Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
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Landscape Design and Construction phases of design, and on the commercial side shade is the most im- portant consideration since it helps create the most usable space.” Where contemporary design is involved, clients are seeking unique and sculptural products that offer the “wow factor,” such as the country club in North Carolina that is installing 60 Rimbou Venus shades this spring. “The Rimbou Venus, part of the Um- brosa Collection, offers personal shade for each chaise,” said Ed- mondson. “While these forms of shade are still new to the United States, this kind of flexibility and styling is catching the eye of de- signers who specify for contemporary projects.” Finding shade solutions Mahon and Edmondson agree that staying informed about the evolving shade products and systems on the market is an impor- tant part of providing solutions to residential and commercial space clients. “Professional landscapers can often mix and match from different collections for spaces with multiple or challenging areas,” said Edmondson. She and her staff members work with landscape designers to find ways that yield creative shade coverage, often resulting in strategic and unexpected approaches. This can involve wall and side post umbrellas, creating umbrella clusters using the Paraflex system, or combining shade solutions from two different lines. Mahon believes remaining creative during the pre- planning phase like this is a good practice to design the ideal solu- tion for a space. Edmondson sees the trend leaning toward a switch from inex- pensive shade umbrellas and the more permanent shade structures, such as pergolas and awnings, to many of today’s new offerings in creative shade. In part, this is due to the fact that the higher-end, less permanent shade solutions offer more functionality, along with customizable options. “For example, we make sure to offer multiple finishes in each of ShadeScapes’ three lines, allowing clients to choose finishes that match or complement their existing color palettes and furniture designs,” she said. In essence, the latest technologies in mounted or anchored um- brellas with cantilever functionality or retractable versatility define a livable outdoor space. As such, these products can either be per- manently attached or anchored, with the flexibility of still being movable. Or, they can be fashioned to make the umbrella look like it is part of the natural space, seemingly coming out of a large planter or garden. The end objective is to enhance or invent a space that offers a beautiful, yet flexible, experience for the owner. As the economy continues to show signs of recovery and “on- hold” projects are being brought back to life, demand for outdoor renovations that include shade options is on the rise. This presents the revitalization of an important sales channel for those working in landscape design and installation. Don Eberly is president/CEO of Eberly & Collard Public Relations, specializing in marketing businesses in the home, garden, design, land- scape, and agribusiness industries. Laura Drotleff is a writer for the firm. They can be reached through www.eberlycollardpr.com. For more information visit www.shadescapesusa.com. For areas where shade from the sun is essential for use of the space, umbrellas that can be angled provide higher levels of flexibility for the homeowner or guests of a hotel or resort. Photo courtesy of Woodline Picollo / ShadeScapes Americas LI 18 Landscape and Irrigation March 2011 www.landscapeirrigation.com