Step outside, and the roles of the interior designer and the landscape designer meet, overlap, and either coalesce into an alliance of creativity, or clash into a nightmare of ocnflicting visions. For insight into a successful collaborative landscaping we spoke with Rebecca Cole. She shares her design philosophies, as well as her expertise, on how she structures her projects, including the level of involvement and interaction she prefers from interior designers.

Self-described as a "garden designer," Cole explains that there are many terms used for an exterior designer: landscape architect, landscape designer, horticulturalist and garden designer. Her philosophy of garden design is all encompassing. She designs the garden as if it were a room. "It has all the same elements--floors, lighting, furniture--everything except walls." Because the job is so complex and detailed, Cole does not like to be called in at the last minute. "I don't like to begin a project after the hardscape has been designed, or the levels have been added, or the tiles for the patio have been installed. A garden designer should be brought in from the very beginning."

When it comes to outdoor furniture, ornament and decoration, Cole believes that interior designers need to be prepared to yield to the garden designer. She thinks it necessary and beneficial to coordinate the look of the interior furniture, but that there are many other factors to consider when selecting outdoor furniture. Cole elaborates, "Usually, I don't like it when the interior designer selects the furniture, because often the only factor considered is style, rather than other contributing factors, such as elements, or the relationship between furniture and plants, i.e. color, height ratio and shade factors.

Cole thinks that the interior designer's role is to help match the inside with the out. And if the landscpe or garden designer has no interest in selecting furniture, she believes that the interior designer should get involved. Yet, she cautions the interior designer, "Be sure to educate yourself on all the aspects of outdoor furniture selection."

The best scenario between interior designer and garden designer will produce twice as many good ideas. "I have garden furniture in my house and I love the idea of using indoor furniture, such as a wrought iron bed, outside. The collaboration could produce some really unusual and unique ideas, such as an interior designer suggesting to use plastic Eames chairs outdoors, when the landscape designer would never think of that as an option."

One final caution given: gardens require a lot of maintenance. "Things like cushions need special attention in fabric and fill selection; and they need to be taken in after every use. It is a lot of work. My other bit of advice is to not forget about lighting. You are not only lighting for tasks and ambiance, you also need to determine what to highlight. Remember, if you spotlight a tree, or a bush, most of the year it will look terrible. Also, gardens cost more than you think they will. Don't forget to budget money for the garden from the beginning. Do not wait until the end of the project, because at that point you are likely to be over budget, and not interested in spending any more. A word to the wise, an apartment or house with outdoor space costs more money to buy; protect your investment, design that garden."

BACK STORY - Rebecca's own garden transformed.

Create your own STONE FLOOR - Improve your garden with these easy steps, from Rebecca Cole and Garden Design

UP ON THE ROOF - The Culture of New York City's Rooftops at the New York Historical Society