I must have become aware of the term "Web 2.0" sometime during the course of 2010.  It sounded "geeky" to me, and I didn't see how it pertained to me or my profession as a landscape designer.  I checked Wikipedia, where I learned the term doesn't pertain to technical specifications but how Web 2.0 interacts more with end users to make them an integral part of the online experience, with social media at the center of that experience.

I had already determined it was time to redesign my website, but I hadn't really thought about how social media could play a significant role in my business.  I decided that before I started on the daunting task of redesigning my website I would learn more about Web 2.0 and its implications for my business.  Landscape designers often find ourselves with downtime during the winter months, and I utilized my time last December to read as much as I could on the subject.

Our house sits next to a small creek in a suburban sub-division a few miles west of Portland, Oregon.  We have lived here for over 10 years, and the wildlife that is drawn to the creek has provided countless hours of enjoyment for us.  Our kitchen window looks directly onto the creek, so we are right on top of the action.  Over the years we have seen Blue Heron, Mallard Ducks, Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Hawks, Nutria and Raccoons among others.  This winter, a Beaver (Castor canadensis) joined the menagerie.

I planted a Corkscrew Willow (Salix matsudama) shortly after we moved in. The tree sat next to the creek, where it didn't seem to mind at all when the creek overflowed its banks.  It grew to over 20' tall with a trunk diameter of about 8".  It became a fixture in our backyard.

This is the first in my series of Bad Landscape blog posts.  I admit that determining what constitutes Bad Landscape is very subjective.  Poor design principles? Improper landscape practices?  I encourage you to send me photos of your candidates. 

Ornamental grasses are one of my favorite plants for the Winter landscape.  Their foliage provides movement; their textures stand out against leafless trees and shrubs.  Many grasses are able to stand upright even when pelted with winter rains and snow.  Birds use the foliage for nesting materials.

It is tragic when ornamental grasses are cut back too soon.  This practice appears to be standard procedure for the "mow and blow" and commercial landscape maintenance companies.  

I receive many questions about why plants die.  Although there are many reasons why this might happen, improper planting techniques belongs near the top of the list.  People tend to dig their planting holes too deep, but not wide enough.  This leads to a "bathtub" effect; water sits at the bottom of the hole and the new roots are suffocated from lack of oxygen.

I've written a How To article on Planting Trees and Shrubs.  Click on the link to read the article.