What do you do if you are faced with identifying plants for your landscape architecture projects?

Plnt app. for sure. It will ID instant info, including plant disease. Extremely beneficial when doing international work on a new site. If you put plant concept books, you can print st.off the app. If its not to late you can request Plant ID on the survey which is help if not done yet. Using a local botanist sub to bring with you on site is incredibly beneficial. Most likely you'll learn more on native planting if you aren't from the area.

With technology readily available at the back of the palm these days, employing a plant identification app can change the way we traditionally identify plants for our projects. These apps utilize advanced image recognition technology to instantly identify plants from photos, offering valuable information on their common and scientific names, care requirements, and uses. This change in workflow greatly saves the time and effort required in identification, and offers us with a wealth of botanical knowledge to make informed choices and decisions.

One can explore PlantSnap- allows you to take a photo of a plant and instantly identify it using its extensive database iNaturalist- lets you photograph plants and upload them for identification by a community of experts PictureThis-identifies plants from photos and provides detailed information on them, including care instructions and related species These apps can help in landscape design. Just try them out

I would utilize botanical guides, plant identification apps, and online databases to identify plants based on their physical characteristics such as leaf shape, flower color, and growth habit.

I think back to my plant identification class with Mr. Greg Coyle at the University of Georgia. With teaching like that, who needs an ap!

There's no better solution than being hands-on. Many years ago, I worked with a professional consultancy firm where we worked with landscape designers, landscapers and horticulturists. Learning on the job is key to identifying plants for your landscape design.

As the traditional method in softscape identification, consulting a plant identification guide provides a timeless and reliable method for identifying plants in landscape architecture projects. Whether in the form of a comprehensive book, an online database, or a specialized website, these guides offer a wealth of information curated by botanical experts. Through them, we can systematically narrow down plant options based on key characteristics such as size, shape, and habitat. This method not only enhances the accuracy of plant identification but also deepens understanding and appreciation of botanical diversity.

One thing I've also found helpful is talking to a horticulturist. Since it is their specialty, I often inform the specialist on the function and use of the space. Using the context, local weather and the functionality of the plant, they give the best advice on what to use

Consulting a plant identification guide is an excellent way to accurately identify plants for various purposes, from landscaping projects to gardening endeavors. These guides typically provide detailed information about plant characteristics, including foliage, flowers, fruits, and growth habits. They may also include photographs or illustrations to aid in visual identification.

Understanding proper plant terms definitely helps to provide a foundation for accurate communication and classification. By familiarizing oneself with the names and functions of plant anatomy such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, we gain fluency in botanical discourse, enhancing collaboration with colleagues who might require information that deals with comprehension of plant characteristics. This knowledge serves as a fundamental tool in navigating plant identification challenges, where we can quickly determine the type of plant species to propose for or to avoid in projects.

Learning basic plant terminology is crucial for anyone interested in plants, gardening, landscaping, or botany. Here are some essential terms to get started: Deciduous: Plants that shed their leaves seasonally, usually in the fall. Evergreen: Plants that retain their leaves or needles year-round. Herbaceous: Non-woody plants with soft, green stems that die back at the end of the growing season. Woody: Plants with hard, durable stems that persist year-round, such as trees and shrubs. Cultivar: A cultivated variety of a plant selected for specific traits like flower color or disease resistance. ...

Site context usually gives quick clues to what we are dealing with, and by examining factors such as soil composition, sunlight exposure, and neighboring flora and fauna, we can gain valuable insights into a plant's identity and ecological niche. For instance, a plant thriving in arid, sandy soil under full sun is likely a succulent or drought-tolerant species. Conversely, a plant flourishing in moist, shaded areas alongside ferns and mosses suggests a preference for humid environments, indicative of fern like species or varieties. This contextual observation not only aids in plant identification but also informs strategic decisions in landscape design, ensuring the selection of species well-suited to their intended environment.

Observing a plant within its context is essential for understanding its growth habits, environmental needs, and overall well-being. Here's why it's crucial: Environmental Adaptation: Watching a plant in its natural or intended setting reveals how well it adjusts to its surroundings. Interactions with Other Plants: Plants interact with neighbors, competing for resources or forming beneficial relationships. Pest and Disease Management: Monitoring a plant reveals signs of pest infestation or disease early on. Cultural Practices: Observing how a plant responds to watering, fertilizing, pruning, and mulching guides care practices. Seasonal Changes: Plants undergo seasonal shifts in growth, flowering, and dormancy.

I spent years learning to identify plants. That's why I am now an expert. Rarely use reference material on site. Started at horticultural special plant nursery 26 years ago, we did refer to books back in the day. The best is Plant Names Simplified by Johnson & Smith so you understand the latin and greek terminology and what genus and family the plants belong to. Also for pictures and information on heights soead and soil types etc, the RHS Encyclopedia, which is now online.

Whether you have questions about specific plant species, design considerations, or best practices, tapping into the knowledge of experts or fellow enthusiasts can help you make informed decisions and achieve your project goals.

First of all, you need to take a good set of photographs of the unknown plant. Some detail (leaves, flowers...), contex (where is found, near what other species, under which trees...) and size reference (include an object, or person). Then, you can send (or show) them to you colleagues. In my opinion, its very important to have a network to lean on when needed. Not only to get particular data, but to keep learning an sharing knowledge.

At times, it might not be possible to identify certain species no matter how hard we try due to our lack of specific knowledge. Expert arborists or horticulturists, with their specialized training and expertise, can provide authoritative guidance and insights into plant morphology, and ecological preferences in these cases. In projects both big and small, I have had the opportunity to work with various arborists and horticulturists who have proved themselves invaluable in helping to guide and determine the viability in plant proposal and identification.

The most prudent thing to do is to seek out a specialist to correctly identify the species. Because even though the landscape architect has knowledge in botanical identification, it is not an area that he completely dominates. Therefore, depending on the difficulty of the case, accidents and mistakes that could harm the landscaping project are avoided.

If only to identifying plants, nowadays much tools to use like apps. But if want to know more deeper, we needed to learn plants morphology. And before determining the type of plants that are suitable for projects, you should conduct a site visit to check the actual environmental conditions such as soil conditions, endemic habitats, sunlight levels, water levels and including the landscape ambience by the client/user. After that, we can analysis all aspects and then decided appropriately plants suitable for that project.