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On Friday October 25th, Il Nature had the honour of opening the conference “Sicily Landscape in motion” representing Les Jardins d'Etretat project. The conference was organized by PAYSAGE TOPSCAPE - International Landscape Architecture Magazine in collaboration with RADICE PURA GARDEN FESTIVAL, in Catania, Sicily. The conference on sustainable strategies in the development of Mediterranean landscapes aims to provide an overview of the opportunities that landscape design can provide nowadays as an instrument of economic, environmental, and social development. Landscape design as an opportunity for improving the quality of life, so to say.

On September 6, 2019, this year’s winners of the European Garden Award by Schloss Dyck Foundation and European Garden Heritage Network were presented at Schloss Dyck, Germany. Les Jardins d'Etretat received the 1st Prize of the EGHN Garden Prize in the category of “Best development of a historic garden or park”. The jury was very impressed by the idea and the design of a garden that captures and uses its historical roots, in particular surroundings and its atmosphere do not only incorporate, but also identify with it and this is also avantgarde in the best horticultural traditions.

Garden ponds are static water ponds and can function together with waterfalls, cascades and fountains. Water is an integral part of the natural landscape and a versatile element that provides for better garden microclimate. Adding a garden pond to your landscape adds color, light and movement and functions as a great recreation area. In order to build a pond in your garden, filter systems, biological water treatment and professional maintenance are necessary. Ponds are artificial water features that come in different sizes and configurations (natural outlines or strict geometry), different water volume and pond area, range of materials.

Garden landscape design is a complex and multi stage process of designing plans for layout and planting of gardens and landscapes. Each garden landscape is designed with its topographical landscape features in mind, as well as desired outcomes. A garden’s location, size and how it will be used have a substantial influence on garden landscape design. All the elements are linked together in a single entity, determining main and secondary points. Elements of garden landscape design establish style and mood and create a desired setting. Garden landscape design can represent a minimalist, sleek and elegant modern look.

Landscape architecture incorporates aspects of building, natural and architectural elements in order to create a landscape project. Landscape architecture provides for comfortable environment and involves planning and design of the territory, taking into consideration existing landscape, designing at the same time interventions that will produce the desired outcome. The job of a landscape architect involves the knowledge of botany, horticulture, architecture and geology. The activities range from inspecting the territory, assessing it and preparing the landscape design master plan.

Professional landscape photographers should know how to use camera to capture landscape images, be aware of basic photography composition rules and have a sense of aesthetic. Photography in landscape design has certain meaning and purpose. Everything starts from getting a general idea and choosing focal points. Landscape design photos of a property can be great examples of various techniques, achieved by using professional filters and lenses properly. Landscape design photos of a property should be balanced; colors, shapes and textures of garden elements should look harmonious.

Trees and shrubs are usually planted for a long time according to a planting plan. They are considered to be foundation plants, adding volume and framing the outdoor space. Apart from being decorative features, garden shrubs protect the outdoor space from wind, create shade and function as a zoning element as well. Shrubs can be planted in clusters or individually on the lawn, in front of the house or in small gardens. They can become a background for mixborders and flowerbeds with annual and bulbous plants. Ground-hugging shrubs can turn sloppy gardens into an advantage. Stephanandra, willow and cotoneaster are great options.

City landscape design provides for competent space organization and its decorative function, creation of green oasis in urban environment. In order to create beautiful landscape design the knowledge of landscape design principles, landscape styles and materials is required. Ready landscape design requires the knowledge of dendrology, pedology, botany and plants physiology. Different types of landscape design can be applied to city gardens and parks, highlighting parks advantages, while hiding drawbacks. Landscape design types depend on chosen garden style and given conditions (land layout, park size, climate, engineering communication).

When all the works in the garden are finished, it’s time to think about garden décor. Garden sculptures, statues, garden gnomes and stone garden ornaments help to add beauty to the outdoor space. Garden décor highlights chosen garden design style, adds beauty and originality. You can choose funny garden gnomes, monumental garden stones, garden statues and sculptures. The main aim here is purely decorative, however garden décor can be functional. For instance, garden figures help to protect the crops, scaring birds away by its appearance.

Knowing how and where to place primary and secondary garden elements is crucial when creating a Japanese garden. Primary garden elements here are stones, water and plants; secondary - bamboo fencing, bridges, bells and ornaments. Such gardens are asymmetrical and natural, contain elements with symbolic meaning. Japanese garden represents two opposite forces - yin (water) and yang (stones). Japanese garden evoke feelings of stillness and security. Garden can be of different sizes, flat or knobby. The main requirement is not to overload the garden with unnecessary elements. Japanese landscape design has deep symbolic meaning.