Landscape Architecture Resource

I've been thinking about ways solve a problem that plagues me as a landscape architect and designer: finding materials and specifications. Ok, so it's not a plague, but you can spend a lot of time just keeping up to date with the materials, technologies, and supplies that are out there, and more to the point you can waste a ton of time trying to find information.

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll know that you can plant trees underneath pavement now. Did you know you can get rubber sidewalks? How about custom-grown trees that grow up to five times faster than normal?

There are so many suppliers out there and so little time to keep track of what's available. From playground equipment and paving materials, to drainage membranes, plants, and green roofs, and more. Landscape architects need to be in the know about a dizzying array of materials, supplies, suppliers, tools, techniques, and new technologies. Irrigation, lighting, paving, retaining walls, erosion control... the list goes on.

We don't keep a hard copy of material samples, pamphlets, binders or brochures at my firm. There's just no space for all that stuff. Besides, it gets out of date or out of style so quickly. There are so many landscape materials and supplies out there that the only smart way to keep it all is in digital format, so you can keep it all, keep it fresh, and keep it organized. Then when you need that drain grate catalog or that sprinkler system schematic you can quickly find it... well, can you?