How can you transform your outdoor space into a welcoming haven while being a champion for your local ecosystems? Join Extension Master Gardener Lynda Ramirez-Blust for an exciting journey into the art and science of landscape design! Discover the foundational principles and step-by-step process for creating vibrant, multifunctional landscapes that improve water and soil quality, reduce stormwater runoff, restore and support pollinator habitats, enrich the tree canopy, and provide sanctuary for wildlife, all while creating a joyful, functional space for you and your family to enjoy. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener, this session will equip you with the confidence you need to craft thriving, sustainable landscapes that nurture both nature and your outdoor experience.
Zoom session – March 7, 2025.
Video of Presentation
Additional Resources
- Landscape Design: Form Follows (multi) Function Handout – pdf
- Addendum with answers to questions brought up at the class – pdf
Resources
Landscape Design Process and Checklists
- NC State Extension and Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program in North Carolina. 2022. North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook. Chapter 19. Landscape Design. Online.
- VanDerZanden, Ann Marie and Nelson, Diane. 2007. Home Landscape Planning Worksheet: 12 Steps to a Functional Design. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Publication PM 612.
Site Analysis
General
- Landscape for Life: https://landscapeforlife.colostate.edu/
- United States Botanic Garden and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 2014. Landscape for Life Instructor’s Manual.
- Sustainable Landscaping Basics. 2021. Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia Virtual Classroom.
Land and Soil
- Contour Map Creator. https://contourmapcreator.urgr8.ch/
- Contour Maps Online. https://contourmap.app/
- Hunnings, Joseph R., Donohue, Stephen J., and Steve Heckendorn. 2019. Soil Sampling for the Home Gardener. VCE Publication 452-129. http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/452/452-129/452-129.html
- SoilWeb, UC Davis. https://casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/gmap/
- Web Soil Survey, Natural Resources Conservation Service. USDA. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/data-and-reports/web-soil-survey
Water
- Fox, Laurie J.; Robinson, Daniel; and Sample, David J. 2018.
- Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 1: Rooftop Redirection (Disconnection).
Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication SPES-9P. - Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 2: Rain Barrels.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication SPES-10P. - Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 3: Permeable Pavement.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication SPES-11P (SPES-610P). - Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 4: Grass Swales.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication SPES-12P (SPES-611P). - Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 5: Rain Gardens.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication SPES-13P (SPES-612P). - Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 6: Buffers.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication SPES-14P (SPES-613P).
- Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 1: Rooftop Redirection (Disconnection).
Sun, Wind
- Sun Calculator. http://www.suncalc.org (also available as an Android phone app)
- Sun Calculator. http://www.suncalc.net (also available as an iPhone app)
- Sun Seeker (iPhone app) – solar tracking and compass application.
- Sun Surveyor – solar and lunar tracking (Android and iPhone applications)
- Wind Rose Dataset. Iowa State University Iowa Environmental Mesonet. https://www.mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/sites/windrose.phtml?station=DCA&network=VA_ASOS
Elements and Principles of Design
- Andruczyk, Mike and Fox, Laurie. 2015. Rain Garden Plants. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 426-043
- Brabham, Brandy. 2019. Creating a Pollinator Haven in your Yard and Garden . West Virginia Cooperative Extension. Planting Plans and Plant Selection
- Common Native Trees of Virginia. 2022. Virginia Department of Forestry.
https://dof.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/Common-Native-Trees ID_pub.pdf - Creating a Well-Layered Landscape. 2022. Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia Virtual Classroom.
- Grow Native: Native Landscape Plans
- Hansen de Chapman, Gail. 2010. Basic Principles of Landscape Design. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Publication Circular 536. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-mg086-2010
- Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia: Tried and True Plant Factsheets for Northern Virginia and Best Bets
https://mgnv.org/plants/native-plants/ - Maxwell, Denise. Which Flower Colors Best Attract Pollinators & Birds?. Illinois Extension, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- Native Plant Finder. 2022. National Wildlife Federation.
https://www.nwf.org/NativePlantFinder - Plant NOVA Natives:
https://www.plantnovanatives.org/ - Plant NOVA Trees.
https://www.plantnovatrees.org/ - Selecting Native Plants for Your Home Garden. 2024. Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia Virtual Classroom.
- Wild Ones: Native Garden Designs
Additional Resources:
- Paper Garden Workshop: https://www.papergardenworkshop.com/blog
- Pretty Purple Door: https://www.prettypurpledoor.com/