Greetings APLD CA colleagues,

We are at time of the year when we are all extremely busy, balancing our time between developing designs for clients, managing installations, furthering our professional practice by educating ourselves by attending webinars presented by APLD CA, districts, National and most likely other organizations, all this on top of our family life and other activities.

All of this, I know, is a bit daunting and stressful at times, I therefore have great respect for all our Landscape designer colleagues who do all of this and more, with an upbeat constructive attitude.

If there is something I have learnt from being part of APLD is that by getting involved, either by attending APLD programs or furthermore, becoming part of a District or chapter board, one definitely becomes better informed on current trends and practices in the profession, I know my practice changed dramatically when I joined APLD and fortunately, it continues to do so, ever evolving and expanding, for which I am very grateful to all of you who have and continue to make it possible. 

I therefore encourage members to participate in events or with boards, as much as they can, in whatever form they may be able to, I know the rewards are definitely worth the effort.

I feel all APLD CA districts and Chapter chairs have been doing an amazing job, we have all been quite busy with many subjects, promoting the profession of Landscape design; in accordance to APLD’s mission; and therefore, I am very excited with what is happening at APLD CA and CA Districts right now and highly recommend you all to see the updates of all what the working groups have been developing for our members in California and if possible, to get involved, we make each other better.

Wishing you a productive season.

May you enjoy this issue of California Landscape Design,

Sincerely,
Martin G. Carrion van Rijn

Member Highlights

California Award Winners
Call for Entries for the 2022 APLD International Landscape Design Awards
Welcome New Members

Advocacy Corner

APLD CA Initiatives
Healthy Pots Healthy Planet

Our Sponsors

Upcoming Events

Contributors

Call For Submissions

Laura Morton, CPLD, FAPLD
Laura Morton Design
Los Angeles, CA 

“Laguna Charm”

Gold Award, Residential Category over $100,00

Project Location: Laguna Niguel, CA

The hardscape material selection was inspired by European gardens and was designed to feel intimate and elegant while being durable. Gravel, cobble, wood, and natural stone were used— restrained materials that created a desired sense of timelessness.

“Weber Project'“

Silver Award, Residential Category $25,000 - $100,000

Project Location: San Diego, CA

The clients wanted to keep some of the hardscapes (organic shapes) but also wanted a more modern, contemporary, clean look. These shapes were used to design the new areas of the backyard and a yin-and-yang effect was built into the design.

Photos by Janet Bark Photography.

“Southwood”

Silver Award, Residential Category over $100,000

Project Location: Orinda, CA

A Corten steel sculpture and raised Corten planters add warmth and interest to a linear entryway. Drought-tolerant and California natives reduce water consumption.

Usable space was established with the use of decking material to expand outdoor living around an existing pool, turning previously unusable space into functional space.

Photos by Joe Dodd.

“Starview Residence”

Silver Award, Residential Category over $100,00

Project Location: Danville, CA

This modern garden’s layout and colors complement the modern lines of the clients’ chic California home. An austere design creates a calm setting for outdoor living. The clients use these spaces for family gatherings as well as work-related events.

“Small Yard Sanctuary”

Bronze Award, Small Gardens Category

Project Location: Moraga, CA

My clients desperately wanted a safe yard for their whole family to enjoy. Their young children also needed space to play. In addition, they wanted to be able to invite friends over at a moment’s notice and therefore requested to have minimal plantings (but wanted a camellia, olive, azalea, and “dainty” flowers included) that require nominal maintenance.'

For the design, I really wanted the outdoor space to seamlessly blend with their indoor living. It was important to make every inch of the space functional and family-friendly.

The APLD International Landscape Design Awards Program honors excellence in landscape design by recognizing individual landscape designers and their projects. The program brings exceptional talent to the attention of peers, potential clients and the world of design.

All entries will be part of an intensive multi-level screening process. A distinguished panel of experts judges the entries to select Gold, Silver and Bronze award recipients. Projects are judged on the basis of difficulty, craftsmanship, attention to detail and specific criteria outlined in the awards entry packet. There are no set number of awards to be presented. Judges may select multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in each category based on qualifying scores. Awards may or may not be given in every category. 

Each entry category is evaluated independently. The type, size and cost of the project will not be criteria for judging. The judging criteria totals 100 points. Projects scoring 90 points or above will receive Gold awards. Projects scoring between 80 to 89 points will receive Silver awards. Bronze awards are given at the judges discretion for projects scoring between 75 and 79 points. 

From the gold award winning entries, the judges will choose the 2022 APLD Best of Show. This award can be given to an individual designer, design collaboration, or design practice. 

The 2022 Landscape Designer of the Year is a judges’ award, based on the following criteria: 

• Interprets the space in a unique way 

• Shows a creative solution to a landscape challenge 

• Is innovative with the use of materials and resources

• Has a uniquely creative vision for the space 

• Their project elicits a, “Wow, I wish I would have thought of that!” response to the design 

All entrants must use APLD’s awards website to submit their projects for consideration.

The deadline for entries : November 15, 2021

Click here for the awards brochure:

Qualified Professional Members

A landscape designer who engages in the practice of landscape design for monetary compensation and contains more than 3 years of professional landscape design experience. Documentation of education and experience is required.

Lisa Onodera
Lisa Onodera Landscape Design
Topanga, CA

Katharine Webster Kocks
Katharine Webster Inc.
San Francisco, CA

Marion (Sami) Weed
Marion A Weed
Palm Desert, CA

Professional Members

A landscape designer who engages in the practice of landscape design for monetary compensation and contains more than 3 years of professional landscape design experience. Documentation of education and experience is required.

Amber Mueller
When the Sun Hits Landscape and Garden Design
Berkeley, CA

Emerging Professional Members

An individual who has been practicing landscape design for one to three years and is starting a career in landscape design. Membership requires affirmation of education and experience, but not documentation.

Mahima Gupta
Sage & Aster
Brisbane, CA

Amber Tippett
Sidewalk Poppies Landscape Design
Long Beach, CA,

Joshua Stangby
Stangby Designs
Fresno, CA

NEW MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: Joshua Stangby

Interview by Debbie Seracini, APLD California Chapter Membership Chairperson

Where did you grow up and what is your earliest experience in nature/the landscape there? 

I was born and raised in the city of Los Angeles, California; a concrete jungle filled with diversity, excitement, and wonderful art. My earliest and fondest memory is riding the local transportation with my family, to go to the Labrea tar pits. This area has a wonderful combination of history, vibrant architecture, and a welcoming family community. 

What is your current favorite landscape design style and why?

My favorite style of landscape design is Mid-Century Modern. The structure and functionality that is used in this design aligns best with my personality and nature. Clean lines, and purposeful areas that are clearly defined brings a sense of calmness. 

Who or what inspires you?

What inspires me is the idea of creating something from a simple idea. Landscape design is like an unorchestrated dance between creative expression and pragmatism of what is buildable. Each design has its own vision. I enjoy accurately expressing the design from thought into reality. My biggest influences are Frank Gehry, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Thelonious Monk. They're daring, creative, innovative, and highly gifted artists. 

What environmentally sustainable concepts do you apply to your landscape design practice?

The main sustainable concept I practice is water conservation. Water is an extremely scarce resource, especially in Fresno, California. Our water table is constantly dropping, and using techniques to conserve water within the landscape is key. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce water runoff, and preserve as much as possible.

 How did you find out about APLD and what led you to join?

I found out about the APLD by researching online. I was seeking a supportive community of experts that I could learn from, and share experiences with. 

What do you hope to gain through your membership with APLD?

I hope to gain a wealth of knowledge, and wisdom by learning from professionals. Most importantly, I would like to meet professionals, and build meaningful relationships that help serve the landscape community.

APLD CA Chapter’s Advocacy Initiatives

Through the Chapter’s Advocacy Committee (previously Advocacy & Sustainability Task Force), APLD members advocate for many important causes that impact our members, profession, environment, and issues with respect to equity and justice. The Committee has been actively working on two identified priorities relative to environment: Fire-resilient Landscape Design and Biodiversity (Native Habitat Garden Design).

The Committee recognizes that increasing wildfire danger throughout the state has made it urgent that California’s design professionals receive comprehensive, standardized, science-based education so that solutions for meeting a resident’s needs and expectations can be melded with strategies that will reduce the very real threat that the landscapes around a home can pose. This education will enable landscape designers to play an important role in helping design fire-resilient landscapes that promote and protect biodiversity.

Fire-resilient Landscape Design Initiative

Join Us for This
Virtual Symposium
November 4, 2021, 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Fire-resilient Landscapes: Creating Beautiful Gardens for Defensible Space

Landscape design and photo by Shireen Zia. Landscape installation by EarthCare Landscaping.

Cheryl Miller, RLA, and Carol Rice, Fire Ecologist, will present design principles that help provide resiliency in the face of a wildfire. Richard Halsey, Director of the Chaparral Institute, and Mike Evans, Founder and President of the Tree of Life Nursery, will provide useful information on plants for improving habitat conservation, biodiversity, soil stability, increasing carbon storage, and enhancing water conservation. These tools will aid designers in creating gardens with aesthetic appeal that help protect homes.

The Advocacy Committee’s Education Working Group has established the Fire-resilient Landscape Design Initiative and will develop a comprehensive qualification training program to better prepare our designers for the wildfire reality that California landscapes face.

Biodiversity Initiative 

The Education Working Group has also established the Biodiversity Initiative, which will focus on researching and developing a science-based curriculum to educate designers about how to create water-wise habitat gardens with a focus on native plants, water conservation, water harvesting, soil health, and carbon storage in a way that will regenerate biodiversity. Because of habitat loss related to development, climate change, and wildfires, there is a growing need for gardens that attract and support wildlife, especially pollinators, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The good news is that when gardens are designed, constructed, and maintained for these beautiful biodiversity ambassadors, they benefit a wide array of other wildlife as well.  We should and can be part of creating these regenerative landscapes.

Please consider how you can be involved. It is our hope that we’ve piqued your interest and that you want to learn more about these Initiatives. Please join us to help others in learning how to create gardens that are beautiful and vital for the reasons described here and more! 

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”

— Ryunosuke Satoro

To get involved in one of these groups, please contact Kit Veerkamp who is coordinating both Initiatives at kitzkamp@yahoo.com. 

Kit is a retired licensed landscape architect with over 40 years of experience designing residential, commercial, institutional, and public works projects throughout the greater Sacramento region and foothills. In addition to serving on the Sacramento District’s Board and the Chapter’s Advocacy Committee, she is the Horticulture Chair and Plant Sale Coordinator for the El Dorado Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, UC Master Gardener, and California Naturalist. She teaches courses on improving soils, pollinator gardens, natural pest management, water-wise gardening, habitat gardening, and fire-resiliency.

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED BY ALL OUR APLD MEMBERS

Please Sign onto APLD’s Healthy Pots Healthy Planet Initiative Today!

APLD has undertaken a major, and potentially game-changing environmental effort to reduce the use of plastics in the horticultural industry.  By building a huge Coalition of individuals, trade associations, non-profits, retail and wholesale nurseries and growers, we plan to create an overwhelming groundswell of pressure for manufacturers to produce more sustainable alternatives to horticultural plastic pots.  This effort is not unlike the work it took to establish the ground-breaking LEED environmental standards that now are a staple in the architectural, building, and landscape construction industries.

It is critically important that each and every one of our 600 plus APLD members sign on to join this Coalition by mid-October.  So far just a fraction of us have done so but I know we can turn that around.  Full participation by our membership is critical for showing potential Coalition members that APLD  as an organization has thrown its weight fully behind this climate change Initiative.

Toni Bailey (DC/MD/VA Chapter) is the head of the APLD’s Healthy Pots Healthy Planet Initiative Committee.   The APLD California Chapter is taking a leading role on this Committee, with Karen Hunt and Lori Cox (Bay Area District members) representing us at the National level.  Their work is under the umbrella of the California Chapter’s Advocacy Committee.  If you would like to be involved, please email: karen@hunt106.net.

For more information, visit the HPHP website: healthypotshealthyplanet.org

APLD CALIFORNIA CHAPTER SPONSORS

Through sponsorship of APLD California Chapter, these industry leaders declare their support for best practices, educational programs and events, and the highest standards in landscape design. From veteran materials suppliers to producers of cutting-edge landscape products, these companies have committed to connecting with professional landscape designers and our clients. 

Bay Scenery specializes in delivering high-quality landscape construction services in and around Silicon Valley. Through the acquisition of well-known companies such as Harris Landscaping Company, we have cultivated a reputation for excellence in landscape construction for over 30 years.

This company was founded to re-purpose the woody materials that our parent company, Hamilton Tree Service Inc., was generating and sending to the landfill. We have designed a product that is environmentally preferable and ecologically friendly; all of our materials are derived from local tree and landscape companies and are processed right here in the San Francisco bay area (Martinez).

Part of the Mendocino Family of Companies, Humboldt Redwood is a proud PLATINUM SPONSOR of the APLD California Chapter. To learn more about Humboldt Redwood, please visit https://www.GetRedwood.com/.

Efficient Irrigation and Regenerative Landscape Tools

an APLD CA sponsor spotlight with The Urban Farmer Store

October 19, 2021

Designer Dirt: Raindance

an online discussion about water features with APLD Sacramento District

October 21, 2021

Beyond the Initial Landscape Concept – Presentation Materials & Design Documents for Client and ContractoR

an APLD Webinar with Eileen Kelly and Laura Morton

November 16, 2021

Ask a Soil Expert: the ABCs of Soil Testing

an online event with APLD Greater LA District,
with Matthew Slaughter of Earthfort

November 16, 2021

Fire-Resilient Landscapes: Creating Beautiful Gardens for Defensible Space

an online symposium presented by APLD CA Chapter Advocacy Committee

December 1-4, 2021

This symposium features valuable insights and tools to help designers, contractors, and horticulturists create aesthetically appealing landscapes while safeguarding homes and their surroundings.

This symposium is the first step in a broader goal: to provide leading-edge education on fire-resilient landscapes for the health of our clients, communities, environment, and ecosystems. Designers and allied professionals who design, install, and maintain landscapes can then provide their essential services to support fire-resilient landscapes.

2021 APLD International Design Conference: Beyond Beauty, A Virtual Event.

December 1-4, 2021

OCTOBER

Efficient Irrigation and Regenerative Landscape Tools
An APLD CA sponsor spotlight with The Urban Farmer Store.
October 19.

Protecting Monarchs and Other Pollinators in Your Community
A webinar with Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
October 20. 

Designer Dirt: Raindance
An online discussion about water features with APLD Sacramento District. October 21. 

Climate Change and Land Use Change Impacts on Pollinators
A webinar with the Xerces Society. 
October 21. 

Laundry-To-Landscape Graywater Workshop (online) hosted by The Urban Farmer Store.
October 27.  

Protecting Monarch Butterflies in Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties
A webinar with Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
October 28.

NOVEMBER

Landscape Design as a Career
A webinar with Ruth Bancroft Garden.
November 6. 

2021 Regenerative Solutions for Resilient Landscapes
An online virtual conference with the Ecological Landscape Alliance.
November 11.  

Garden iPhoneography
An online workshop with Ruth Bancroft Garden.
November 13.

Beyond the Initial Landscape Concept – Presentation Materials & Design Documents for Client and Contractor
An APLD Webinar with Eileen Kelly and Laura Morton.
November 16. 

Managing Pests while Protecting Pollinators, webinar.
November 17. 

ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture in Nashville, TN.
November 19-22.  

Ask a Soil Expert: the ABCs of Soil Testing with Matthew Slaughter of Earthfort
An online event with APLD Greater LA District.
November 30.

DECEMBER

Ecological Plant Conference
An online virtual conference with the Ecological Landscape Alliance.
December 3.

Pet-Friendly Plants in Dry Gardens
An online workshop with Ruth Bancroft Garden.
December 4.

American Society of Consulting Arborists Annual Conference in Incline Village, Nevada
December 5-8. 

Irrigation Show and Education Week Trade Show in San Diego
December 6-10.

IN 2022…

Mexico Monarch Migration, a Pacific Horticulture tour.
February 1-6.  

Nor Cal Landscape & Nursery Show in San Mateo.
February 3.

Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle.
February 9-13.

Armenia & the Republic of Georgia, a travel tour with Pacific Horticulture. March 24-June 8. 

The Sikkim & Darjeeling Himalayas, a travel tour with Pacific Horticulture. May 14-18.

The Splendor of Portuguese Gardens, a travel tour with Pacific Horticulture. October 1-9, 2022