| Since the profession changed its name from 'landscape gardening' to 'landscape architecture,' in 1899, there has been a gradual move away from expertise with plants and toward designing with function and form as the key considerations. Other factors, such as economics and the green industry, have affected the way landscape architects interpret plants.; The purpose of this study is to determine to what extent the level of expertise with plant materials influences the design process of selected contemporary landscape architects. Subjects included eight professional landscape architects with a minimum of ten years experience in professional practice working in North Texas. A qualitative approach was taken using a standard open-ended question format.; Although the subjects indicated that plant expertise and its ecological implications are essential to the design process, in actual practice, form, function, and other considerations often guide the design process. It was found that, on the whole, the subjects had a high level of plant expertise. However, most of their expertise was gained as a result of independent study or work experience. Those who were extensively trained in horticulture had been trained previously in related university programs, not as part of their landscape architecture training.; Results from this study suggest that design training with plant materials and ecology at the university level should be more extensive. This will allow landscape architects to apply this expertise in the design process, thereby creating landscapes that are designed with an understanding of natural processes, contribute to the identity of the site, and are safer for all the users. |
