When I was designing landscapes in Arizona, one option we had available to us was travertine marble tile. These were actual tiles - …
Tysons Corner landscape design
Accessibility and Universal Design in the Landscape
When I was studying interior design I was fascinated by universal design. While I don't trust Wikipedia for everything, their definition …
Understanding Flagstone: Sawcut, Thermaled, and Chiseled Edges
You've decided to use flagstone in the landscape. Good call! You may not be done making decisions, however. If the stone will be used in an …
Why I Don’t Use Sweetgum Trees
Every once in a while I'll look over a drawing from another designer and see sweetgum trees in the plant legend. If they're near the house …
Virginia Deck Design Explained, Part 1: Footers and Ledger Attachment
My name is Dave Marciniak, landscape designer and owner of Revolutionary Gardens, and I use jargon. I'm deeply sorry. However, the …
Drainage and Infrastructure Are Not Like Milk Duds
I'm still recovering from Halloween - 538 trick-or-treaters is a LOT Of kids - and it's still framing how I look at things. Of the nearly …
What is a Concrete Turndown Edge on a Patio, Anyhow?
Sounds so fancypants, doesn't it? I have a few projects underway that need one, and it's a simple concept that sounds more involved than it …
When Do I Call a Landscape Designer?
I get asked this question (or a variant thereof) a lot. After all, when contemplating a major remodel or new home, I'm needed to put the …
Using Dry Stream Beds for Drainage
Here in Virginia we have clay soils that don't drain particularly well. We also get a fair bit of rainfall. When new subdivisions are built, …