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About Mark
Expertise
Design of landscape structures and design of planting arrangements in the landscape. I usually do not answer questions of a horticultural nature or about growing plants or gardening unless they are related to design. I will answer these questions at my discretion. I will answer maintenance questions at my discretion,usually when they are related to design. I am a landscape designer. I am not a contractor or a gardener.
Here are example categories of problems I can help you with: Design of residential walks,low walls,low retaining walls,fences,drainage systems,arbors,plant selection,xeriscapes (low water use landscapes),rain garden design,rain water harvesting,permeable paving,sustainable drainage. No advise on an architectural or engineering level.
I do not perform actual design work through this site. I only provide suggestions and advice.
I am a skilled draftsman and can advise you about the kind of drawings,permits and construction documents you may need for your landscape project. Any landscape project should be layed out on a drawing but larger projects in particular,that may be contracted out,should have drawings and specifications for cost and quantity estimates and for competitive bids. A drawing and specifications will also become part of any contract made with a contractor and enhances the clients protection.
Experience
Landscape concept plan for a 30,000 square feet housing site. Involved site recon by pace measurements and photographs and a site analysis and a site analysis report and recommendations and a preliminary cost estimate. Design elements included canopy trees,shrub cover,accent flowers,trash receptacles,benches and planters.
Landscape concept plan for a 7,000 square feet site for a community center. Involved site recon by tape measurements and photographs,a site analysis and the creation of 3 conceptual designs for the site.
Work was done through a local professional design center. Design elements included
tree garden,playground,sitting area,lawn,cooking area,lighting and concrete and brick paving.
Landscape concept plan for a 3,000 square feet housing site. Involved site recon by tape measurements and photographs and a site analysis.
Concluded in 3 concept designs for the site,shown at a formal presentation,a site analysis and recommendations. Work was done through a community volunteer program. Design elements included decks,a playground and fencing.
Briefly as draftsman for landscape designer/gardener.
Conceptual landscape design for residence. Involved site recon by tape and pace measurements and site analysis. Design included covered patio area,ground cover and flower beds.
Two years experience as draftsman for transportation department in engineering firm and for engineering consultants to phone company. Duties consisted of plotting topography.
Survey crew member. General assistant to surveyor. Work was done for U.S. Army and County Highway Department. No instrument work. Duties included tape measurement,holding graduated survey rod and plumb bob for sighting and clearing brush.
Marketed Landscape Design Services. Brochure writing,promotional material and marketing graphics.
Education/Credentials
Course in Computer Aided Drafting. 700 hours in AutoCad 2000. 700 hours to date on AutoCad Light 2000.
Certificate in Manual Drafting. 1200 hours drafting time.
Course in Civil Engineering Technology. (One Semester)
Awards and Honors
From Civil Engineer:
I am very impressed with your work and with the obvious thought you have put into the marketing of your venture. It was especially good to see a print of that job we discussed on the phone. I wish you much luck with the venture as I do with your plans for school. Im darn proud of you buddy. And by the way,when I get my license,maybe you will consider me for a consulting job down the road. I hope to get together with Rick sometime soon and I would really like to show him your stuff if its ok with you. From all these questions you ask I get the feeling that you are genuinely interested and have put alot of thought into the idea and process of landscape architecture and if you could possibly afford the cost I would urge you to take some classes in the areas you are most interested in. The subject is not so simple as it appears,mixing science and engineering with art and a certain amount of religion to create a comfortable and pleasing balance between man and nature. A thoughtful soul like yours can do this but it can be a lifes work getting it right.
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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Exterior Decorating > Landscaping & Design > Choice - Sunset Red or October Glory
Expert: Mark - 10/24/2009
Question
Mark, I am an avid gardener and have found this site extremely helpful. I was researching October Glory to plant at my school (I am a teacher) in memory of two teachers who have passed away since September. As I have done all the landscaping (Natchez Crepes, false cypress, daylillies, blue point junipers, azaleas, hostas, hydrangea, dwarf nandinas, acuba, etc. - with much more to come) for our middle school, I want this to be a special addition. Our school is surrounded by wooded area, however, our school grounds are full sun. I wanted to plant the OG, but have discovered the Sunset Red. I am unsure which is the best. Plus both have samaras - which I have in a maple in my yard - and can hardly tolerate them. I have given you all this information to ask your opinion regarding the purchase. Is there a maple that offers wonderful fall color without the pesky samaras? Or would you recommend another species? I don't want to rely on the school grounds maintenance to mow the samaras down when they sprout, they have destroyed several yoshino cherries cutting their bark, spraying, etc. - and to weed both my yard and the school - is a thought I'd rather not have! Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Martha
Answer
Hello,
The male October Glory and the male Sunset Red do not produce samaras. Sunset Red tends to change color earlier than October Glory but October Glory sounds a bit hardier than Sunset Red,is more tolerant of dry soil conditions and may have a larger growth range.
Seedless maples are either hybrids or males that do not produce seeds. The most prominent of this seedless group are those belonging to the freemanii cultivars.
Examples of seedless maple include:
Acer freemanii "autumn blaze".
Brandywine red maple (a cross between October Glory and Autumn Flame).
Acer saccharinum ‘Mareltoi’ (seedless Silver Maple). Could be considered a dwarf variety.
Mckay seedless Silver Maple Variety. Male variety is seedless.
Autumn Spire. A columnar shaped maple.
The Silver Maple can make a good accent tree. The amur maple is also a good accent but is not seedless. Good luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.
Mark Harshman
http://www.harshmandrafting.com
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