Landscape

Dream

A very important part of our lifestyle is recreational time, the space somewhere between work and sleep. It’s a time for family interaction, social activity, relaxation etc. We seem to have so little time in our busy lives that these moments become cherished.

One of the best places to spend the limited amount of time you have each day is your own backyard, in a space that allows you to fulfill your needs, somewhere to recharge your batteries. Making an investment in your backyard returns a far bigger dividend than any other home improvement.

When you consider creating an outdoor living area consider the following while making a list of your needs:
 
•Patio       •Play Area
•Pool        •Privacy   
•Pets        •Theme

Design

When you are designing your landscaping, a major component of the design is the foundation. It is very important to establish your hardscapes (walkways, walls, driveway, pool) before choosing your plant selections.
Many times, the plants can be used for different design intent, with only the accents changing.

Remember to plan before planting.

Key Considerations Checklist & Assignments:
  1. Plot Plan/Survey
  2. Living Spaces worksheet
  3. 10-15 Photos:
  4. HOA/CDD or Community Landscape Guidelines

Build

Your hard palette could include brick paving, concrete, stone or wood decking. The price of each will vary considerably. Not all paving areas in the yard receive the same attention. You want to put your high-end primary paving to enhance the overall visual quality. Redwood deck, stone or tile is a typical choice here. You can use a secondary paver options for more functional areas. This would include connector walkways, driveways, kids' play areas and more functional surfaces. The cost per square foot may be half that of your primary paving.

The key to a successful palette is making choices to ensure that both primary and secondary paving options work well together. Once the hardscapes are in place you are ready to apply the colorful aesthetic plants, shrubs, and bushes that capture your design theme, bringing added color and life to your outdoor space.

Live

If you envision a natural, private oasis that has soft circular edges and soothing sounds, to enhance the meandering quality to the garden, design an antique gate entrance in the side yard. A pergola and or a fountain could be added to enhance your outdoor living space design. You could create a sub-tropical style yard with multiple levels for entertaining. Incorporate stepping-stones to replace some of the concrete areas in the driveway and patio areas. Or you could focus on reshaping the driveway in a geometric zigzag pattern, and recycle the excess concrete pieces into stepping-stones. You could also create several outdoor rooms within the backyard. After you have enjoyed taking part in the transformation of your backyard, you can now come home to a soothing retreat to relax after a hard day at work.

Are you ready to enjoy your passion?