She has a master's degree in horticulture from N.C. State University and is a registered landscape contractor. The class will be held on five different days between April 30 and May 9. She said it is also important to ask whether a new patio or deck or walkway needs to relate more to the surrounding yard or to the structure of the house. Newcomers to the Triangle who take Chandler's course often tell her they are surprised by the soils they encounter. I think that's the biggest issue.
People have such a hard time with the clay here.
In her workshop, Chandler helps students explore all the elements of landscaping, from grading considerations to tips for working with contractors like herself. Students will take two field trips, including visits to several sites of willing class members, to study the various strategies of planning construction projects and solving common landscape dilemmas. But as a self-described grass lover who grew up playing golf near Burlington, she said there is often nothing better than grass in a home landscape. Just remember that grass doesn't have to be perfect. Who cares if there's chickweed as long as the lawn is green and the space accessible.