Update 7-27-23
Just last week, Architectural Digest (AD) online published a thorough list of Landscape Design Basics — that proved accurate the title of our own blog on this subject: “Landscape Design Is Not Just Flowers and Shrubs.”
According to the experts at AD, designing an outdoor space is both an art and a science.
Lush Landscapes
“One’s personal taste is a big consideration in landscape planning,” says our own Dave Stockwell. “It’s wise to give some thought to whether you prefer an English garden vibe, for example, which according to not just us, but Architectural Digest, would suggest formality, with water features, walkways and structures like pergolas and trellises.”
There is also the more modern approach which will offer an uncluttered look. And at the opposite spectrum, there’s woodland spaces with rich ground cover and dense foliage.
“All the experts say that to begin it’s important to make a short list of must-haves,” adds Dave. “From there you create a master plan. And with computer programs such as Deck and Patio provides, you can see how it’s all going to look.”
One particular recommendation by AD that Deck and Patio also advises is to ensure that you plan for multiple seating areas and whether you want space for intimate chats, or complete solitude, sun bathing, barbecuing, and even a party-central outdoor bar. Shaded areas are also key considerations, especially as temperatures seem to continue to climb. Also, will you want a pool or hot tub? Or both?
Now, Lets Consider The Plantings
Deck and Patio Plants in an Eye-Catching Way
There’s no doubt the right plants are key to a beautiful landscape. And the landscape design professionals at The Deck and Patio Company go beyond filling your yard with plant material. We use our extensive knowledge of flora to carefully select the right greenery that suits each client’s style and goals.
For example, it’s key to place tall and smaller plants in an eye-catching display. Colorful flowering plants are incorporated into our designs in a way that accent and compliment your home’s exterior and the sites around it.
The beauty of any planned landscape also depends on the survival of your plant material. Deck and Patio experts choose plantings using our extensive experience and knowledge of zones, sun exposure and soil conditions.
“Whether it is creating shade gardens for the shade loving plants, digging the perfect depth for the root balls, ensuring healthy, well-fed soil, our landscapes flourish long after we’ve finished our work,” says Dave Stockwell of Deck and Patio.
But Deck and Patio’s creativity really comes to the fore when plants are gorgeous accents to other landscaping elements: water features, including swimming pools, ponds, streams, etc. Also, plants brighten structures such as pavilions, gazebos, outdoor benches, patios and entranceways.
Pool Landscaping:
Vibration flowers and fragrance were provided here through the use of many varieties of perennials, evergreen and deciduous plantings — all planned for successional color throughout pool season.
Backyard Garden Bridge (Long Island/NY):
As a spot to enjoy their backyard oasis, this backyard garden bridge, set amidst lush plants, moss rocks and imported boulders, became a favorite spot for the homeowners.
Water Feature Landscaping:
Plantings also included various deciduous shrubs and several Norway Spruce. Behind the upper waterfall is a colorful Japanese Maple. Other plants include Japanese Blood Grass, Sedum Autumn Joy, Hosta Sum and Substance, and one of the water plants is Yellow Flag Iris.
Softening the Hardscapes (Long Island/NY):
Where extensive hardscaping is desired, it is still important to soften the space. Here hardy plants and shrubs, along with a mature Japanese maple, add a soft allure to the expansive walkway, walls and steps.
Pavilion/Patio with Water Feature (Stoneham/NY):
Even strong architectural structures are enhanced by landscaping. With the sounds of a flowing stream and rushing waterfalls nearby, inside this Deck and Patio pavilion, with the fireplace blazing or not, is the perfect area for entertaining. The handsome Cambridge patio we added, with custom inlays/border, is also edged with plants and generous amounts of river rock. .
