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ALD in the News
Jeff Allen is one of the founders of American Biodiesel/Community Fuels, and the company's 15 million gallon processing plant is midway through construction at the Port of Stockton. Jeff believes that biodiesel is one of the answers towards fueling the future. ALD has been using it and loving it in our fleet of vehicles for years and is excited to be part of the movement towards a healthier fuel alternative.
ALD welcomes a new general manager, Todd Milliken, who joined us in May. Todd has 25 years of leadership experience in the construction and manufacturing trades and is now our client liaison.
Our Director of Design, Sierra Hart, is now a member of the Sebastopol Design Review Board. She will be helping to decide what kind of new building happens in Sebastopol . |
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WATER THE GARDEN |
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There has been a lot of interest in recent years about incorporating the principles of feng shui into home design and decorating, but did you know that you can also use feng shui to make your garden more welcoming and restful?
A garden with good feng shui will have a balance of the five elements - earth, fire, water, wood and metal. As it's now summer, we thought we'd focus on water, the element of wealth, success and purity. In fact, water is so important in feng shui that it's actually the direct translation of the "shui" part of that phrase. The "feng" means "wind".
Ideally, your garden will have a water feature such as a waterfall or pond to attract a positive energy flow and to provide a peaceful place for resting and meditation. If you have limited space, however, you can still incorporate water into your garden design with fountains and small pools. Ideally, you want your water to be moving - in a pond fish can perform this function (try goldfish for increased wealth) - and you definitely do not want your water feature to become dirty and stagnant.
Adding a water feature has benefits that go beyond simple aesthetics. By incorporating water into your garden design you will be welcoming birds and beneficial insects into your garden, further increasing its overall health and beauty. |
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CATCH THE BUZZ - HOST A HIVE |
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People have called us "sweet" before but that has a whole new meaning now that we're beekeepers! Allen Land Design is very pleased to announce that we're currently hosting eight organic bee hives, which will enhance the pollination of our olive trees, gardens and nursery stock.
Although there has been a lot of talk lately about dwindling honeybee populations, we were fascinated to learn that smaller organic hives have been largely unaffected. The benefits to keeping bees are many, starting with fresh honey and honeycomb, of course. We have it from a reliable source that no honey tastes quite as good as what's made by your very own bees and it's not unusual for a single colony to produce 70 to 100 pounds of surplus honey a year.
Bees are also the ideal pollinators, keeping plants healthy and increasing crop yields. Plants depend on natural pollinators to survive, and bees do 80% of that work within the insect world. Without bees we'd lose approximately a third of the earth's fruit and vegetable crops.
Honey and honey products are said to have health benefits as well. Some people believe that regularly eating locally-produced honey can help people with allergies build up a natural immunity to area pollens. Royal jelly is loaded with vitamin B, while honey and propolis have antibacterial qualities. And let's not forget beeswax. It's a great natural furniture polish and you can also use it make your own candles and soap.
As more and more of the wild bee population is being wiped out by urbanization and pesticide use, we are proud to be doing our part to support the future of these wondrous and vital little creatures. If you are interested in hosting your own hives or would like more information, please contact us. We can help make arrangements for you to host your own organic hive for free and soon you'll be on your way to reaping the many benefits that beekeeping brings. |
| FEATURED PLANT |
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Cape Rush
(Chondropetalum tectorum)
Dramatic and hearty, Cape Rush adds visual interest to many different garden styles.
Origin: South Africa
Evergreen: Yes
Bloom time: Sept-Oct
Size: 5' high and 5'-7' wide
Hardy: Zone 9 (to 20�)
Soil: Sandy, well-drained
Maintenance level: Low | |
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Greetings!,
Thriving, Flowing, Movin', dare we say... Groovin'... Allen Land Design is one company to watch..."
That's how we recently opened up an article submitted to Fast Company Magazine and it pretty much sums up the energy here at Allen Land Design. Over the past three years we have been focusing on defining our image and in the process have elevated our commitment to quality and sustainability. We began by building a design studio and changing our name from Allen Landscaping to Allen Land Design. Those two very large moves enabled us to "step up to the plate".
We now had the physical space to create and the mental room to believe we were more than a landscaping business. Combined with our solid work on past projects and strong client recommendations, we were chosen to participate in the innovative redevelopment of the 200 acre former Agilent campus located in Rohnert Park, Sonoma Mountain Village, along with a handful of other inspiring projects, both commercial and residential.
We intend to keep up our "Groove" and hope you will enjoy watching us create and install "garden designs that enhance the lives of present and future generations".
Sincerely,
Anne-Marie and Jeff Allen
Allen Land Design |
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| IN THE DESIGN STUDIO
With Lead Designer Sierra Hart |
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 Sierra Hart is lead landscape designer on the innovative Sonoma Mountain Village (SMV) project, a redevelopment of a 200-acre segment of Rohnert Park, which will feature green architecture in its residences and shops, over 25 acres of parks and several miles of trails for walking and biking. She recently shared some of her thoughts on this project:
What is your role in SMV and how does one go about designing for a project of this scope and scale?
My role in SMV goes back to the first stages of visioning the project as a totally new kind of community development, one that embraces the ideals of sustainability, creative business growth and healthy living. Our ongoing role encompasses landscape design of public space/open space, streetscapes, the town plaza and the residential private spaces. We are also playing a key role in managing the principles of sustainability (LEED and One Planet Living) that have been adopted by Codding Enterprises - specifically sustainable water, wildlife habitat and food production.
Can you describe some of the most exciting components of the landscaping aspect of this project?
The innovation factor is extremely exciting. This project really represents a one of a kind opportunity to model sustainable development and to shift the course of planning and development on a very large scale.
Have you faced any unique challenges in designing for this project?
We are trying to re-use and recycle materials from the existing site wherever possible - the buildings themselves are being recycled and material stockpiled for future use in buildings, site furnishings, sculpture, etc. We will look at solutions for wood from trees that need to be removed, soils that will be excavated, infrastructure that can be retained and re-used. These are opportunities for major creativity among the whole design team.
When do you plan to start planting?
We have already begun planting around the Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster, which was recently launched on the site as a non-profit incubator for environmental start-ups. The landscape there showcases California native plants in two microclimates - full shade and full sun. We also incorporated interlocking pavers to create a walkway and patio that demonstrate one example of pervious paving that will be used throughout the project as a storm water mitigation technique.
Have you noticed the general population changing any of their philosophies or priorities when designing their own landscaping? Can you predict future trends in this area?
Green building and sustainable landscaping are becoming much more recognized among developers, builders and homeowners. The trends are being somewhat pushed by government regulations and there will always be a certain percentage that will do only the minimum compliance. But I do see a growing awareness of the bigger EARTH picture and projects like SMV are bringing this more and more into the forefront - people doing the right thing because they care, not just because they have to.
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| MEET THE TEAM |
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Design Associate Christina Reale
How long have you worked in landscaping?
I have been working in Land Design for 4 years, but previously did Interactive and Web Design for 10 years.
What you love about your job?
I love design and the process of changing and improving an environment. Seeing a project go from concept to reality is incredibly rewarding.
Why is working with ALD different than working for other companies?
ALD encourages creativity and collaboration; 2 things that are essential in good design. I am continually challenged to create sustainable and beautiful environments, bringing my designs to a new level of quality and creativity.
What's your favorite project so far?
Projects are like children, you can't have a favorite one. I do enjoy working on a variety of different things. Whether the projects are residential, commercial or public projects, the variety keeps me interested and constantly learning.
What's your biggest on-the-job challenge?
AutoCAD.
What else do you enjoy doing?
For the past three years, my husband and I have been making our own wine. Last year we made Syrah, the year before that, Cabernet Sauvignon, and prior to that Zinfandel. This year we're hoping to make Pinot Noir. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.
Do you have any words of wisdom you'd like to share?
All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of yesterday. (Italian Proverb) |
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| IN THE GARDEN
With Anne-Marie Allen |
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What things do people need to keep in mind if they want to incorporate a new or unusual material into their garden design?
Go for it! That is what makes this so much fun - the possibility of incorporating the unexpected. Make sure the material will be able to handle the wet and freezing weather. If it is really out there do a little test area. And when all is said and done and it doesn't look like you imagined, don't underestimate the power of plant material - it can really hide a lot of mistakes.
Why should people hire a pro to design and put in their garden rather than doing it themselves? It is more for all the foundation work of a landscape - leveling and grading, irrigation, soil amending, and project flow. If you don't do these basics correctly it will be obvious once the rains start. Also, if you are not implementing and ordering materials at the right times or in the right amounts, then efficiency becomes a factor. In the end it may cost you more if you do it yourself, especially if you end up re-doing the work. At the very least we recommend you hire a pro for a consultation on what steps you should be taking and when. If you really would like to be involved physically, say that up front and offer to work with the crew or plant pallet designer so you do learn. | |
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