Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Honeysuckle Vine (Lonicera sempervirens) is blooming!

With all of the rain, Louisville is GREEN! I couldn't resist taking photos
of the Honeysuckle Vine (Lonicera sempervirens) which has put on a
tremendous amount of growth this spring. It is a native climbing vine that
needs support, but it can put on a show all season long (it blooms from
April through November). It is a favorite of hummingbirds!

Have a great KY Derby!

Posted via email from Verdant Design

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Drought assessment for Louisville and Grantsburg is not good: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center, which forecasts weather and ground conditions for up to 3 months out, is predicting a persistent drought in northern Wisconsin and drought development in the central part of the bluegrass state through July. 

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

They also have maps available for 6 day, 14 day, 1 month and 3 month temperature and precipitation.  It’s a great site, but sometimes has bad news.  It looks like we are in for a drier condition for the bluegrass region of Kentucky… Enjoy (and store) the rain while we have it!

Posted via email from Verdant Design

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Monday, April 19, 2010

Latest work on YouTube

A rough first-take of master plan for an outdoor classroom is on YouTube:

Posted via email from Verdant Design

Monday, April 12, 2010

DOT Secretary LaHood issues a federal policy putting bikes and peds on equal footing with motorized traffic

The US DOT statement on bike and ped accommodation now states, “…transportation agencies should plan, fund, and implement improvements to their walking and bicycling networks, including linkages to transit. In addition, DOT encourages transportation agencies to go beyond the minimum requirements, and proactively provide convenient, safe, and context-sensitive facilities that foster increased use by bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities, and utilize universal design characteristics when appropriate. Transportation programs and facilities should accommodate people of all ages and abilities, including people too young to drive, people who cannot drive, and people who choose not to drive…”

This is an excellent step in the right direction!

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/policy_accom.htm

Posted via email from Verdant Design

Friday, April 02, 2010

ASLA demonstrates Sustainable Landscapes

The American Society of Landscape Architects has a new website that shows 10 examples of what sustainable landscapes look like.  The projects range from large planning efforts to residential projects.  Each project page shows what makes it sustainable and allows one to catch a vision of where sustainability is headed.

So what are Sustainable Landscapes?

“Sustainable landscapes are responsive to the environment, re-generative, and can actively contribute to the development of healthy communities. Sustainable landscapes sequester carbon, clean the air and water, increase energy efficiency, restore habitats, and create value through significant economic, social and, environmental benefits.”

http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/

Posted via email from Verdant Design