1st exterior garden render..

Not bad for 7 years ago :)

Yep, that mateiral communicates very well.. I think you got the lighting and texturing down. I'm a mr user myelf, but have not tried an exterior scene as of yet. What is the method you used for the trees? The are looking really convincing.

Thanks for the suggestions - and totally agree. ive been a little perplexed by the tree entry in the ground, and would like to have molded it, or had something lining it. The flower/color point is an interesting one. The location of the development is very tropical, so not many flowers found (hence the heavy green/hearty feel). Ive taken all my direction from the architectural landscaper, so I think introducing some foreign color/flowers could stand out like a bit of a sore thumb. I might work on the tree entries for my own benefit though - but i like that you recognized it as that recycled rubberized surface. Seems I managed to hit that nail on the head :)

Nice work. Love the subtle glare and the trees - very realistic. However, my eye's drawn to the base of the trees that are growing out of the red (rubbery) ground material. Maybe some cedar chips or some sort of planter base to enhance the realism. Also, you could add some flowers with colors that mimmic those found on that sculputural form... although the placement of those flowers would be tough. You could incorperate the flowers into the planter base. Great work overall.