Landscape Design: A Practical Approach

NACTA Journal, Sep 2003 by Duncan, Dennis W

Landscape Design: A Practical Approach by Leroy G. Hannebaum, 5th edition, Prentice Hall, 2002, 466 pages, hardbound $81.00. Landscape Design: A Practical Approach by Leroy Hannebaum is a good text for an introductory level landscape design course for beginning level college students. The text consists of 16 chapters that provide the reader with a broad overview of the principles of landscape design; bidding and estimating; sales; and irrigation design. In addition to the aforementioned chapters, the author has included three appendices: 1) plant materials guide list; 2) measurements and weights; and 3) list of suggested references.

Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the landscaping industry and gives a brief overview from a designer's perspective. Chapters 2 through 6 provide an overview of landscape design from an on-site perspective. Topics include: site analysis; climates; circulation areas; outdoor rooms; surveying; grading and terraces; drainage; retaining walls; and basic engineering data. Chapters 7 and 8 review the principles for, and elements of, a successful landscape design. Hannebaum emphasizes the following design components: simplicity; scale; variety; emphasis; sequence; and balance. He uses numerous illustrations to supplement the text.

Chapters 9 and 10 emphasize the importance of matching plant material to design criteria. In these chapters plant selection, size, and condition are discussed in addition to plant arrangement. Chapter 11 emphasizes the use of various embellishments in landscape designs. Items such as lighting, water features, statuary, and construction features are illustrated through color photos. Two areas of this chapter should be expanded to reflect the current trends in design: water features and lighting, both of which are very popular in residential and commercial landscapes. This is the only chapter in the entire text with color photos.

Chapters 12, 13 and 14 look at landscape design from a business perspective. Topics include business applications for landscaping; landscape designing for commercial sites; specifications, estimations and bids; and sales strategies and sales education. Chapter 15 describes and illustrates the use of computer-aided-drafting (CAD) systems. There are many good descriptions but the author needs to update some of the photos and provide the reader with different examples of the latest software for the novice or expert. Chapter 16, the final chapter in the text, describes and illustrates the design, layout and use of landscape irrigation systems. There are numerous illustrations, detailed drawings, and tables to assist the reader in understanding how to successfully design a system. Irrigation design software is also provided.

The text concludes with three appendices that include a detailed listing of plant material, common measurements and weights, and professional landscape organizations. The only criticism I have of this final section is the perennial plant list doesn't include climatic zones. This is an important factor when identifying plants for a design, and must be included. Overall, this is a good text though I would prefer to see more color plates. The black and white photos are often too dark. Color is a very important component of landscape design. The student needs to see the wide variety of colors of plants, mulch, pavers, and embellishments to successfully design an aesthetically pleasing landscape. I would recommend this text for introductory landscape design students.

Dennis W. Duncan

Assistant Professor

Agricultural Technology Program

Virginia Tech