Walls, Steps, Walks and Patio

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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.

Hobbs – Pergola with swing and screen

Here Landmark Landscapes combined some construction skills with landscaping skills to package a nicely landscaped patio and pergola.  The pergola was built out of Cedar and was beefed up to handle additional weight from the swing.  It’s not visible but we actually have a steel beam built into this pergola so we new it could handle an additional 400 lb’s or so.

Klement – Project before and after pictures.

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.

Lee – An after picture

In this case, our customer had purchased a home and was left with some challenging problems.  The prior home owner had built a wall that didn’t fit into the new home owners game plan.  We were commisioned to take out the old and bring in the new.  The wall was failing in spots and re-building it with out having a source for additional stone to match, was not an option.  This renovation involved adding natural Limestone snap steps, pavered walkways, a patio, a pondless water feature and landscaping.  The customer wanted rock instead of mulch to lessen maintenance.  I’m still a mulch fan, especially when boulders are being utilized.  The mulch adds contrast to the boulders and really allows them to stand out.  For customers that are after reduced maintenance, this maybe the way to go.  In time, proper placement of plantings will allow for nice contrast as they mature and fill in the river rocked areas.

Lighted steps 1

In these steps, we used special low voltage lights that with some work can be made to fit right into the block itself.

Limestone wall and steps

Here is an example of 12″ Limestone wall block and 6-8″ Limestone steppers.

M. Benes – Curved retaining wall w/steps

A curved retaining wall with lighted steps.

Natural Limstone steps through a bouldered wall.

An example of natural limstone steps incorperated into a bouldered wall.

Natural stone wall with curves

Here is a nicely done natural stone wall.  It has nice curves, and functional steps that complement the wall materials.  The plantings choosen use a scale that compliments the wall well.

Outdoor living space, where does it start and stop?

I searched the internet to find the perfect definition of an outdoor living space, and to my surprise I came up short, even Wikipedia left me hanging.  In my opinion, creating an inviting outdoor living space is similar to that of changing your house into a home.  They both require an investment of time and materials. They both require the owner to personalize the space.  Some of the adverbs I’d utilize to describe this place would be, comfortable, welcoming, functional, interesting,… etc.  Establishing such takes ability, creativity, experience, and a personal investment in the effort (a.k.a “time and money”).  This definition includes both you and the people doing the work.

Outdoor living can consist of both structural and natural elements.  The tactful combination of these elements determines the overall success of the project.  Structural elements that come to mind include but are not limited to a pergola, deck, outdoor furniture, grill, patio, fire pit, hearth, etc.  Natural elements would be plantings, lighting, contours, fragrance, water, stone, sound, etc.  The outdoor living space is not to be confused with an outdoor kitchen.  An outdoor kitchen is simply structural elements in combination with the needed appliances to cook outdoors.   Therefore the outdoor living space may include an outdoor kitchen but is not limited to having one.  A growing trend in residential landscaping is that of placing more emphasis into the outdoor living space.  This is perhaps one of the most cost effective home improvements.

Improving your home is always a good investment. In the current economic environment, people are staying home.  Adding to your home’s value is smart, it positions you well if ever decide to sell your home as it makes your home more marketable.  At the same time, it improves your way of life and adds to your overall health and well being by placing you in direct contact with the outdoors.

Pavers

Tumbled pavers add class and maintain that rustic feel.

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Landmark Landscapes provides Landscaping, Construction, and Seasonal Lighting services to Lincoln, NE and Surrounding areas.