Saturday, October 2, 2010

Limestone Specifications

Note:  The following specifications were provided by Texas Quarries.

Limestone Specifications


  1. Work Included. The work under this contract shall include all labor and material for the furnishing of cut Texas Limestone in accordance with the drawings and as hereinafter specified.

  2. Description of Stone. All limestone specified or shown on drawings shall be limestone as produced by Texas Quarries (address below), from the Armadillo Quarry (Cordova Cream or Shell limestone) or the Webb Quarry (Lueders limestone). The stone shall be #1 grade, (specify) color, (specify) finish.

  3. Samples. The stone supplier shall submit three (3) samples, 12" x 12", for approval by the architect. The samples shall be typical of the minimum, average and maximum range of color, texture and finish, and shall match Texas Quarries sample on file in the landscape architect's office.

  4. Cutting and Setting Drawings. The cut stone supplier shall prepare and submit to the architect, for approval, complete cutting and setting drawings for all the limestone work under this contract. Such drawings shall show in detail the sizes, sections and dimensions of stone, the arrangement of joints and bonding, anchoring and other necessary details. If the contract drawings do not show the intent of the jointing, it will be the stone fabricator's responsibility to establish the jointing in accordance with industry standards. The contractor shall furnish all field dimensions necessary for fabrication. These drawings shall be based upon and follow the drawings and full-size details prepared by the architect except where it is agreed in writing that changes be made. Each stone indicated on these drawings shall bear the corresponding number marked on an unexposed surface with a non-staining paint.

    Projecting courses shall have beds in the wall at least 1" greater in depth than the projection, or be specially anchored to the structure as shown on setting drawings.

    Provision for the proper anchoring, dowelling, and cramping of work in keeping with standard practices, also for the support of stone by shelf angles and loose steel, etc., for the support of stone by shelf angles and loose steel, etc., when required, shall be clearly indicated on the setting drawings.

  5. Carving and Models (if applicable). All work shall be done in a proper and artistic manner by skilled carvers, in accordance with the architect's sketches, or from models furnished or approved by the architect.

  6. Cutting. All stone shall be cut accurately to shape and dimensions with jointing as shown on approved drawings. All exposed faces shall be cut true with bed and joints dressed straight and square, unless otherwise shown. All arrises shall be sharp and true. Except where required and noted on the drawings joints shall have a uniform thickness of 3/8".

    Reglets for flashing, etc., shall be cut into the stone where so indicated on the drawings.
    Molded work shall be carefully executed from full-size detail supplied by the architect.
    Repair of stone is an accepted practice and will be permitted. The criteria for acceptance of chips and repairs will be per the standard practice of the industry.

  7. Back Checking & Fitting to Structural Frame. Stone coming in contact with structural work shall be back checked as indicated on the general drawings. Stone resting on structural work shall have beds shaped to fit the supports.

    Where stone facing adjoins columns and spandrel beams the depth of stone shall be such that will allow not less than 1" of clearance between the stone and structural members. The general contractor shall furnish necessary field dimensions where required.

  8. Anchors and Lewis Holes. Holes and sinkages shall be cut in stones for all anchors, cramps, dowels and other tie-backs as indicated on the approved shop drawings. All stone that cannot be handled with belts, clamps or other lifting devices shall be provided with lewis holes. Lewis holes in stones under 4" thick is not recommended. Lifting of stone with lewis pin shall be in the same plane as holes are drilled.

  9. Cutting and Drilling for Other Trades. All cutting and drilling of stone required by other trades will be done in the cut stone fabricator plant only when necessary information is furnished in time to be detailed on shop drawings, and when work can be executed before shipment. Job site cutting and fitting will be the responsibility of the general contractor.

  10. Loading and Shipment. The fabricated stone shall be carefully packed for shipment, free from stains, and other deleterious materials. Carrier will exercise customary precautions against damage in transit.
    Shipment will be made in sequence providing adequate written notice of setting schedule is received by the stone supplier in ample time.

  11. Unloading and Storage at Job Site. All stone shall be received and unloaded at the job site by the contractor, and shall take all necessary care in handling to avoid damaging or soiling. Use only two skids per stone, placed one-fourth (1/4) of the length of the stone from each end.

    Stone shall be stored clear of the ground on non-staining skids. Chemically treated wood should not be used.

    Stone shall be covered to protect against disfiguring elements.

Hardscape Material - Texas Limestone

Limestone

Limestone is a warm, natural material that can be used for paving and wall veneer.  Sawn or honed cut stone is usually used for paving walks and terraces and is sometimes used as stepping stones.  Split-face stone units can be used as wall veneer for buildings or garden walls.  The stone's warm color gains beauty with age and is extremely durable.

There are two main types of Texas cream-colored limestone:





Cordova Cream Limestone (sometimes referred to as Texas Cream limestone)

Cordova Cream - Uniform color and surface with tight grain.  Looks very formal and makes great paving when a smooth, durable, uniform surface is desired.





Cordova Shell Limestone (sometimes referred to as Texas Shell limestone)




Cordova Shell - Cream-colored with irregular surface texture and pitting because the stone has marine fossils embedded in the surface.  The texture is more striking and less formal that Cordova Cream.  However, water can get trapped in the fossil pockets and algae may form and discolor the stone.

The stone is available froTexas Quarries. 


Indiana Limestone
Indiana Limestone - Silver in color.  Indiana limestone has the same even texture of Cordova Cream and can be used with Cordova Cream for contrast.  One source of Indiana Limestone is KGO Stone.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Grasses and Grass-Like Plants Used by Oehme and van Sweeden

Grasses are an integral part of gardens designed by landscape architects Wolfgang Oehme and James van Sweeden.  Below is a partial list of some grasses that they used to add structure and fall and winter interest in the landscape.


Achnatherum brachytricha - Silver Spike Grass
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height (Inflorescence):  24-30"
Spread:  18-24"
Exposure:  Sun to partial shade
Uses in the Landscape:  Massing, small clump, accent
Combine with:  Liriope, Rudbeckia, Sedum


Calamagrostis acutiflora stricta - Feather Reed Grass
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height (Inflorescence): 4.5-7'
Spread:  24"
Exposure:  Full sun to light shade
Uses in the Landscape: background, specimen, large or small masses
Combine with:  Aster, Pennisetum, Rudbeckia, Sedum

Carex morrowii variegata - Silver Variegated Japanese Sedge
USDA Zone:  5-9
Height (Inflorescence): 12"
Spread:  12"
Exposure:  Partial shade
Uses in the Landscape:  borders, edging, massing
Combine with:  Bergenia, Epimedium, Rodgersia pinnata

Carex pendula - Great Drooping Sedge Grass
USDA Zone:  5-9
Height (Inflorescence): 24-36"
Spread:  24-30"
Exposure:  Full sun to partial shade
Uses in the Landscape: Groundcover, textural accent
Combine with:  Astilbe, Bergenia, Epimedium, Hosta, Ligularia, Rodgersia pinnata

Cortaderia selloana pumila - Pampas Grass
USDA Zone:  6-10
Height (Inflorescence):  8-12'
Spread:  4-5'
Exposure:  Full sun
Uses in the Landscape:  Screening or accent
Combine with:  Eupatorium, Lythrum

Deschampsia caespitosa - Tufted Hair Grass
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height (Inflorescence): 24-36"
Spread:  30"
Exposure:  Sun to partial shade.  Needs moist soil.
Uses in the Landscape:  Specimen or massing.
Combine with:  Bergenia, Epimedium, Hosta, Ligularia

Fargesia nitida - Chinese Clump Bamboo
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height (Inflorescence):  10-12'
Spread:  48"
Exposure:  Shade to partial shade
Uses in the Landscape:  Specimen, screening, or massing.  Non-invasive.

Helictotrichon sempervirens - Blue Oat Grass
USDA Zone:  4-8
Height (Inflorescence):  24-30"
Spread:  24"
Exposure:  Sun to partial shade
Uses in the Landscape:  Accent, specimen, masses, or naturalizing
Combine with:  Artemisia, Nepeta, Stachys

Imperata cylindrica 'Red Barron' - Japanese Blood Grass
USDA Zone:  5-9
Height (Inflorescence):  12-18"
Spread:  12-18"
Exposure:  Sun to partial shade
Uses in the Landscape:  Groundcover, accent, specimen
Combine with:  Bergenia, Stachys

Miscanthus floridulus - Giant Chinese Silver Grass
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height (Inflorescence):  10-12'
Spread:  5-8'
Exposure:  Full sun
Uses in the Landscape: Background, architectural specimen in lawns
Combine with:  Hibiscus, Rudbeckia

Miscanthus sinensis gracillimus - Maiden Grass

USDA Zone:  4-9


Height (Inflorescence): 4-6'
Spread:  36-48"
Exposure:  Sun
Uses in the Landscape:  Vertical accent with low groundcovers, backdrop, screening
Combine with:  Aster, Pennisetum, Rudbeckia, Sedum

Miscanthus sinensis purpurascens - Purple Silver Grass

USDA Zone:  4-9


Height (Inflorescence):  4-5'
Spread:  36"
Exposure:  Full sun
Uses in the Landscape:  Accent, back of border, screening
Combine with:  Rudbeckia, Sedum, Yucca

Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent' - Tall Purple Moor Grass

USDA Zone:  3-8


Height (Inflorescence):  5-6'
Spread:  36-42"
Exposure:  Sun.  Needs acid soil.
Uses in the Landscape:  Vertical accent
Combine with:  Coreopsis, Sedum

Panicum virgatum 'Haense Herms' - Red Switch Grass

USDA Zone:  3-9

Height (Inflorescence):  36-48"
Spread:  30"
Exposure:  Sun
Uses in the Landscape:  Masses, back of the border
Combine with:  Aster, Boltonia, Sedum, Yucca

Pennisetum alopecuroides - Hardy Fountain Grass

USDA Zone:  4-9

Height (Inflorescence):  36"
Spread:  24"
Exposure:  Sun to partial shade
Uses in the Landscape:  Small to large groups
Combine with:  Aster, Eupatorium, Rudbeckia, Sedum, Yucca


Sesleria autumnalis - Autumn Moor Grass

USDA Zone:  3-8


Height (Inflorescence):  12-18"
Spread:  18"
Exposure:  Sun to partial shade.  Alkaline soil.
Uses in the Landscape:  Border massing, woodland edges
Combine with:  Ceratostigma, Chrysanthemum pacificum, Sedum

Spodiopogon sibiricus
- Silver Spike Grass

USDA Zone:  3-9


Height (Inflorescence):  36-48"
Spread:  30"
Exposure:  Sun.  Drought tolerant
Uses in the Landscape:  Specimen or mass planting
Combine with:  Aster, Rudbeckia, Sedum, Stachys

Perennial Plant Combinations

Perennial plant combinations inspired by the work of Wolfgang Oehme and James van Sweeden

Acanthus hungaricus Combination
  • Acanthus hungaricus
  • Ceratostigma
  • Coreopsis
  • Helictotrichon
Achillea filipendulina Combination
  • Helenium
  • Nepeta
  • Pennisetum
  • Rudbeckia
  • Salvia
  • Veronica
Aralia racemosa Combination
  • Astilbe
  • Geranium
  • Hosta
  • Lamiastrum
  • Ligularia
  • Ferns
Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound' Combination
  • Nepeta
  • Sedum
Aster x frikartii Combinations
  • Achillea
  • Artemisia
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Pennisetum
  • Spodiopogon
Astilbe Combinations
  • Begonia
  • Hosta
  • Ligularia
  • Ferns
Bergenia Combinations
  • Yucca
  • Astilbe
  • Epimedium
  • Liriope
Brunnera macrophylla Combinations
  • Astilbe
  • Ligularia
  • Liriope
  • Ferns
Caryopteris Combinations
  • Calamagrostis
  • Panicum
  • Pennisetum
  • Pervoskia
  • Sedum
  • Spodiopogon
  • Stachys
Ceratostigma Combinations
  • Coreopsis
  • Liriope
  • Panicum
  • Pennisetum
  • Sedum
  • Yucca
Coreopsis verticillata Combinations
  • Helictotrichon
  • Liatris
  • Pervoskia
Epimedium Combinations
  • Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'
  • Anemone japonica
  • Astilbe
  • Bergenia
  • Liriope
Joe-Pye Weed Combinations
  • Eupatorium purpureum 'Gateway'
  • Calamagrostis
  • Lythrum
  • Miscanthus
  • Senecio
Daylily Combinations
  • Hemerocallis 'Stella d'Oro'
  • Achillea
  • Calamagrostis
  • Lythrum
  • Pennisetum
  • Rudbeckia
Hibiscus moscheutos Combinations
  • Lythrum
  • Pennisetum
  • Senecio
St. John's-Wort Combinations
  • Hypericum calycinum
  • Cerastostigma
  • Pennisetum
  • Rudbeckia
Liatris spicata Combinations
  • Liatris spicata
  • Coreopsis
  • Liriope
Ligularia Combinations
  • Ligularia dentata
  • Hosta
  • Astilbe
  • Liriope
  • Lamiastrum
  • Ferns
Liriope Combinations
  • Bergenia
  • Caryopteris
  • Geranium
Loosestrife Combinations
  • Lythrum salicaria 'Morden's Pink'
  • Hemerocallis
  • Hibiscus
Plume Poppy Combinations
  • Macleaya cordata
  • Hemerocallis
  • Lythrum
  • Miscanthus
Russian Sage Combinations
  • Pervoskia atriplicifolia
  • Artemesia
  • Coreopsis
  • Hypericum
  • Liriope
  • Nepeta
  • Sedum
Black-Eyed Susan Combinations
  • Calamagrostis
  • Liriope
  • Lythrum
  • Pennisetum
  • Senecio
Salvia Superba Combinations
  • Saliva superba
  • Coreopsis
  • Hemerocallis
  • Rudbeckia
  • Sedum
  • Senecio
Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Combinations
  • Ceratostigma
  • Coreopsis
  • Pennisetum
  • Sesleria
  • Yucca
Yucca filamentosa Combinations
  • Yucca filamentosa
  • Ceratostigma
  • Coreopsis
  • Sedum

Oehme and van Sweeden Plant Palette - Perennials

Wolfgang Oehme and James van Sweeden are partners in the landscape architecture firm Oehme and van Sweeden.  They are know for their innovate public and private gardens that utilize minimal hardscape and exuberent planting with bold sweeps of perennials and ornamental grasses.  Below is a partial list of selected plants used in their gardens.

Perennials
Acanthus hungaricus - Bear's Breech
USDA Zone:  5-9
Height: 36"
Width: 24"
Sun:  Part-shade is best.  Will grow in full sun or full shade.

Achillea filipendulina - Fern-leaf Yarrow
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 36"
Width: 18"
Sun:  Full sun

Aralia racemosa - American Spikenard
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 48-60"
Width: 48"
Sun:  Sun to part-shade

Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound' - Silvermound Wormwood
USDA Zone:  4-8
Height: 12-18"
Width: 18"
Sun:  Full sun

Aster x frikartii - Michaelmas Daisy
USDA Zone:  5-8
Height: 30"
Width: 18"
Sun:  Full sun to partial shade

Astilbe taquetii - False Spiraea
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 36"
Width: 18-24"
Sun:  Full sun to part shade

Begonia grandis - Hardy Begonia
USDA Zone:  6-9
Height: 12-18"
Width: 18"
Sun:  Partial shade.  Needs moist soil.

Berginia cordifolia - Heartleaf Berginia
USDA Zone:  3-9
Height: 18"
Width: 18-24"
Sun:  Full sun to partial shade
Note:  Evergreen

Brunnera macrophylla - Perennial Forget-Me-Not
USDA Zone:  4-8
Height: 12-18"
Width: 18"
Sun:  Shade to partial shade

Caryopteris x clandonensis - Bluebeard
USDA Zone:  5-9
Height: 24-30"
Width: 30-36"
Sun:  Full sun to partial shade

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides - Blue Leadwort
USDA Zone:  5-8
Height: 12"
Width: 12-18"
Sun:  Full sun to partial shade

Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Threadleaf Coreopsis
USDA Zone:  3-9
Height: 18-24"
Width: 18"
Sun:  Full sun to partial shade

Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' - Persian Epimedium
USDA Zone:  5-9
Height: 12"
Width: 18"
Sun:  Part shade.  Resents hot sun and needs more moisture with more sun exposure.

Eupatorium purpureum 'Gateway' - Joe-Pye Weed
USDA Zone:  5-9
Height: 60-72"
Width: 36-48"
Sun:  Full sun to partial shade
Note:  Also known as E. fistulosum.

Hemerocallis lilaceae 'Stella d'Oro' - Daylily
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 24-40"
Width: 18-24"
Sun:  Full sun

Hibiscus moscheutos - Rose Mallow
USDA Zone:  5-10
Height: 36-72"
Width: 24-30"
Sun:  Full sun

Hosta sieboldiana - Plantain Lily
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 30"
Width: 24"
Sun:  Shade to partial shade

Hypericum calycinum - St. John's-wort
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 12-18"
Width: 18-24"
Sun:  Full sun to partial shade
Note:  Evergreen

Liatris spicata - Gay-feather
USDA Zone:  5-9
Height: 24-30"
Width: 18"
Sun:  Full sun to partial shade

Ligularia dentata - Bigleaf Goldenray
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 36-42"
Width: 24"
Sun:  Partial shade

Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 12"
Width: 12-18"
Sun:  Full sun
Note:  Evergreen

Lythrum salicaria 'Morden's Pink' - Pink Loosetrife
USDA Zone:  4-8
Height: 36-48"
Width: 18-24"
Sun:  Full sun

Macleaya cordata - Plume Poppy
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 6'-9'
Width: 36"
Sun:  Partial shade is best.  Will tolerate full sun in a cooler climate.

Perovskia atriplicifolia - Russian Sage
USDA Zone:  3-9
Height: 36-48"
Width: 24-30"
Sun:  Full sun

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldstrum' - Black-Eyed Susan
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 24"
Width: 18-24"
Sun:  Full sun to partial shade

Salvia superba - Purple Sage
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 18-24"
Width: 18"
Sun:  Full sun to part shade

Sedum 'Ruby Glow' - Stonecrop
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 8-12"
Width: 12"
Sun:  Full sun

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' - Live-Forever
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 18-24"
Width: 18-24"
Sun:  Full sun (will grow acceptably in partial shade)

Yucca filamentosa - Adam's Needle
USDA Zone:  4-9
Height: 36-48"
Width: 24-30"
Sun:  Full sun
Note:  Evergreen

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Pool Garden with Garden Furniture

This is a concept for a simple swimming pool and recreation terrace for a family.  The lap pool provides adequate space for exercise and family fun while the terrace creates the perfect environment for entertaining.  I used Google SketchUp to create 3D models and exported the images with different rendering styles.




Wednesday, September 29, 2010

SketchUp Samples

I've been experimenting with Google SketchUp recently.  These are some images of an imaginary formal Southern garden courtyard.

View from the terrace looking towards the formal lawn and water feature.

View from dining terrace.
A classic garden bench is surrounded by clipped boxwood hedges and flanked by tropical banana trees.   Vines trained on the wall add depth and texture to the vignette.
A wall mounted water feature adds white noise while creating an interesting textural focal point.

View from the lawn.