2021 – Page 4 – The Deck and Patio Company

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Surround Your Pool with the Best in Outdoor Living

Deck and Patio’s design/build team is frequently asked what goes into creating a backyard that is ideal for entertaining, as well as outdoor fun. For many, the perfect outdoor experience begins with a pool, and we frequently advise them to surround their pool with the best in outdoor living.

What better time to think about such upgrades than in advance of Memorial Weekend.

Surrounding Patio Areas

Creatively Designed Pool Surrounds

“When it comes to ‘hardscape,’ we try to create truly functional spaces,” says our own Dave Stockwell.

“We often see a surrounding patio that is 10’ or 12’ feet wide all around the pool. Instead, we specialize in creating functional spaces of different sizes and shapes. We’ll ask if they have patio furniture and we measure it to ensure that there is ample room for that particular grouping, while allowing for easy circulation.”

Deck and Patio also looks to see how the sun comes across the yard. “The chaise lounging area should face the water feature and the afternoon sun. You and your guests wouldn’t want to sit by your pool and have the sun to your back.”

Outdoor Bars and Dining Areas

Outdoor Bar/Dining Area

Outdoor bar with waterfalls

A bar/dining area is a great place for guests and family to gather. A bar is often part of an outdoor kitchen and we generally locate outdoor kitchens fairly close to the inside of the house — unless it’s a destination pool.

In the case where all the outdoor living areas are a distance from the house, this requires different planning, including ample storage like Rhonda drawers, and refrigeration, etc. in the outdoor kitchen.

You can even add waterfalls to an outdoor bar. Shown here (above right) are sheet waterfalls, which offer a sleek modern look as well as a very pleasant sound. This helps people de-stress while inviting easy conversation.

Fun for Kids and Adults

Wild-Ride-slide

Kids love water and action. Pool slides and diving rocks are two favorite pool amenities.

“When we add a slide, we try build it safe for the kids by setting it in around boulders and plants so if they ever fall, it won’t be far and with a soft landing,” says Dave.

Deck and Patio 38-foot Swim Up Bar

“If these are designed well,” says Deck and Patio’s Dave Stockwell, “swim-up bars can be also used as a dry bar — that is they can be enjoyed from its other side.”

In fact, Deck and Patio specializes in creating bars that do just that — do double duty as a dry bar and swim-up. Take, for example, this stunning bar shown here (top left of photo).

It’s really enjoyable to swim up to this 38-foot “swim-up bar”with submerged barstools.

While not necessary, a shade structure with the swim-up bar is frequently requested. As a licensed contractor, Deck and Patio is well known across Long Island for award-winning design and custom building.

“The key is each swim-up bar should be unique, designed and custom-made for each project,” says Dave.

“Whether it’s the bar’s counter-top, any necessary retaining walls, masonry work, in-pool stools, electrical and plumbing work, it takes skill and experience to ensure it’s perfectly functional, safe, and beautiful.”

And as you can see from this Deck and Patio swim-up, it’s also a dry bar on the other side.

Tanning Shelves

Tanning Shelf

Other kid favorites: swim outs, deep end stairs and tanning shelves.

We’ve found kids love to dive, swim out and dive or slide into the pool again, over and over. A tanning shelf or deep end stairs allow adults and other kids to watch them playing on the slide, etc. These are great places for young and old alike to gather.

“To create the best in outdoor living requires a combination of elements — a pool, of course, but also landscaping, a swim-up bar, waterslide, places to mingle such as lounging areas, outdoor bars/dining areas, perhaps a shade structure, and the sound of waterfalls,” says Dave.

By June Sullivan|2021-05-20T13:00:41-05:00May 20th, 2021|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Gazebos, Landscape Planning, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Pergola, Pool Amenities, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pools & Spas, Swim Up Bars, tanning shelves|Comments Off

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5 Ideas for the Perfect Pool Grotto

Updated 5-2-24

Whether you call it a sea cave, pool cave or grotto, this spectacular pool amenity — with romantic waterfalls acting as a doorway — is something you can really get behind.

It seems pool grottos have gone mainstream; these lovely pool escapes, enjoyed by children and adults alike, are posted everywhere — Pinterest, Houzz, Home and Gardens, Aqua Magazine, and a wide variety of blogs.

Pool Grottos

Truly, could there be a better hideaway than one you can swim to — say, behind a waterfall? And, what if behind that waterfall, there’s a hot tub, with hydrotherapy to massage you? And that brings us to Number 1.

Spa Inside Pool Grotto:

1. Make It a Spa-Grotto This is the view seen from inside the spa grotto. Note how private the spa is because it is nestled inside a cave made from moss rock boulders. The majestic high waterfall spills into the free-form concrete pool — just outside from where you have escaped from the heat of the sun.

Escape to Shade:

2. Escape to Shade: Another benefit of a pool grotto is the ability to get away from the heat of the sun. And, still be close to all the happenings in the pool. Not to mention, that whether you are in the grotto or outside of it, you get to enjoy the stunning appearance and sounds of cascading water and the cooling mist such a waterfall will occasion.

Children’s Hand Prints

3. Personalize Your Grotto: “While creating this grotto with Peek Pools/aka Pool Kings in Tennessee, we were tearing out an old patio and we found a special piece of concrete,” says our own Dave Stockwell. “It had the handprints of the homeowner’s children. We knew right away it was a precious piece. While constructing the grotto, we ensured it had a place inside it, behind the pool’s waterfalls.”

Grotto Waterfalls

4. Create a Big Waterfall: Talk about drama. This Deck and Patio grotto was constructed with the high waterfall cascading over it into the pool. “We used large moss rock boulders to construct the grotto, supported by structural steel and concrete underneath,” says Dave.

Swimming Pool Tanning Shelf

5. Add a Tanning Shelf Outside the Grotto: The tanning shelf is directly across from the front of the grotto and waterfall. Not only can lounge chairs fit in the shallow water there, but it’s close enough to enjoy some of the mist occasioned by the falling water.

So it’s a great place to keep cool, but still be out in the sun. The entire project won us a prestigious Silver Medal from the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA).

Completed TN Pool with Grotto

Note: Our Feature Photo at Top of Page:

This Deck and Patio-designed grotto/water feature came about after Peek Pools and Spas invited us to travel to Nashville, TN, to participate in another episode of their popular TV series, Pool Kings on the DIY Network.

While working on-site in Nashville, one major challenge was digging/lifting out of the ground and then positioning an enormous 4,000-pound piece of rock to help form the grotto. Indeed, it was such a task that it caused Pool Kings/HGTV to title that episode: A Rocky Road to Backyard Bliss!

By June Sullivan|2024-05-02T13:32:42-05:00May 13th, 2021|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Resorts, Backyard Upgrades, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Creative Design, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Grottos, Landscaping, Moss Rock and Stones, Outdoor Living, Pool Amenities, Pool Upgrades, Pool Waterfalls, Pools & Spas, Portable Hot Tubs, Serenity Escapes, Unique Ideas, Vinyl-lined Pools, Vinyl-lined Spas|Comments Off

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Gather ‘Round’: Outdoor Living is Back

Cooking Yummy Food on the Grill

With Broadway opening again soon and most other restrictions on businesses etc. being loosened, it’s time to think once again about happy times spent outdoors with family and friends. And the heart of any outdoor gathering is the outdoor kitchen.

If not by Memorial Day, it seems definitely by July 4th, a normal sense of the outdoor season will be ours — and we’ll be cooking up yummy food on the barbecue.

Deck and Patio has designed/built a outdoor kitchens in a variety of sizes and shapes.

The one we’re highlighting today is an outdoor kitchen that was part of an overall backyard upgrade.

Backyard Upgrade with Portable Spa

The project boasts a two-level Techo-Bloc patio, custom fire pit, dining and seating areas, and a water feature with stream and waterfalls that flow alongside a new portable hot tub.

Space, however, was an issue when planning this upgrade. So rather than a fixed pergola, the clients chose moveable outdoor umbrellas — or, ‘flexible shade.’

Upper and Lower Patios (Long Island/NY):

Both patio areas were built with Borealis’ modular slabs from Techo-Bloc. Note how the colorful umbrellas behind the outdoor kitchen can be moved as needed in their yard, and offer such nice pops of color wherever they are positioned.

Their new custom fire pit is overlaid in a facade of natural stone that mimics that of their outdoor kitchen.

The outdoor kitchen’s amenities include a built-in stainless steel grill, expansive work area, sink, refrigerator and eating/drinking bar with stools.

Feature photo

Project’s Feature Photo: The outdoor kitchen’s handsome and expansive granite countertop allows for an eating/drinking bar, while leaving plenty of “prep” space for cooking. Ice and cold drinks fit in the fridge immediately below the eating/drinking bar area.

Note also how the outdoor kitchen is only steps from their hot tub and relaxing water feature.

A full-sized activity center is the perfect spot for a break anytime. Whether entertaining or not, it’s the heart of outdoor living.

By June Sullivan|2021-05-06T14:03:54-05:00May 6th, 2021|Uncategorized|Comments Off

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Total Backyard Upgrade Along Sloping Property Setting

Not many would disagree that the homeowners who planned this backyard upgrade conceived a wonderful experience for their outdoor living.

One notices the beauty. But a major part of the design also serves another purpose. The added waterfalls, stream, double steps, moss rock and plantings along the change in grade together create a natural looking retaining wall — a great way to cut costs while increasing the aesthetics of a beautiful graded property

Total Backyard Upgrade Seen at Nighttime

Their completed project included:

— a free-form pool and surround renovation

— new custom pool pavilion

— refurbished multi-level Techo-Bloc patio

— new multi-faceted water feature (several sets of waterfalls and stream)

— new koi pond, and

— a new hot tub wedged in-between the upper and lower patios.

“The totality of these amenities create a beautiful paradise,” says Dave Stockwell, owner of Deck and Patio. “But the homeowners didn’t stop there. They asked that their multi-faceted water feature — whose separate installations can be enjoyed from the house, on the upper patio, and poolside — be extremely eco-friendly.

For example, Town water is not used to keep the stream and waterfalls supplied.” To ensure no use of Town water, Deck and Patio installed a ‘pondless’ reservoir system below the upper-level waterfall. The spills from the waterfall pass through river rock and gravel and is collected underground. Inside the reservoir, a pump recirculates the filtered water back up through the system.

Also, by letting gravity pull the flowing water downward, the whole system is turned into a complete ‘green’ maintenance-free water source that can enjoy throughout most of the year.

The Pool Area

“We designed the overall look of the refurbished pool area to appear organic so it blends with the property’s beautiful natural surroundings,” says Dave. “The pool construction included a 24-by-42-foot free-form concrete wall.”

Deck and Patio’s toughest challenge was accurately measuring and cutting the vinyl liners needed for the pool itself and its in-pool stairs. However, having done many vinyl-pools over the years, Deck and Patio’s team knew it would just require patience and steady attention to detail.

“All this was done so as to create bodies of water that would be in harmony with the patio area, with its outdoor kitchen, and with the waterfalls, stream and koi pond. Not only is the end result beautiful to look at, but the sounds of moving and spilling water can be appreciated at every section of the outdoor retreat. For sure, these clients pulled out all the stops.”

The following photos highlight many of the project’s elements.

Backyard Upgrade Showcase Project:

This photo looks up from the custom pool pavilion (not seen) over the newly renovated vinyl pool, Techo-Bloc pool surround, a pair of natural stone steps leading to upper patio that flank the waterfalls, the lower-level waterfalls, and a portable spa set against the upper patio area. Not seen is the upper waterfall that faces the house.

Backyard Water Feature:

Looking down at the pool and new custom pavilion that grace the lower level, the eye is first captivated by an upper waterfall; its spilling water flows downward forming a stream behind that gravity pulls to the lower level. This part of the water feature was installed to face the house so it can be enjoyed from the upper patio as well as inside the home.

Waterfall-Fed Koi Pond:

The complete water feature for this project includes a 10-by-15 foot freeform koi pond, which is regularly aerated by waterfalls from the 35-foot backyard meandering stream. Parts of the property is natural woodland, so care was taken to protect the fish. Predators, that might live nearby, are discouraged from going after the fish by installation of a small cave where the fish can hide unseen — as well as remain dormant during winter months.

Techo-Bloc Patio and Steps:

One reason we love Techo-Bloc products is because they appear natural. They come in kits with varying shapes that allow us to create an attractive design instead of being limited by one-sized bricks etc. The Bullfrog Spa these clients chose fits snugly against the patio which was shaped to embrace it.

Total Backyard Upgrade Seen at Nighttime

This portable spa was positioned against the patio in a way to appear built-in — or custom. This way the clients have the best of both worlds, a handsome looking spa that is fitted with great massage jets.

By June Sullivan|2021-04-29T12:31:46-05:00April 29th, 2021|Aquascape Biofalls, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Koi Ponds, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, Outdoor Rooms, Pondless Waterfalls, Ponds & Water Features, Pool Amenities, Pool Houses, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Portable Hot Tubs, Retaining Walls, Sustainable Water Features, Terraces, trees, Trellises, Updating Landscape, Vinyl-lined Pools|Comments Off

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Backyard Upgrades: Blending the Old with the New

Property upgrades often require an artful blending of the old with the new. For this upgrade, the property’s existing pool had pool equipment that was 20 years old.

Getting to the pool plumbing would have been a challenge, but the homeowners were also seeking improvement to what they felt was a very “confining upper patio area.”

The limited upper patio happened to be where the family enjoyed sitting in the shade and taking in the home’s stunning water views.

“Since any upgrade plan to extend that patio would call for tearing out all the existing patio areas, this presented the perfect opportunity to gain access to the pool’s dated equipment,” says Dave Stockwell.

Deck and Patio’s design/build team carefully worked out a detailed plan of what to keep, and what to improve or restore in the backyard:

upgrade the existing pool and spa;

expand the property’s confining upper and lower patios,. (This would open up the space, and better show off the property’s spectacular views of Long Island Sound);

And add new colorful plants and flowers to enhance the opened up water views.

The result? A remodeled backyard that looks like an entirely new property — with upgrades and equipment that will last for many years to come.

Upgraded Pool:

Deck and Patio refinished the inside of the pool, changing it from white to dark gray. This new color reacts with the water to give the more desirable “natural lagoon” effect. Swim-out steps were added; new stepping stone path beside the pool provides a swath of natural charm within the expansive patio areas.

Spa Upgrades:

The spa circulates pool water, constantly fills up with pool water, then water falls via the spillover channel back into their pool. When expanding the patio near the master bedroom, Deck and Patio took the opportunity to upgrade the spa by adding boulders, and turning the spillover into a larger waterfall to create a more beautiful pool scene.

Patio Upgrades:

The upper patio — where the clients liked to sit in the shade and enjoy the view — was extended to allow room for lots of comfortable outdoor furniture. In addition, an equally confining lower patio was enlarged for sunning; an outdoor kitchen (at the side of the house) was added for easy entertaining.

Landscaping Upgrades:

New plantings were included to screen out unwanted views; the addition of colorful plants and flowers enhance the breathtaking water views. The result of the overall transformation is the homeowners enjoy stunning vistas, and a feeling of space from all areas of their yard.

By June Sullivan|2021-04-22T14:06:58-05:00April 22nd, 2021|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Concrete (Gunite) Pools, Concrete (Gunite) Spas, Creative Design, Design and Build Experts, Family Fun, Landscaping, Moss Rock and Stones, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, paving stones, Pool Amenities, Pool Surrounds, Pool Upgrades, Pool Waterfalls, Spillover/Custom Spas|Comments Off

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Eco-Friendly Projects for Earth Day, 2021

One week from today is Earth Day –when people around the world will highlight a variety of ways to help preserve our planet.

Many parents might even want to involve their children in home earth-friendly activities.

Involving the Kids

Butterfly Themed Lesson for Kids

Pinterest, for example, is full if ideas on how to involve the kids come April 22nd:

— butterfly themed lessons for preschool (left),

— creating spring sensory bins,

— flower planting themed activities,

— making a worm-friendly mud containers

Contemporary Rain Barrel Urn/Gardeners.com

Some parents might even involve their children in setting up a simple rainwater harvesting project — barrel rainwater harvesting.

“Basically all that involves is connecting a pipeline from a roof or terrace to a large barrel,” says our own Dave Stockwell. “You can even set up several barrels for collecting the rain, since we often get a fair amount in our neck of the woods.”

If you don’t want to purchase special rain barrels, you can use a simple trash holder. Plus, getting the kids to help clean the trash clan before setting it up is an easy safe job for them.

Rainwater Garden

If you’re storing rainwater and have a garden, you can place a pipe to directly connect with it. “All it needs is an easy tap in order to control the water flow and prevent any overflow into the garden,” says Dave. “Some might even increase the amount of gardening they are doing because of the abundance of water they have at hand.”

It’s helpful to remember that only a small amount of falling rain actually seeps into the ground. Much of it ends up as runoff in our sewers and on into our waterways. So saving it and utilizing it is truly a gift to mother earth for Earth Day 2021.

Sustainable Water Features

For those interested in adding a water feature to their yard, business, or public land, but don’t want to waste precious water to keep it running and topped off, can consider more complicated rainwater harvesting products.

“Indeed, we are so very passionate about rainwater harvesting that we have a special division at Deck and Patio devoted to such beneficial water preservation projects,” says Dave.

Here’s an example:

Rainwater Harvesting (Brooklyn/NY):

For this project, we also installed an automatic valve; when the water gets low in their new pond, waterfalls or stream, water in the irrigation system flows in and replenishes it.

While we’ve done hundreds of green water features at private homes across Long Island, a favorite project we sharing below we did several years ago for the Town of Huntington at the local railroad station.

And for an example of a public project:

Public Sustainable Water Feature (Huntington, NY):

In cooperation with the Town of Huntington (Long Island), we added this serene water feature and a paver pathway at the area train station parking lot.

Permeable pavers by Techo-Bloc were put over gravel and a rubber liner which filter the rainwater runoff before it reaches the reservoir we installed at the end of the stream.

Public Sustainable Water Feature (Huntington/NY):

“There is enough captured water at this train station water feature to not only sustain itself, but to also irrigate all the plantings,” says Dave. “Plus, this eco-friendly system keeps any non-filtered rainwater from going into the Town’s sewer system and on into Huntington Bay.”

As Earth Day approaches, there’s lots of ways to celebrate Mother Earth. Happy conserving!

By June Sullivan|2021-04-15T11:35:09-05:00April 15th, 2021|Aquascape Biofalls, Backyard Escapes, Environment Issues, Family Fun, Gardening, Herb/Vegetable Gardens, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Local Public Projects, Outdoor Living, Ponds & Water Features, Rainwater Harvesting, Sustainable Water Features, Unique Ideas|Comments Off

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There’s More to Aquatic Plants Than Meets the Eye

Plants Attract Delightful Creatures

It is true that water gardens — and the plants installed in and around them — are delightful to look at.

And they attract equally delightful creatures: chirping birds, flapping butterflies, and croaking frogs.

But there’s more to it all than what meets the eye. “For an ideal water garden eco-system, the key is maintaining clean, healthy water.

“Pond filtration systems do a lot, as do waterfalls etc. which aerate and oxygenate the water. But at the end of the day, a huge part of creating a healthy system is the water landscaping you do,” says our own Dave Stockwell.

Aquatic floaters and marginals, says Dave, are perfect for gobbling up the excess nutrients that are produced by any pond fish and excessive plant algae growth. They also help by reducing sunlight in the pond, which helps control the growth of algae.

Plants such as water lilies and irises feed on the nutrients (algae or small primitive unwanted plant life) in the pond water, and produce oxygen while they provide shade and food for the small creatures attracted to the water garden.

Submerged plants (e.g., anacharis, parrot’s feather or hornwort) will also release oxygen.

Aquatic Plants

Deck and Patio Built Pond

The gurus of all things pond/water garden — Aquascape Inc., in St. Charles, IL — list the basic groups of aquatic plants as:

Water Lilies
Lotus
Marginal Plants
Water Lily-like Plants
Floating Plants Submerged Plants.

“An ideal pond mixes plant heights, textures and color from at least three of these groups,” says Dave. “This gives the most natural look. We also don’t install plants in a symmetrical way. A more random placement looks the most natural.”

“Remember, that while nutrients sound like a good thing, too many in your water garden, and your pond water changes dramatically,” says Dave.

“However, despite the fact that aquatic plants eat up unwanted nutrients, too many plants or plant material will also contribute to an over abundance of nutrients. When plants die in the fall, they fall back in the pond, adding to the problem. We recommend cutting them back before this happens in order to have healthy water.”

But don’t fret if your pond water has a slight tint to it. Crystal clear water has no nutrients. You want some algae, diatoms, protozoans, etc. because they offer a diverse food source for pond fish, frogs, and plants. It’s all about choosing the right plants and keeping them all in balance.

Aquatic Plants and Pond Landscaping

The tall aquatic plant on the left of this Deck and Patio pond (a canna lily) thrives in water conditions that are 70-80 degrees F, with a pH of 6.5-7.5.

They’re also easy to care for, love natural light and are ideally suited near the edges of a pond. The weeping hemlock at the top right in the photo flourishes in moist soil and offers a bit of shade which helps balance the water temperature.

Landscaping Around Ponds and Water Features

This photo was taken just after we built the pond. Lily pads, and other in-pond aquatic plants, had yet to be added. But we had installed some attractive peripheral landscaping using plants that like moist, but well-draining soil.

These do well around a pond but not in one. The red/pink flowers in the foreground are roses. To the right of them are variegated hydrangea and to the left are variegated hosta. All of these plants attract birds and butterflies.

Aquatic Plants

In addition to the canna lily, this pond boasts water lilies — both tropical and hardy ones. The pinkish coneflowers on the right of this Deck and Patio pond are not aquatic and are not in the water but are perfect edging plants as they attract desirable wildlife — one of the reasons we love our ponds.

“Pondless” Waterfall Landscaping

Pink petunias add a bright statement away from where the waterfalls spill and seep into the ground. Close to the waterfall area we added grassy plants like Liriope that thrive in moist soil.

By June Sullivan|2021-04-08T13:36:08-05:00April 8th, 2021|Aquascape Biofalls, Backyard Escapes, Backyard Upgrades, Gardening, Koi Ponds, Landscaping, Living Landscapes, Outdoor Living, outdoor maintenance, Plantings/Pondscapes, Plants, Pondless Waterfalls, Ponds & Water Features, Seasonal Landscapes, Serenity Escapes, Updating Landscape|Comments Off

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Why Not Include a Bench with Your Backyard Upgrade

Adding a bench, or other seating, to your backyard provides a treasured rest-spot, where you can be still and take in your property’s pretty views.

All you really need for a view is some sort of focal point, maybe near your favorite tree and a bit of open space, if not something more elaborate like a water feature (see below examples).

Bonus: And if you’ve planted particular flowers or shrubs, your place of contemplation may attract butterflies or hummingbirds near your bench. Even if not, at a minimum, some species of birds will be chirping nearby and the sky will be blue — all with no effort on your part.

Whatever its focal point, the garden bench offers that special up close and personal opportunity to enjoy the outdoors — an enjoyment you might miss from further away in the kitchen, or on the patio or deck.

The Bench

Depending on individual taste, there are a wide variety of bench materials and designs available:

— wrought iron

— various woods: eucalyptus, reclaimed wood, acacia, cedar, redwood, etc. (just choose a durable/weather-resistant wood)

— cast aluminum

— a bamboo bench (great for Asian-inspired gardens)

— a backless bench, perhaps with hidden storage

— a swinging or glider bench

— farmhouse and park style bench

— or how about dual chairs such as Adirondacks instead of one piece of outdoor furniture

— or a natural stone slab

You can get some idea of how nice it is to have a seating spot through the photos below of Deck and Patio projects.

Pond Viewing (Long Island/NY):

How’s this for up-close and personal. These Deck and Patio clients asked us to put smaller stepping stones out to a larger stone island — in the middle of the man-made natural pond we created for them. In lieu of a bench, the addition of two Adirondack chairs presents a perfect spot to feed and watch the koi, and listen to the pond’s waterfalls.

Perfect Spot for Contemplation (Long Island/NY:

Within this already beautiful setting, Deck and Patio added stone steps, streams and waterfalls. The clients already had a bridge and bench so we designed water features and stepping areas to fit around them. (Green bench is in top left of photo)

Rock Sofa and Rock Seats (Long Island/NY):

Talk about up close. From this Deck and Patio installed rock sofa/bench — with flanking rock-seats — sitters can stretch back and run their fingers in the waterfalls behind them.

Backyard Pond and Waterfalls with Bench (Long Island/NY)

What a scene to relax by. A gentle stream is coaxed over rocks into several waterfalls. Lily pads wait on croaking frogs. Ornamental grasses wave in the breeze, and flowering perennials add color and charm.

Patio Benches/Seating with Fireplace (Long Island/NY):

Whether it’s one bench or seating for a group, these benches and seat are perfectly placed to enjoy a waterfall and custom fireplace.

By June Sullivan|2021-04-01T13:09:20-05:00April 1st, 2021|Backyard Escapes, Backyard Refurbishments, Backyard Upgrades, Creative Design, Deck and Patios, Koi Ponds, Landscape Planning, Landscaping, Lawns, Living Landscapes, Moss Rock and Stones, Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Living, Patios & Decks, Plantings/Pondscapes, Pondless Waterfalls, Ponds & Water Features, Serenity Escapes, Stepping Stones, Steps, Updating Landscape|Comments Off

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Reducing Mosquitos: Take the Bite Out of Outdoor Living

Almost everyone loves being outdoors in good weather. But as the weather warms, there is one pest that can ruin it all: the mosquito.

Pool House with Screened Room

“There are a variety of ways we help our clients avoid these pests,” says Deck and Patio’s Dave Stockwell. “From screened in porches, decks, cabanas, pool houses, etc. there are ways to be outdoors but very well protected.”

Shown here (left) is a custom pool house Deck and Patio designed/built with two rooms, one is a 20-by-20 room with screens on two sides where they can enjoy warmer nights by the pool without pesky insects.

Of course, you might want to move about while enjoying the outside, such as at the barbecue or lounge areas.

Frogs Are Beneficial Wildlife

The addition of a water feature can add more than serenity and beauty.

In return for your providing them clean pond water, birds and little amphibians like frogs greatly reduce the amount of pesky insects in your backyard — thereby reducing naturally a need for pesticides.

When running waterfalls are part of a water feature, they move the pond water so that mosquito larvae don’t accumulate.

But another helpful way to repel mosquitos is through choosing the right plants.

Lavender

Experts say that mosquitos really dislike lavender’s scent which makes it a premier plant in repelling mosquitoes. After you’ve planted it, you can make your own lavender oil to use as a natural ointment on your skin when going outdoors.

Citronella Grass

Citronella Grass:

You’ve used the candles, but adding the grass itself adds texture to your yard while discouraging mosquitoes.

Additional Plants to consider: Marigolds are very good at repelling mosquitos. Also, Rosemary, Basil, Mint, Sage (all great for cooking as well), Catnip, and one of our very favorites, Allium.

If you take a holistic approach — some of this and that — you may find you don’t need a toxic repellent at all.

Feature Photo

Top of Page Feature Photo: In this Deck and Patio project there are five waterfalls, plus a swim-up bar in the pool that features stunning granite countertops and a shade pergola.

From the highest waterfall, to the lawn below, is an elevation change of twelve feet, all with a different grades. Lush landscaping adds to the mood — and choosing the right plantings help reduce mosquitos.

By June Sullivan|2021-03-25T09:13:11-05:00March 25th, 2021|Uncategorized|Comments Off

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The Value of Trees in Your Landscape Plan

Update 4/27/23:

Since we wrote our blog on this topic (below), it has become more and more clear that including trees in your landscape plan is transformative in many ways.

For one thing, trees reduce air pollution and give off oxygen — which is a marvelous gift to those enjoying the air nearby. Trees also filter water and absorb rainfall. “This is a help when rainfall is heavy,” says our own Dave Stockwell. “By absorbing water, trees lessen the impacts of flood and stormwater.”

Even better news is that according to experts, landscaping with trees can increase property values. Some say up to 20%. All this while cooling down one’s outdoor surroundings — not to mention attracting birds and other beneficial wildlife.

Recent Deck and Patio Project in Dix Hills, NY

“For pure esthetic value,” adds Dave, “trees soften the property’s perimeters, especially when placed along fenced areas. If there is no fence, they create their own wonderful privacy border as they grow.”

The photo shown here (upper left) is a recent Deck and Patio project in Dix Hills, NY. It includes a lagoon-style pool with tanning shelf (ledge), waterfalls, waterslide and handsome patio. Also: custom fire pit and handsome pool deck for lounging and entertaining. And some delightful water sprays make this escape all the more memorable.

As you’ll also see, trees were added along the fence line, adding to the natural look of their backyard oasis.

Our earlier blog continues now:

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“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

— Albert Einstein

Frequently, here on Long island, when we visit the property of a new client to discuss an upgrade, we are welcomed into a lush woodland scene. “So whatever they are looking for to enhance their outdoor living,” says Deck and Patio owner Dave Stockwell, “our first priority is to safeguard those trees. And if there are none, we often recommend planting some as part of the landscaping design plan.”

In our work, we utilize a wide range of landscaping elements such as flowers, shrubs, ground cover, waterfalls, and, of course, trees, in and around useful hardscapes, such as decks, patios and pool surrounds. And while most appreciate trees for their color or shade, their full value to the landscape isn’t always well known.

Value of Trees

The Value of Trees

Trees are truly worth hugging. They filter the air which can be full of pollutants such as dust and impurities.

“Trees can also collect and filter rainfall,” adds Dave, “which is something we are very invested in as a company. Our division, Rainwater Harvesting, focuses on capturing rainwater underground through permeable pavers and roof runoff, etc. We are also mindful of the advantages of trees doing the same work, side-by-side with our man-made systems, preventing pollutants from entering local waterways.”

Trees, of course, are better known for their ability to release pure oxygen back into the air after they have filtered out any pollutants. It has been said that just one large tree can improve the air for four adults.

“So you can see why we feel trees are so worth either preserving or transplanting in when there are no trees at all,” says Dave.

Healthy Trees Increase Appraisal Value

Some realtors suggest another benefit from trees. Apparently healthy trees add to the value of a property’s appraisal, which helps provide a return for any investment made by transplanting trees into one’s landscape or protecting those that are there.

Plant Once, By Doing It Right

Planting Trees Takes Expertise

While most people can put a plant or bulb into the soil, a tree can be a bit tricker and requires some expertise.

“Just like it’s important to know how to work around a woodland area so as not to damage any existing precious trees,” says Dave, “it takes some art and experience to plant a tree effectively.”

Some common mistakes our landscapers come across are trees being planted too deep with too much mulch, and or tree roots being strangled in wire baskets, plastic rope or burlap.

Deck and Patio Projects

Pre-existing Wooded Area

The above photo is a great example of a pre-existing wooded area on a local property where Deck and Patio was brought in for an upgrade. We secured the trees ahead of time so no machinery damaged them in any way.

Within this already beautiful setting, we added stone steps, streams and waterfalls. The clients already had a bridge so we designed water features and stepping areas to fit around it.

We also added additional plantings and lots of green ground cover. Now they have the perfect space to take in their property’s natural beauty before they start their day and when they return home at day’s end.

Creating Beautiful Backyard Escapes

The key in creating or updating spaces as they appear in nature is to add only amenities that fit naturally in that environment.

In this case, Deck and Patio added a bridge, water feature, imported boulders and rocks and landscaped it with robust plantings.

It feels like you are in upstate New York, in the mountains.

Yet, it’s right in our clients’ backyard. As you can see, the wooded areas are healthy, blending perfectly with the landscaping plan without interference with their ongoing job: to clean the air and add more oxygen.

Protecting Woodlands on Long Island/NY:

As you can see from this Deck and Patio-designed backyard refuge, we were careful to safeguard the existing woodland areas.

Extending out from the parkland areas, the new water feature was brought forward to the entertaining areas through the addition of a pondless waterfall.

The new multi-level patios were carefully designed so that each patio space had a specific use. The complete project was a perfect blend of softscapes with hardscapes.

Private Woodland Path, Long island, NY

For this space, we took advantage of the family’s desire to hide their pool equipment by creating a private woodland path. We brought in bushes and plantings and fit them among existing old-growth trees.

Adding bluestone stepping stones that lead to a larger woodland area contributes to an extended nature walk.

Such an uplifting nature walk gives one’s technology-driven life a break, and leaves the barbells behind. No place offers a better space for that than a quiet woodland area.