Community Corner
How to Design an Inviting Outdoor Living Space
Community members give presentations about their areas of expertise at the Pauline Haass Public Library.
Chris Miracle, a landscape architect for LandWorks Landscape Services in Sussex, gave a presentation at the Pauline Haass Public Library called “Inviting Outdoor Living Spaces” Wednesday.
During the presentation he showed photos of patios, decks, pergolas, and other landscaping that he has designed throughout his career.
Details that are considered when determining the best design for customers, such as drainage, lighting, irrigation, soil preparation, and plants were discussed. He also answered landscaping questions from the audience about topics like mulches and groundcover plants.
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After the presentation he was available to look at attendee’s yard photos and make suggestions. He said that he offers free LandWorks consultations for customers interested in using their services.
Miracle is inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright for his ability to mesh architecture and landscape. He also admires landscape architect Annette Hoyt Flanders, who was originally from Milwaukee, and designed country estates in New York during the 1920s and 1930s.
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“At my own home I have a winding sidewalk with seasonal pots, creeping thyme and stone pillars leading up to a large flagstone courtyard at our front entrance,” Miracle said.
Presentations at the Library
Miracle volunteered to speak at the library because he likes talking about things that he knows.
“I’d also like to do a lecture on gardening with perennials or about my Pulp Fiction collection,” Miracle said.
The next presentation at the library will be about hearing loss.
To celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month, the library is hosting a Hearing Loss Program with Dr. Deborah Grall from the Newport Audiology Center on May 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the Quad/Graphics Room. She will discuss hearing loss, and talk about communication strategies, assistive devices, and hearing aids. Grall will answer questions after the program to address individual concerns.
Becky Murray, the head of adult services at the library, accepts presentation ideas from community members, and said that Miracle and Grall approached her about hosting the presentations.
“Gardening, health, and wellness programs are typically well attended,” she said.
