Landscape Beds & Entries
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Welcome to the Landscape Ideas section of the site. We're always finding and collecting great ideas that we want to apply to future projects or use as inspiration. Please have a look around and contact us with any questions.
A beautiful job has all the right components.
Here is a professionally done landscape. Take notice of all the colors, textures, contrasting sizes and shapes. An interesting landscape is comprised of many elements, coordinated into one attractive theme.
Duncan – Pavered Bridge
Here is our first steel and concrete bridge finished in pavers. We built this from scratch and it looks wonderful when under lighted at night.
Hidden Flagstone Patio
Wooded lots offer unique opportunities in the landscape arena. This lot allowed for a secluded patio of flagstone. Throw in some subtle landscape lighting and you’ve created a warm, quite, intimate space.
Klement – A before picture front yard West side
Here is what we began with on this project. Little do I know at present but this is going to turn into a turn key project for us. First in, last out… we inevitably walk this project right through all phases of construction.
Klement – After picture front yard West side
Here is the finished product. We had fun on this project as well! Dawn and Mel were great to work with. As a landscaper you always appreciate those customers that encourage you to let your creative spirits loose.
Rose – Before picture
This is where we began. A customer seeking a new look is often how our jobs start.
What components comprise a professional landscape?
As a landscape professional, I ask a fairly complex question of my customers; “what look do you have in mind for your landscape”? On many occasions I get, “I’d like my yard to look great” or “I want some nice curb appeal”. These generalized statements are exactly what designers constantly address. The fact is many customers lack an understanding of what a professional landscape can entail. I will cover some of the basics in the design concept below.
Per Wikipedia – Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land, including:
1. Living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly referred to as gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful environment within the landscape.
2. Natural elements such as landforms, terrain shape and elevation, or bodies of water;
3. Human elements such as structures, buildings, fences or other material objects created and/or installed by humans; and
4. Abstract elements such as the weather and lighting conditions.
Landscaping is both science and art, and requires good observation and design skills. A good landscaper understands the elements of nature and construction, and blends them accordingly.
The above definition speaks of elements both natural and human. A landscape professional will have an eye for combining these elements in a creative, harmonious, and sustainable manner. In a perfect world, I have a few elements available right out of the shoot. The first natural element I prefer to have or add is elevation. In the picture below, one can clearly see how the ground slopes. This is a good example of elevation change. Elevation change allows one to stack items, if done properly; nothing is hidden behind taller items. Depth is visibly created in the bed through the use of contrasting elements. The picture below does a nice job of featuring contrast as well. We see contrast in color from plant to plant and through the introduction of boulders. I also see the use of contrasting texture as some plantings offer long grassy leaves where others have small dainty leaves. I see too many landscapes where there is very little contrast between one plant and the next. This slope planted with only plants providing green foliage would have presented an entirely different look. Again and again, I see my eye drawn to landscapes that combine elevation change, stone elements, contrasting foliage color, contrasting foliage texture, and differing heights. If you can maintain these principles your landscape is off to the right start in my opinion.
What not to do?
Here is a good example of “In my opinion” what not to do in your landscape. As a landscaper, I crying when I see yards like this. If nothing else it goes to show just how important professional landscaping is in the overall valuation of your property. This random placement of stones, and bleak expanse of river rock, only lessons the value of this home.
Zysset – A landscape project one year later
This project is filling in nicely wouldn’t you say.
