With many landscaping projects, you’re typically modifying an existing space. Your main goal is to successfully reimagine how the yard can flow better and give you a charming space for your lifestyle.
Landscape should be a seamless transition from one area to the next, using your available space for the features that matter most to you and your loved ones. We think it is a challenge that brings a lifetime of rewards.
But do you know what can be even more challenging? Starting with a blank canvas. Now, to be clear, this is a special opportunity. It is pretty rare to have no real parameters. Within reason, you could basically do whatever you want to. Your yard is just waiting for you to paint your masterpiece. And that’s exactly what makes it so challenging. Where do you even start?
Well, we’re here to give you some professional advice that will help you get the yard of your dreams!
Getting sketchy with your outdoor design
It’s time to break out a pencil and some paper, folks. Seriously! And a tape measure. The best way for you to make good decisions about your yard is by having a clear understanding of what you’re working with. This phase doesn’t have to be hyper accurate in terms of dimensions, and you can get more precise as you get further into the planning stages.
What you really want to know initially is what sort of shape is your yard? What are you working with? When you see it on paper, does it look gridded, with lots of right angles, or is it a more organic shape, with curves? Or does it contain a little bit of both?
Understanding this space and focusing on even the small details like entry points will be crucial in how you make decisions about how your yard will function and what materials you’ll use to achieve it.
The poetics of aesthetics
Once you have a better understanding of your yard’s basic shape and a clearer vision of how you can make the most of what you have, it is time to plan the details. What is your yard really going to be used for?
Are you an entertainer who loves to host outdoor get-togethers, day or night? Are you someone who has not one but two green thumbs and sees a rolling landscape peppered with annual and perennial flowers and fresh herbs and fruits and vegetables? Or maybe you’re a meditative minimalist who wants to limit the lawn and instead imagines tranquil ponds and stone pathways and cool, calm colors. What sides of yourself and your family is your yard going to serve? And how can it do so in harmony?
Professional recommendations
Throughout our years of experience we have helped our clients in any imaginable phase of their landscaping journey. We work collaboratively with our clients and take the time to truly consider what you want out of their yard. It is great if you can come to the planning process with a vision but we are happy to provide design help.
When you’ve had the opportunity to consider what you want your yard to be, it can make the design process much smoother. We keep our focus on finding quality materials and making that initial sketch of yours a living and breathing reality, no matter if you want to use it for sports and fitness, barbecuing, gardening, or something in between!
This is the part of the process where the rubber really hits the road. Decisions like your choices of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees; what combination of materials like stone, wood, concrete make the most sense for your design; if you plan to include water features like ponds, fountains, waterfalls or even hot tubs and pools. Having a professional by your side will help you take that dream and heighten your vision to its fullest potential.
This is an incredibly exciting time for you as a homeowner! It’s like building a new edition on your home, and when done in the right way will get used just as much as your indoor spaces!
Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Well, what are you waiting for?
There’s no better time to invest in your yard. After all, it’s an investment in your overall well-being! For you and your family.