5.Site appraisals and surveys Flashcards
1
Q
Plants suitable for sunny spots?
A
- Lavandula officinalis
- Phlox douglasii
2
Q
Plants for salt-laden wind?
A
- Euonymus japonicus
- Pinus nigra
3
Q
Plants for strong wind?
A
- Pinus mugo
- Cercis siliquastrum
4
Q
Examples of microclimates?
A
- Rain shadow - remains predominantly dry in all but the wettest weather. This is usually created by the house or other building or by overhanging trees and evergreen shrubs
- Frost pocket - low-lying ground where cold air collects at night (as it flows downhill) allowing frost to develop. It may also result from a barrier e.g. a wall or fence across a slope which impedes the downward flow of cold air
- Sun trap - A courtyard in a south facing garden
- Wind tunnel - Can be difficult to grow plant here, a shelter belt may be needed to protect vulnerable plants
- Heavy shade - Possibly created by a large tree. Plants needing full sun light will not develop here, look at planting woodland plants which need less light
5
Q
Design responses to microclimates?
A
- Rain shadow - could be used for a patio, deck or seating area as it is a sheltered spot
- Hot spots - could also be used for plants which thrive in dry conditions, e.g. Lavandula officinalis
- Shady areas - Woodland plants
- Frost pocket - Avoid planting tender plants openings can be created in a hedge to allow frosty air to escape
- Exposed locations - plant tall hedge/ sheltering tree’s (prevailing wind tends to be from SW)
6
Q
State how aspect influences the microclimate in a garden?
A
- The aspect of the garden determines the sun levels
- North or East facing garden is likely to be cool and shaded
- South or West facing garden is likely to be warm and sunny
7
Q
Physical factors that create microclimates?
A
- Aspect
- Buildings
- Topography
8
Q
Factors which must be recorded when carrying out a Site survey?
A
- Surrounding buildings -Use main building to establish a base line
- Landscaping - Any existing hard/soft landscaped areas
- Any risks or hazards - E.g uneven ground, underground services, condition of existing structures
- Existing garden structures - e.g. sheds, walls, fences and their condition
- Views - out of the garden to include borrowed landscapes and fine views as well as any eyesores e.g. electricity pylons which can be seen from the garden
9
Q
Factors which must be recorded when carrying out a Site appraisal?
A
- Location - Of the garden and style of the buildings
- Visual assessment - Of external features, Good views, Eyesores
- Aspect/Exposure - of the site, north, east, south, west facing areas of the garden which create sun or shade
- Dig a soil profile pit - Soil pH, soil drainage soil type, soil texture,
- Microclimates within the garden e.g. frost pockets at the base of a slope and sun traps near south facing walls
- Additional factors - contours, exposure
10
Q
How are factors associated with soil assessed during a site appraisal?
A
- Soil pH - Using a soil-testing kit, several soil samples are taken to test for the degree of alkalinity or acidity of the soil
- Soil texture - Hand tests can be used, moistening it and rolling it between the finger and thumb to make a ball and feel how smooth or gritty it is
- Soil drainage - Soil drainage can be assessed by digging a hole (at least 0.5m) which is then filled with water to see how long it takes to drain
11
Q
Define each of the following terms; site appraisal, garden survey
A
- Site appraisal = The gathering of information that could influence the design process
- Garden survey = Detailed surveying, measuring and recording of a garden site together with all existing features, furnishings and services
12
Q
Key hazards and risks to note when undertaking a Garden survey
A
- Hazard = Timber bridge could be slippery when wet
- Risk = The risk of someone slipping is high (minimise by painting with anti-slip paint)
- Hazard = Uneven/Sloping ground
- Risk = Machinery/mowers may tip over when in use
- Hazard = Unmaintained/Overgrown area
- Risk = Could be hiding sharp or dangerous objects such as broken glass or metal that could cause harm
- Hazard = A pond
- Risk = Risk of slipping or drowning
13
Q
Possible restrictions to note?
A
- Sloping site = Difficult to develop and to mow
- Restricted access = Entrance may need widening, smaller machinery may be needed
- Weather = Could have an impact on the development of the site
- Budget = Could restrict the design or delay implementation
14
Q
List the steps when carrying out a site survey?
A
- Walk the site and familiarise
- Passe out width and length to get a rough idea of the size
- Draw a rough sketch of key features to make notes of dimensions
- Establish north
- Measure surrounding buildings and establish a suitable base line
- Take notes/photo’s
- Use Triangulation and Offet measurements to locate key features and boundaries
- Map these onto graph paper at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100
15
Q
Describe Triangulation measuring, what is it used for?
A
- Allows more accurate measurements - key for boundaries or feature further than 10m from the base line
- Measures from 2 points (creates a triangle)
- Points are established on the base line A/B
- The object to measure is point C
- Measure A-C and B-C
- Mark the two measurements using a compass - where the 2 lines meet C is located
