Landscape Features

Before beginning any project, it is a good idea to develop a landscape design, a "blueprint" for determining exactly what you want to accomplish. The design can be either a concept sketch, or a scaled drawing. A photo-realistic image with plants and structures is also helpful in visualizng the final outcome. This will ensure that the end result fits your personality and meets your expectations.

Plantings are a wonderful way to "soften" a landscape. For instance, to make a raised patio look more inviting and soften the edges, you can add perennials and/or flowering shrubs. Different types of clay pottery create an artistic feel.

Stone walls both contain and define while giving permanance to an area. Natural stone walls are really a work of art and often take quite a bit of time to build so they look just right. They are a welcomed addition to any property.

Your pavement selection should be practical as well as color-blended to match your home. Walkway material must be carefully selected for safety as well as aesethics. Clay brick or concrete pavers are a good choice because they are compacted into a sand and aggregate base. Garden paths and grotto areas that have a rustic appeal can have some irregularity to them. Bluestone flagging, cobblestone or pea gravel create a welcoming entrance to the garden niches in your yard.

Water features are a high sensory element to the landscape. They should be located in main gathering areas or meditation spots. The front yard facing the street is not the best location for a water garden. Water gardens are all about sound! Consider the ampitheatre effect when choosing a location, perhaps near your bedroom window. Many people enjoy listening to the soothing sounds of water as they're falling asleep.

Night lighting creates a portrait of light in your landscape. Nothing is more dramatic than night lighting. By uplighting your landscape, you are reversing daylight; creating an opposite effect of what you see during the day. Plants and structures that you may not have noticed in the daytime suddenly become alive at night. Ambient light that is transitioned around your yard is easier on the eyes than bright spotlights, porch lights and post lights.