beaudrydesign

JOHN'S GARDEN FEATURED IN EXPLORE SAN DIEGO FOX NEWS

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 16:00:00 GMT

JOHN'S GARDEN FEATURED IN EXPLORE SAN DIEGO FOX NEWS

Our very own John Beaudry has just been featured in the news and the focal point was his very own Garden Sanctuary! We were very excited when we got the call saying that they had heard great things about John; from creating garden sanctuaries for others, to writing his own how-to book for those who want to build their very own nature space. After that the ball just kept on rolling. Their news crew came by and were able to really take in what John is all about, his life long dream of connecting people to nature in their own backyards. And now thanks to John, his dream, and the great team we have here at John Beaudry Landscape Design, we are able to do so. While also taking in our customers wants and needs, and what they envision in their Garden Sanctuary. If you're thinking this all sounds really great, then come on down to our Garden Party next month, July 20th. We will be showing John's garden, discussung his book, and letting others see how amazing one dream can turn out. If you are inspired to create your own, we can even answer any questions you may have!

For further information regarding our Garden Party, or if you just want to call and chat about our fees and services, go ahead and give us a call at our office during business hours at 619.929.9140 and we'd love to discuss further!

EASY STEPS TO A MORE WATER-SMART GARDEN

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Fri, 17 May 2019 16:00:00 GMT

EASY STEPS TO A MORE WATER-SMART GARDEN

In this beautiful city of San Diego, we like to maintain our garden's with as little amount of water possible. Maybe you've been thinking about using less water in your garden but don't know where to start nor look. Here a few easy steps that can help! Check your water pressure. If your water pressure is too high, it is very likely you’re using more water than necessary. Inspect your irrigation. Check, adjust, or replace any sprinkler heads that are damaged or leaking. Hydrozone properly. Water your trees less frequently but for longer periods than shrubs and perennials. Water at Sunrise or Sunset. Soil absorbs the most water during lower temps. Replenish your mulch. Maintaining a 3-layer of mulch can protect your soil from direct sunlight, allowing the soil to absorb more water. These are a just a few of many steps to begin creating a water-wise and beautiful, blooming garden!

Call us at (619) 929-9140 so we can get started on creating your own sanctuary, low-water garden!

INSTITUTIONAL TURF REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 16:00:00 GMT

INSTITUTIONAL TURF REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

Want to create a beautiful garden that is also water efficient? THE INSTITUTIONAL TURF REPLACEMENT PROGRAM might be for you! The Institutional Turf Replacement Program is a multi-agency collaboration between the Department of Water Resources, the California Conservation Corps, the Habitat Corridor Project, and the Local Government Commission.

Their goal is to "replace more than 165,000 square feet of turf with California native and water-efficient landscaping, provide long-term water savings and education, and benefit the public."

All you need for this amazing program is the design. Which we can provide! This program will fund your project for up to $20,000 to qualifying applicants. Download the APPLICATION now! Once you're done applying give us a call at (619) 929-9140 so we can began creating your new water efficient and beautiful garden that you've been dreaming of!

WATERSHED APPROACH LANDSCAPES IN 3 EASY STEPS

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 16:00:00 GMT

WATERSHED APPROACH LANDSCAPES IN 3 EASY STEPS

Most conventional landscapes allow water to run off their garden and most often this approach wastes water. With this watershed wise approach to landscaping, your design would be able to retain rainwater and also minimize the need for supplemental irrigation. These amazing gardens require less water but do not look dry at all. In fact, they are, "attractive, lush, and evergreen." Designers say to achieve this there are three easy steps.

Step one is to use healthy living soil because it captures rainwater. "Healthy living soil is made by adding compost to you soil, covering you garden with mulch, and by avoiding soil disturbance as much as possible.

Step two is to chose climate appropriate plants that will reduce the need for irrigation. These plants can be from your own native plant communites and plants from mediterrean climates; This way it will let your garden adapt to California's seasons.

Step three is to use effiient irrigation which supplements rain in order to allow your plants to thrive in those long, hot California summers.

Call us at (619) 929-9140 so we can get started on creating your own sanctuary garden using this incredible watershed wise approach!!

NEW YEAR, NEW GARDEN!

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 16:00:00 GMT

NEW YEAR, NEW GARDEN!

As the new year rolls around once more, so do our resolutions. In our attempt to not go astray, there are some ways to incorporate this year's resolutions into our gardens. Eating healthier seems to be a common one! Need to up your fruit and veggie intake? Why not grow them yourself in your garden! There are many easy to plant fruits and herbs, such as blueberries or rosemary. Want to be outdoors more? Find a blank canvas in your garden and harvest some beautiful flowers! There's nothing better than feeling the soil in your hands. Many of us this year want to find ways to live a less stress-filled life. Aroma therapy is a great way to relieve stress and relax, so go out there and plant some lavendar and put a big bundle next to your bed. Gardening itslelf is also a great way to relieve stress. Another great resolution is spending more time with the family or also just getting some down time with yourself. Both can be accomplished in your beautiful garden that you've put all this work into. Whether you're with the kids looking at the birds and butterflies that come visit the flowers or relaxing in your comfy chair by your garden sipping a nice glass a wine. All of these ideas are meant to tie together your busy life and your garden sanctuary, welcoming in the new year and your resolutions. And if you need a hand to make this come alive give us a call at 619.929.9140 and we'll make your resolutions happen!

Happy new year!

LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 16:00:00 GMT

LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM

If you ever wanted or needed an incentive to make your garden less water-consuming, then you've found one. The Metropolitan Water District is offering a new program, called Landscape Transformation Program -- It promotes water use reduction and sustainability! As a result of the success of other programs, "the new Landscape Transformation Program aims to combine turf removal, irrigation modification and rainwater retention or filtration to support reuse or soil absorption of rainwater." Also, depending on the type of methods used in the landscape transformation project there is a chance of elgibility for a rebate.

For more information on this exciting new program, eligibity for rebates and other guidelines visit WWW.SOCALWATERSMART.COM !

Give us a call at 619.929.9140 to discuss how we can use this rebate to create your own santuary!

WATERSHED-APPROACH LANDSCAPES

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 16:00:00 GMT

WATERSHED-APPROACH LANDSCAPES

Imagine a gorgeous garden: one that requires less water, but doesn’t look dry. It is attractive, lush, and evergreen—because the designer followed the principles of the watershed approach to landscaping.

The Watershed Approach was created by the Association of Professional Landscapers (APLD) and offers an innovate water-wise solution to landscaping.

For more information on this approach, check out the APLD'S FREE HANDBOOK that walks you through how to utilize this method yourself.

We are active members of the APLD and proud to support John Beaudry as he receives two different awards!

For any questions or concerns, give us a call!

GARDEN SANCTUARY: DESIGNING FOR COMFORT, WHOLENESS AND CONNECTION

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 16:00:00 GMT

GARDEN SANCTUARY: DESIGNING FOR COMFORT, WHOLENESS AND CONNECTION

Hello San Diego Community,

I am honored to announce my new book launching soon. I wanted to introduce it to my community personally.

The title of my book is Garden Sanctuary: Designing for Comfort, Wholeness and Connection . It is a how-to garden design book that takes the reader on a transformative journey around creating their own personal connection to nature.

From the introduction: "This book presents a comprehensive explanation of the garden design process. It distills the process into a series of concrete steps. Unlike many garden design books that feature pretty pictures and flowery text, Garden Sanctuary presents a comprehensive explanation of the design process, along with hands-on tools that anyone—from the average homeowner, to the practiced garden designer—can use to create exquisite gardens that harmonize with their environment.

These steps will guide you through the process of transforming your yard, your garden, into a personal sanctuary that is in harmony with Nature. Your new garden will be flooded with birds, butterflies, and perhaps even the sound of flowing water.

Your garden will provide you with your own personal connection to Nature. I ask you to trust in Nature and to be forgiving of yourself. Pledge to me that you will never say “I don’t have a green thumb”.

Through this book, together—you and I—will go through the journey of creating a magical garden where you will find your wholeness, your home within your own heart. It will always be there for you whenever you need it to slow down and ground yourself.

It is a fabulous journey and I am anxious to share it with you.

I encourage you to connect with me.

Sincerely,

John

COMMUNITY GREEN

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 16:00:00 GMT

COMMUNITY GREEN

Dear valued member of our community,

I have a vision . My vision is that everyone is connected to nature and to each other. My commitment is that by the year 2025, every major city in the USA will have an ordinance requiring green roofs on new construction and programs to incentivize them as well.

Of the fifteen benefits of green roofs, Storm water Management alone can be enough to offset costs to allow incentives for green roofs.

Community Green will serve as a toolbox for cities offering strategies for interfacing green roofing systems with storm water management systems.

I am writing to give you an update on progress .

Community Green recently filed for non-profit status for the organization.

Personally, I am registered in the Being a Leader course with Werner Erhard beginning next week in LA. In this 8 day course, we take on a project, or a portion of a larger project. Here is a link to the course: HTTP://BEINGALEADER-UCLA.COM

My project for the course is to acquire ten partners in my organization . I am looking for sponsorship from manufacturers of green roofing systems, board members for the organization, and individuals who are lit up by my vision.

I remain open to your suggestions , inspiration, or a quick hello. I will keep you updated and may make more specific requests of you in the future.

Keeping it green,

John Beaudry

Garden Artist, Landscape Contractor, Author

Connect with me!

619-966-8876

WEB BLOG YELP FACEBOOK

PS If you or someone you know someone who may want to contribute, please don't hesitate to reach out as we create a greener Earth together.

TURF REPLACEMENT INCENTIVE

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 16:00:00 GMT

TURF REPLACEMENT INCENTIVE

Residents in San Diego County now can receive $2.75 per square foot for replacing turf with sustainable landscaping features as part of a new Landscape Transformation Program launched today across Southern California.

John Beaudry and his team have proven experience in replacing turf with beautiful and sustainable landscaping. Check out our GALLERY for examples of our work!

The Landscape Transformation program is a two-part application process. In order to receive a rebate, you must apply to reserve rebate funds prior to starting your project. After the reservation, you will have 180 days to complete the project and submit your request for a rebate.

Get details at HTTPS://HWD.COM/2-75-SQ-FT-INCENTIVE-AVAILABLE-FOR-TURF-REMOVAL-ACT-FAST/

FIVE LANDSCAPE DESIGN TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR WALKWAY

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 16:00:00 GMT

FIVE LANDSCAPE DESIGN TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR WALKWAY

The first thing people notice when visiting your home is the landscape and exterior. You want this area of your home to look it’s very best. For most homes, the way to enter the dwelling is via a walkway. There are ways to enhance a standard walkway, adding more value as well as visual interest to the home. By simply reviewing the landscape design tips below, you can find ways to change the look of your walkway with ease.

Add Some Lighting

A simple way to enhance the walkway towards the entrance of your home is with lighting. From solar lighting to electrical options, there are ways you can add light to enhance the walkway during the evening hours. Lighting can create a new look visually as well as have the added benefit of helping you walk into the home at night. Add pathway lighting for a streamlined look or a nice lamppost at the entrance for a unique look. There are many products available today to assist in adding lighting to walkways for a new look in the home.

Accentuate with Floral Color

Adding florals can easily create a new look for your walkway, by providing color. You can create a lining of flowers along the side of your walkway that creates visual interest and appeal. Choose to work with one color or type of flower or mix it up to create a unique look that can only be found at your home. You already have the base created with the walkway, so add in florals along the sides to bring in a bit of color to your landscaping.

Try Modified Wood Furniture

If you have a long walkway leading up to your home, how about adding in modified wood furniture along the way? Perhaps you have space where you can add in furniture so that you can enjoy a spot in your yard. Walkways that have winding paths can easily see furniture added within a curve or larger area of the path. Think about how you can add furniture near your walkway for added visual interest. A simple bench or chair seating can create a point of relaxation in your yard as well as help to bring together the overall design of your landscaping.

Consider Decorative Columns

Another great option is to add decorative colors to your walkway. This can be done at the entrance or close to the home. With so many materials available today, you can create columns by using stone, brick, cement blocks, etc., even using custom-made columns. Create a grand entrance into your home by adding columns to your walkway.

Enhance the Exterior of the Home

When considering landscaping design, you want to be sure to accentuate the exterior of the home. Take for example, if your home has fiber cement siding. This unique siding type is a quality material that has low maintenance and comes in a variety of colors and designs. If your home has such siding, you want to create a walkway that accentuates the exterior design. If you have a neutral colored siding, add in pops of color along the walkway with an installation of flowers. If you have a bold color siding on the home, stick with greenery for the walkway trim or add in lighting. Too much color might be distracting.

Take a look at the exterior of your home and your walkway. What ideas can you come up with to create a new look? How can you change up your pathway to make your home more inviting and visually stunning? By taking a little time to evaluate your property, and considering the ideas above, you can easily find ways to upgrade your pathway to create a new look for your home.

EXPERT TIPS ON LANDSCAPE DESIGN

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 16:00:00 GMT

EXPERT TIPS ON LANDSCAPE DESIGN

I was asked to write this article by Illinois Homes

Check out my interview, EXPERT TIPS ON LANDSCAPE DESIGN on ILLINOIS HOMES , one of the top sites for ILLINOIS REAL ESTATE , including PLAINFIELD, IL REAL ESTATE . Illinois Homes also services WISCONSIN REAL ESTATE and PENNSYLVANIA REAL ESTATE .

FIVE SUMMER LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE TIPS

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 16:00:00 GMT

FIVE SUMMER LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE TIPS

One of the most important parts of any property is the landscaping. Making up a large part of a home’s curb appeal, landscaping also accounts for approximately 20% of a home’s value. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that your landscaping is well-maintained year-round to maximize your home’s potential.

Summer is the ideal time to do the bulk of your landscaping work, with the warmer temperatures and longer days meaning you can get more work done outdoors. Use these five tips to help make the most of your landscaping maintenance.

Prune

Late July is one of the most recommended times of year to do the pruning in your yard. Bushes, plants, and trees have a tendency to become overgrown, shaggy, and disheveled if left alone for too long. And some flowering shrubs and trees may not bloom each year if they aren’t cut back regularly.

Begin by removing any dead limbs, branches, and sections from existing plants and trees. Then gently cut back those shrubs or plants that have begun to spread too far. Pay close attention to any plants that may be blocking the windows of your home from getting light, and also be sure to cut back any climbing vines that are encroaching on your gutters or siding.

Irrigate and Fertilize

To keep your landscaping looking lush and healthy, it’s important to ensure that the plants are getting proper nourishment. If it’s been a dry summer, take the time to irrigate and water regularly in the evenings when the sun is lower in the sky.

At least once monthly – or more for fast growing plants – add some fertilizer to the base of well-watered plants and rake it evenly into the soil. If you aren’t sure of what type of soil you have, consider having it tested to find what nutrients it lacks so you can best support your plants and keep them healthy.

Update Your Driveway

You may not realize it, but your driveway is a big part of your property’s landscaping. If it’s full of cracks, overgrown with weeds, or just hasn’t been treated well it can lower your curb appeal.

Start by making sure that any potholes and cracks are filled. If you have pavers, make sure there’s sufficient sand between them to prevent weed growth.

Next, turn your attention to the borders of your driveway. Even unattractive paving or gravel drives can be dressed up with proper landscaping. Consider edging your driveway with appropriate plants to direct cars to the house, or invest in lighting if your driveway is long enough to need additional illumination than what the house contributes.

Look for bushes or shrubs that have some bold summer colors to really dress up your driveway during the hottest months of the year. Just make sure that the plants retain their leaves or shape during the winter months as well to get the most benefits from this improvement.

Create a Walkway

A WELL-LANDSCAPED walkway leading to your home or through your garden is an invitation for guests to enjoy your home and property more. Just like with your driveway, consider edging and defining walkways and paths, either with pavers or with plants to give more character to the area.

Summer is a great time to plant some annuals to create a landscape walkway through your yard down to a patio or POOL DECK . Or, consider making a more permanent walkway through your yard with pavers lined with flowering bushes on either side.

Take the time to think about the areas of the yard you use most frequently, then work on defining the way that you approach them, whether from the driveway to the door, or your patio to a gazebo. The result is a more interactive yard that everyone can enjoy.

Update Your Pool Deck

Pools are a great addition to a yard during the summer months. Many inground pools, however, have very plain concrete decks that were built at the time the pool liner was sunk, particularly if the pool is concrete as well.

Concrete may be durable, but it offers little to your home in terms of style. So, consider replacing your deck with natural stone pavers to add color, texture, and interest to the area. Or, if stone doesn’t appeal, consider stamped concrete pavers. Stamped concrete is just as durable as a slab, but comes in a wider range of colors and styles that you can use to give your landscaping a boost.

Maintain Your Landscaping this Summer

The hot summer months can be punishing to your landscaping, but they’re also the time of year when you’re most likely to get out and enjoy it. Take the time to maintain and update your yard and surrounding area each summer to maintain your curb appeal and property values, while improving your landscape and enjoyment of your home at the same time.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMT

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN

Fundamentals of Design

Introduction: Design is a skill most of us already have available to us.

Whenever I teach design I find that the people in my class are inevitably fearful of putting pen to paper. By the time my students enter the classroom, whatever it was that had sparked them to sign up for a landscape design class, became eclipsed by a story in their heads that they don’t have any design skills. After having purchased this book, you may be feeling the same way. However, we all have innate design skills. It is my intent to show you that you do too.

Consider first that you have taste, a tendency to like certain things and not others. You already know what looks good and what doesn’t. In fact, you know this before even thinking about it. This knowing is more akin to a feeling than a thought. In fact, if I were to ask you why you like one thing and not another, you would have to pause, if only a moment, to formulate words to express what you already feel. This difference between feeling and explaining has to do with the way our brains work.

The cerebral cortex is the rational portion of our brain. The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres connected by a thick band of nerve fibers (called the corpus callosum) which sends messages back and forth between the hemispheres. While brain research confirms that both sides of the brain are involved in nearly every human activity, scientists believe that the left side of the brain is the seat of language and processes things in a logical and sequential order. The right side is more visual and processes intuitively, holistically, and randomly. The right side of our brain is the part that knows what we like and dislike without thinking about it. If we want to express why we feel a certain way, we use the left side of the brain.

Exercise: Look at images in magazines or the internet. Select five images that you like and five that you don’t like. Journal to answer the following questions:

1. Indicate whether you like it or dislike each image.

2. Write out explanation of why you like or dislike a particular image.

3. Continue this practice through your day with the world around you.

Notice how long it took you to determine a like or dislike compared to how it took for you to articulate why you had a preference.

To design anything, we must use both sides of our brain. If we want to express a certain mood or feeling in a garden, we need to articulate how that mood will be expressed. That is essentially what design is all about: drawing, painting or sculpting something in order to express a feeling.

Now consider how you choose the clothes that you wear each day. While some of us are certainly better a choosing an outfit than others, we all have an ability to choose colors we like. We also know when something looks good on us and when it does not. Have you ever heard someone say “I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing that!” Our feelings about what looks good and what doesn’t are strong. Noticing that this skill is already present is the beginning of recognizing and developing your natural design sense. Designing is a skill. We all have a natural ability to design and we can all develop this natural ability through practice.

I have been designing gardens for thirty years. The longer I design, the more I realize I have more to learn. This process of learning is a source of joy for me and I hope it will be for you as well. Seeing an idea flow from an imagination, to a drawing on paper, to a place where people can relax and have an experience of nature is incredibly fulfilling. You can learn to do this for yourself, as I have. The process will bring you to a more intimate connection with nature, and also with your true self.

My book, Designing the Bungalow Garden: How to Create Gardens and Lives Rooted in Spirit will be published in spring of 2014. Look for in in bookstores and online.

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN: LINE

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMT

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN: LINE

Line is defined as a mark that spans a distance between two points or the path of a moving point. It can take any form from end to end. A line is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin. Lines lead your eye around the composition and can communicate information through their character and direction. Line can direct the eye to a desired focal point or it can define the edges of a form.

Perceiving line is another innate skill that we possess. Young children often begin drawing landscapes by making outlines for houses, people, and other objects. Gradually we learn that objects do not have such outlines and we use changes in color to define the edges of shapes, thus creating implicit lines. We can refer to implicit lines such as that of the horizon “line,” or the “lines” of a car or a fashionable dress, even though we know there is no literal line present. Line can be used to great effects in the landscape.

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN: POINT

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN: POINT

Point is the first and simplest element of visual design. Point serves as the focus of something visual, and therefore draws attention. Even if there is only one point, or one mark, on a blank page our brains will make it mean something. In fact, the visual world is so complex that the mind has developed strategies for coping with the confusion. The mind tries to find the simplest solution to a problem. One of the ways it does this is to form groups of items that have certain characteristics in common.

Our brain seeks some kind of relationship or order, even if only to use it as a point of orientation in relation to the outline of the page. If there are two points on a page, immediately the eye will make a connection and “see” a line. If there are three points, it is unavoidable to interpret them as a triangle; the brain supplies the connections. This compulsion to connect parts is described as grouping, or gestalt.

The study of gestalt originated in Germany in the 1920s. It is a form of psychology that is interested in higher order cognitive processes relative to behaviorism. The aspects of gestalt theory that interests designers are related to visual perception, principally the relationship between the parts and the whole of visual experience.

Gestaltis a psychology term which means “unified whole”. It refers to theories of visual perception developed by German psychologists in the 1920s. These theories attempt to describe how the brain tends to organize visual elements into groups or unified wholes when certain principles are applied.

Gestalt theory includes several concepts. The first is closure. The concept of closure demonstrates that the mind supplies missing pieces to complete an image. Closure occurs when an object is incomplete or a space is not completely enclosed. If enough of the shape is indicated, the brain will perceive the whole by filling in the missing information.

A second theory is continuity, sometimes called continuation. Continuity occurs when the eye is compelled to move through one object and continue to another object. Continuity describes the tendency of the mind to “connect the dots” in order to accept separate parts or points as part of a contour or form. For example, it is hard to resist the compulsion to see two dots as implying a line, or three as framing a triangle.

Another theory, similarity, describes the tendency to see and group objects of similar shape or color. Similarity occurs when objects look similar to one another. The brain will perceive them as a group or pattern.

The last theory in this theory is proximity. Proximity occurs when elements are placed close together. They tend to be perceived as a group. Alignment, either along edges of the objects or points or through their centers, will persuade us see them as a contour or a line.

Points are found in all works of art, whether obvious or not. Point can simply be the focus of attention, which can be emphasized to become a focal point. Point can also appear as a series of points that lead the eye in a particular direction.

These concepts are all helpful in creating any work of art. They are also helpful in organizing your landscape. The next chapter will demonstrate the use of these concepts in creating landscapes.

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

In order to teach the process of design we need to have a common language, a vocabulary, that is unique to the world of design. The process of articulating design, as opposed to liking or disliking what you see, requires using this unique vocabulary. The vocabulary of design is broken down into a set of elements and principles. The elements are the structure of the design. The principles are how we organize the elements.

The elements of design are components or parts which can be isolated and defined in any visual design or work of art. They carry a wide variety of messages. The elements of design are a set of concepts used to articulate design; they are used to create paintings, sculptures, the everyday products that we use, and landscape designs. The elements of art are found in all works of art. Later I will show you how these elements are used in landscape design, but for now, let’s take a look at these elements one by one. The elements of design are:

Point

Line

Shape, form and space

Color, value and hue

Texture

Tomorrow I will post a description of Point.

WRITING PROMPT: WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THIS PHOTO?

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT

WRITING PROMPT: WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THIS PHOTO?

It was six fifteen in the morning. She had woken before the sound of her alarm. She had been waiting for this day and couldn’t believe it was finally here. It had rained through the night but now it had stopped. Cracking the window, she smelled the morning air. Most people would think she should be nervous but she was ready. In a way, she had been waiting for this day her whole life.

In the shower, as she shaved her legs, she admired her smooth skin, the gentle curves of her calves. They were a woman’s legs. Stepping out of the shower, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her breasts were beautifully shaped. She turned to the side. They had a nice lift. She combed her hair, and then gave it a bit more curl with her curling iron.

Georgy loved being a woman. As she brushed on her eye shadow she gently batted her long eyelashes. She didn’t paint on a heavy coat; she preferred the natural look with just a hint of color. Applying her rouge, she highlighted her high cheekbones. She was stunning and she knew it.

She pulled her fish net stockings over her long, soft legs, up to her waist and over that bump in front. This would be the last time she would have to tuck it away from view. Georgy had been living as a woman for nine years now. Today she would take the final step. Surgery was scheduled for eight a.m.

Putting on her favorite yellow pea coat with black faux fur trim at the collar and cuffs, she headed out the door. The streets were still wet from the night rains. The clouds were beginning to break. Walking towards the Golden Heart restaurant she recalled her youth as George. She had hated being called George. It never felt right. Georgy was a perfect name for her. The lyrics of that song that had inspired her went through her mind. “Hey there, Georgy girl, there’s another Georgy deep inside, bring out all the love you hide and, oh, what a change there’d be, the world would see a new Georgy girl.”

After today, the world would surely see a new Georgy girl. She would finally be whole.

WRITING PROMPT 4 WHAT’S THE STORY IN THIS PICTURE?

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 16:00:00 GMT

WRITING PROMPT 4 WHAT’S THE STORY IN THIS PICTURE?

This piece was a challenge to write. The red in the background reminded me of a building under construction so I did some research and came up with this story, based on a real story.

Shrouded in red canvas like a Chinese emperor several stories tall, the library was obscured from view. He had walked down 42nd street hundreds of times; marveled at the buildings iconic lions at its entrance. It was a gateway to Whitman’s manuscripts, the archives of Jack Kerouac, the Harlem Renaissance, and too many literary greats to comprehend. Three million books, like so many snowflakes, each unique unto itself, most will go unseen. To imagine that they would all be moved and buried somewhere in New Jersey confounded him. All this just to make way for coffee shops and computers didn’t make sense to him.

New York’s central library was closed for renovation. The plan was to move several million books out of the library to make way for more computer terminals and coffee shops. They say that’s what the public wants. He wondered what all those books must be thinking about the controversy over them. What would those books say about being sequestered? But they have already spoken, said what they had to say to the world. Now their words would be digitized, preserved and reduced to series of ones and zeros.

Although the library’s CEO, Tony Marx, claims that it will be possible to retrieve any volume from off-site storage within 24 hours, he wondered how accessible the books would really be. As a scholar, he knew that this library was unique. It was the only research library in the world where anyone could walk in—without any university credentials—and read any book, and when a public library takes its most prized holdings away from direct access, the affect on research is dimming.

Perhaps the red shrouds were a metaphor for the cloaking of thinking.

WRITING PROMPT #3 WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THIS PICTURE?

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 16:00:00 GMT

WRITING PROMPT #3 WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THIS PICTURE?

It had been years since he’d seen her. Would he even recognize her? The last time he saw her was at his sister’s wedding. He couldn’t believe she had the audacity to show up. She was at least amicable then. Nevertheless, after what she had done, it was difficult just being in her presence. They say time heals, but after all those years, it was still fresh in his mind. He remembered the call from the police in the middle of the night, the ensuing courtroom battles, and that verdict. How could a jury have found her innocent?

But this was a time for forgiveness. If he was going to be whole, he knew he had to forgive her. Forget about her reasons. No more blaming. The resentment has been too heavy a load to carry; he was determined to let it go.

Five A.M. at the train stop. Most of Paris was still asleep. Jean Paul was committed to cleaning this mess up once and for all. In just three short hours he would be in Marseille. Then a short taxi ride to her home.

He needed to prepare his thoughts. How was he going to say this without condoning what she had done? How would she react? What does it take to really forgive someone and to be done with blaming? He would be straight with her. “Josette, I’m not condoning what you did. I think it was horrific.” Yes, he had to say that first. “But I know you have suffered for what you have done. It’s not my responsibility to punish you further.” It really wasn’t his responsibility. She lost nearly everything. “I’m here to tell you that I forgive you.” Jean Paul swallowed hard. “You are my sister and I can no longer hold on to my anger and resentment.” Just thinking the words he began to feel the freedom that was to come. He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. “And I’m hoping that you will forgive me for not standing by you. It was a difficult time. I was confused, I thought I knew you.” He had to be honest about his feelings. He knew they were his guide. “I want to rebuild our relationship; to have it be like it was when we used to play in the canals when we were kids.” He breathed deep. Then a whistle came. His train had arrived. His journey to peace had begun.