An Existing Courtyard
A blank slate with gas meters which must be read, yet screened from general view.
Our rock gardens differ from most plant compositions in that
we take advantage of several design elements that are often ignored.
We start by creating topography rather than accepting what
exists. Topography is a very powerful element with very strong visual weight. This can effect how existing circumstances are
perceived. Topography can help mitigate unwanted perceptions such as a house appearing top heavy or a limited space
appearing very small. Topography can also be used to setup a situation where a strong element such as a sculpture of specimen
plant does not become an overpowering focal point.
Topography is built with the berming of topsoil and with the aid of rock
formations.
Rocks! What
is a rock garden without rocks? Rocks are structural as they retain soil and each other to allow for dramatic changes
in topography. They are individual garden elements on their own as well, much like plants.
What may be less noticeably to the casual observer
is that rocks are a very unifying visual element especially when they are banded together in formations. When strategically
placed, this unifying force can be very difficult to overcome. This allows us, and those gardeners of the Eastern Cultures
I believe, to go against the grain of traditional western garden composition design principles. We can use very
diverse colors, textures, and form without creating chaos. We can push this to the next level by working highly contrasting
elements off of one another to amplify the strength of each individual form, color, and texture to create a dynamic which
does not exist in other types of gardens.
Rocks are the basis of unity which allows for diverse form, color, and texture which would fall apart as a composition
in their absence.
Visual Weight.
We are all aware that when any two items are put side by side one tends to appear stronger than the other. However, it is
not always for the same reason that one out weighs the other. Sometimes it is mass. Other times it is color, form, or positioning.
Our rock gardens have a lot of powerful elements within them and a great deal of care has to go into balancing out these visual
weights in order to acheive a composition that is not only strong and powerful, but very peaceful and restful as well. We
call it a "frozen explosion" much like a still photo of the grand finale of a Fourth of July fireworks display.
| Andrew Garulay, RLA at Yarmouthport Design Group |
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| Contractor: Yarmouthport Design Group |
The gas meters are out of sight, yet easily read by simply leaning over
the garden.
This garden section is less than 9'x16' at its greatest dimensions.
Design-Build
Yarmouthport Design Group designs concept plans and materials lists for our rock
gardens. These are dynamic compositions which take final form in the field. The outcome of the garden is dependent on the
changing dynamic of the composition as each plant and stone is carefully placed. This can not be put on a plan for others
to follow. We must construct our rock gardens for proper results.
Our business philosophy dictates that we remove as much uncertainty in the pricing
and outcome of our projects. This means that a reasonable effort to detail the garden on a plan will be made which should
have a close resemblance to the final garden. A price estimate and pricing schedule for deviations from the plan will be provided
as part of the construction contract.
In some cases portions of the work such as demolition of existing overgrown shrubs
or excavation work may be subcontracted. We will also work with your landscape contractor. We choose to limit our construction
efforts to rock garden construction and other work that supports this effort.
Email Yarmouthport Design Group
Telephone: 508-362-8174
Copyright - Yarmouthport Design Group * Landscape Architects* Yarmouthport,
MA * US * 02675
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