course. In this example on the A68 near Melrose, a formal element and landmark feature was identified as a design objective in this location. The willow artwork was constructed as an alternative to the more conventional approach of decorative shrubs and bulb planting. This landscape will require less routine maintenance it will create a habitat which is attractive to insects birds and small mammals and it has also become a distinctive landmark on the trunk road signalling the way to Melrose. This design has evolved as a result of exploring alternative solutions and makes wise use of resources. It has achieved its objective and is cost effective. Decorative planting Assess maintenance requirements - explore solutions Occasionally there is a need to design landscapes that require regular intensive maintenance. It should be recognised that the more artificial the landscape the greater the effort required to maintain it in its decorative state. 'Bottom Dead Centre Design' In this example an unrealistic dependence on unpredictable future maintenance has lead to failure of these roses to achieve their potential. An exploration of alternative proposals could have developed a solution which did not require such an intensive future maintenance commitment. Decorative planting Assess maintenance requirements - explore alternatives - use natural characteristics There is a place for the use of decorative and colourful planting either of native or non-native origin. However due to the often intensive maintenance requirements of temporary bedding plant displays, the landscape designer should ensure that other options have been assessed and that the chosen species and arrangement is the best approach. Through an understanding of the context and character of the site the designer must assess whether native species or decorative cultivars should be used. For example the mass planting of daffodils and other brightly coloured bulb species in geometric patterns alongside rural roads can be out of character in the Scottish countryside. Seasonal bedding plants are a popular attraction on the A8 at Port Glasgow (top photograph). The spontaneous arrivals of wildflowers in the grass at Pitlochry meet the same objective. Understanding the site conditions and management regime that resulted in this sustainable outcome and how it can be repeated elsewhere is a valuable lesson to learn. A8, Kingston Industrial Estate Willow wall Explore alternatives - ecological potential - consultation - assess maintenance requirements An environmental barrier was required at Lhanbryde between the A96 and the village. There was not enough surplus material from the site to construct an earth mound along the entire length. After exploration of various options and public consultation it was decided to construct a living willow wall over the remaining length. The level of protection and screening provided by the willow wall is satisfactory. The living wall also formed an immediate habitat harbouring a rich variety of insects, small mammals and invertebrates which in turn attract birds. The live willow wall also provides visual interest as it moves in the wind, seasonal variety and a low level of natural sound to offset the traffic noise. It also provides the other environmental benefits of living plant material - producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, arresting particles and so on. The wall requires trimming once a year, during January or February to avoid disturbance of nesting birds. It is important to note that willow can be susceptible to disease and unreliable growth in such conditions. Additional or replacement planting may be required to preserve the structure and effectiveness of the screen. This can be an opportunity to customise the wall to its particular surroundings or purpose. Image A96, Lhanbryde Diversion. 1996 and 1997 Colour texture and form Use natural characteristics Nature can teach us much about the use of colour, texture and form in design. These photographs illustrate the powerful influences colour can have in the landscape. The 'drab olive' colour of the junction boxes blend effectively with the natural colours of the hedge as is required, whereas the bright white bridge beam at Glen Coe and the metal shuttering at Glen Shiel catch the eye and are unnecessarily intrusive in this context. The random natural stone rip-rap at Loch Duich has developed characteristics similar to the natural loch side nearby and consequently integrates well. A87, Loch Duich Causeway. 1990 Haddington, East Lothian. 1997 Rapid response planting1 Explore alternatives - Use natural characteristics The landscape objective may be to provide a visual screen in the shortest possible time. 'Rapid response planting' which may require the use of non-native species, can be achieved within this policy. The embankment in the above photographs has been planted with larch and local provenance Scots pine to match the adjacent tree species. The plant spacing is 250 - 500 mm. The pine and larch are interplanted with willow to provide shelter and promote etiolated growth of the pine and larch. The willow will be coppiced annually for 3 or 4 years then the apical growth of the pine and larch will be removed to encourage them to develop a natural form and efficient shelter and screen. 1A technique being developed by SODD NRD to establish rapid screen planting. Apical growth removed from larch Defining edges Use natural characteristics - ecological potential Grading habitats into one another increases the ecological benefits of both. In the top photograph woodland merges with tall grassland adjacent to an area of close mown sward. This transition offers more potential for species diversity than a well defined edge (below). Weed control beneath established vegetation is seldom necessary other than during the establishment period. |
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