"Seeing Our Landscapes Through Smaller Eyes"

By Pete Haran Vice President

Have you ever wondered what our landscapes look like through the eyes of a child? What do they see? What would our gardens and out door spaces look like if they had the chance to design them?

On the grand scale, most likely we would see more parks and open space for activities and recreation, including bike paths and walking trails to get from one friend's house to another. Research has shown that, when being creative, children tend to be much more abstract with their than adults. Landscape architects and designers try to massage these ideas into reality as often as possible. Some of the best landscapes and gardens include real, functional amenities which have been inspired by an abstract idea.

On a smaller scale, how can we incorporate this way of thinking into our own private landscapes? The first way is to ask your children (if you dont have any, "borrow" your neighbors'). If you are concidering a design change for your property, and you have younger children, get them involved. Explain the scope of the project, the patios, ponds, play areas, trees, plantings, etc., then listen to their thoughts about how it should be arranged.

What would they look like? Patios that look like puzzle pieces or a sand box that takes the shape of their favorite cartoon character may be the result. How about some boulders to climb on or soil mounds to play in? Plant some trees your children can grow with, evergreens to hide out in, or design tree houses in existing trees.

Maybe your children would even create some places for birds and wildlife.

The concept here is "anything goes". Let a landscape architect and design/build company work with you to bring these creative ideas to life in a functional way. After all, our children are our future and their ideas will be around then, too. Through smaller eyes, our gardens and landscapes might even be more enjoyable for us now, while being there for them later.

Lipinski Landscape & Irrigation Contractors of Mt. Laurel offers a full range of professional, award-winning design/build services to home builders and homeowners in the Delaware Valley.