IN THE NEWS : THE NATIONAL PERENNIAL PLANT AWARD
The National Perennial Plant Association (NPPA) has awarded Dallas Foster, Owner of Landscapes by Dallas Foster, Inc. in Vincennes, Indiana, the national Landscape Design Merit Award. Judges recognized and honored the design of the Peoples Trust & Savings Bank of Paradise, Indiana, near Newburgh, Indiana for its outstanding landscape design. NPPA president, Joe Kunkel, presented Foster with the award during a ceremony at the 22nd annual NPPA Symposium in New York City.
Foster was challenged by the bank's CEO, Mark Hendrickson, to design a commercial garden that incorporated a landscape paradise with a park-like atmosphere. The intent was to frame and reflect the quality of the building and the excellent service the bank provides its customers. A naturalistic design approach was used to accomplish this vision, making the garden look 'non-intentional,' as if it was a work of nature. This approach requires a wide diversity and knowledge of plants, with perennials playing an extremely important role. Emphasis is on creating wonderful views and vistas, a work of art that customers and employees can enjoy from the inside. The fine result is a garden that is lush with texture and color, continually changing with the seasons.
The project was cited for its extensive plant list, lush texture, color and year-round interest. Two water features were incorporated, including a free-flowing pond with a fountain simulating a natural geyser, and a natural waterfall flowing into a second pond in the garden area. Other features of the landscape include two patios for clients and employees, and extensive use of mossy sandstone boulders to create interesting places for plants to grow.
"Special consideration was given to our customer's grand vision for this landscape," said Foster. "We wanted to make sure that the built physical structure of the bank blended smoothly with the natural landscape we were surrounding it with. Each species and variety of trees, plants, grasses and perennials were given special consideration to ensure they fit the vision. In the end, more than a 150 species or varieties of perennials were planted along with 180 varieties or species of other plants."
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