AboutSean J Murphy, LA Expertise I can answer almost any question related to design, installation, pricing of landscaping and hardscaping. I am not a horticulturist though so I can not answer questions on pests or diseases of plants. I also can answer questions related to pools, water features, ponds, lighting, grading, drainage, walls, patios, decks and much more.
Experience I have been doing landscaping since I was 8 years old. My family owned a nursery in Florida when I was a teen and I owned and operated several lawn and landscape companies over the years. I have since completed 6 years of in Landscape Architecture at Purdue University and have a Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture. I have been practicing professionally for 13 years in Atlanta and the south east US. I have worked for some of the best and most well know firms and personalities in landscaping and my work has won many awards. I have worked for the likes of Disney, the 1996 Olympic games, and REIT Post Properties(Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, NY, Tampa, Orlando). I know many of the plants in Georgia and Florida plus surrounding states. I have passed the Georgia Landscape Architects Licensure Exam and can legally call myself a Landscape Architect Lisc. # 001156
I am currently the Department Manager of the Planning and Landscape Architecture Department of a local Multi-Disciplinary firm and used to own and operate Amenity Architects LLC. you may preview our work at www.amenityarchitects.com. My new employer is SoutheasternEngineering, Inc. see www.seenginering.com
I am also part owner in the family business Murphy's Garden Art also see at www.murphysgardenart.com.
Organizations American Society of Landscape Architects,
Keep Smyrna Beautiful,
ULI,
Smyrna Downtown Development Authority,
Smyrna Downtown Task Force,
Publications Landscape Architect and Specifier News,
Atlanta Homes Magazine,
Landscape Architecture Magazine,
Coastal Living, Magazine
Education/Credentials Pinellas County Center for the Arts 1984 - 1988,
Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture - Purdue University, 1994,
Mike Lynn Graphics Workshop 1994,
University of Georgia Wetland Delineation Certification 1995,
Post University Mini MBA 2000,
Edinburgh College of Art - 1 year co-op 1993,
Intern Smallwood Reynolds Stewart and Stewart Architects Atlanta1993,
Awards and Honors ASLA Merit Award 1994 Mined Land Project IN,
ACI 1st Place for Hardscape Design / Installation 1999 Biltmore Atlanta.
Coastal Living Idea House Design 2005/2006.
South Eastern Flower Show People's Choice Award for best garden design,
Many more!!! too many to list here
Past/Present clients
Georgia Governor Roy Barnes,
The State of Georgia,
City of Powdersprings,
City of Stockbridge,
Post Properties,
Bayfair Homes,
John Willis Homes,
Pulty Homes,
Serenbe Development,
Mayor of Smyrna-Georgia Max Bacon,
Expert: Sean J Murphy, LA Date: 7/6/2008 Subject: concrete, dirt & weed barrier
Question We have a rock area whose weed barrier failed, so while preparing it for new we discovered there is a blend of different levels of concrete and some dirt underneath. We have a plastic weed barrier but are concerned that with rocks on top and concrete underneath it will fail quickly. Are we correct in our concerns? Would wood mulch be a better choice? It would be within 30" of our house. And of course, we would like an economic solution. Thank you.
Answer See my previous answers about weed barriers. I don't believe in them. They are gimmicks that always fail as organic material breaks down and covers them from above (wind and water carried) the weeds grow in the soil above and root right through the weed barrier. If you are using straight plastic, as a weed barrier, don't that is bad for the environment as no water get through to soil below which is needed for many reasons. Besides over a short period of time the plastic begins breaks down from UV exposure and starts coming up through anything you put over it. Eventually it looks very bad. Professional landscapers with any education and quality in mind will never use plastic. Your best bet is always a good thick layer of mulch of any type you like. 3 to 4" thick is generally good, but you may need to top it off each year as some of it always breaks down.
Nothing in the landscape is ultimately maintenance free. You may have to weed occasionally but if you stay on tip it gets easier each year. Add more mulch and some pre-emergent weed preventative each spring for best results.
