HONEST DESIGN

Honest design is the creation of strikingly beautiful landscapes that aggressively address environmental and social disconnections from the land. Key tenets include:

STRONG BONES, TOUGH SKIN

The 'bones' of the landscape are the hardscape elements – well detailed, carefully articulated architecture that frames and strengthens the landscape. An ever-changing 'skin' of tough and low maintenance native plants capitalizes on evolutionary symbioses with local birds, insects, bees, and other creatures. Other plants appropriate to the soil, light, and water conditions on site supplement the native plant palette.

LAYERS OF HABITAT

Vertically layered gardens attract the greatest number and diversity of wildlife. Additions such as bird feeders and bat boxes further promote the goal of bio-diversity in the landscape.

FOUR SEASONS

Gardens should be beautiful at all times. By selecting plants with different bloom times, varying textures, and winter interest, Moody Graham choreographs garden atmospheres that are constantly changing.

RAINWATER RESPONSIBILITY

Increased impervious coverage has led to stream degradation and water pollution. Proper grading and plants counteract damage and pollution by slowing rainwater runoff, taking up water through plant roots, and allowing remaining water to infiltrate through the soil.

BIOPHILIA

Biophilic design improves our health and wellness in buildings and landscapes. Design guidelines (organized by Terrapin Bright Green) include:

1. Visual connection with nature

2. Non-visual connection with nature

3. Non-rhythmic sensory stimuli

4. Thermal and airflow variability

5. Presence of water

6. Dynamic and diffuse light

7. Connection with natural systems' natural analogues patterns

8. Biomorphic forms and patterns

9. Material connection with nature

10. Complexity and order nature of the space patterns

11. Prospect

12. Refuge

13. Mystery

14. Risk/Peril

GARDENS ARE NEVER COMPLETE

Gardens are constructions of creativity that live and breathe. They are constantly evolving. 

Please contact us today to talk about how we can help guide your project forward.