Full-Service Landscape Design
8 Pineview Ave, Berlin, NJ 08009
ph: (856) 753.1944
Mon-Fri: 7:00am - 5:00pm
01 Apr 2022

Striving for Straight F’s: How Can You Achieve the Ultimate in Outdoor Entertainment?

Ever since I can remember, I thought that if I studied hard, paid attention, and tried my best, A’s would come my way. This couldn’t have proven to be more accurate. However, when designing and implementing an outdoor entertainment area, F’s are what we strive for. Food, Fire, and Fluidity are the main elements that deliver the ultimate “staycation” of homeowners’ dreams when brought together.

Food  

Enough said. Nothing brings people together better than an array of delicious food. The home kitchen always seems to be the main gathering area during holidays, birthdays, or parties. Why? Because people love to eat. And there’s no reason why a kitchen with all the same amenities (and more) can’t be created outdoors.

Grills, warmers, side burners, refrigerators, sinks, ice makers, pizza ovens, and even beer meisters can add functionality and fun to your patio space. Most of these kitchen structures come equipped with natural gas, electricity, and plumbing. Granite countertops, stainless steel cabinets, and drawers are also possibilities that provide beauty and convenience to your gourmet cooking experience.

Good food attracts friends and family alike. So put away those frozen hotdogs and hamburgers and prepare a restaurant-worthy spread in your new outdoor kitchen!

Fire  

Since the beginning of time, we have always been captivated and mesmerized by fire. A fireplace is typically the main focal point of a home’s family/living area and has much the same power as the kitchen to bring people together. Roasting marshmallows or huddling and talking around a fireplace hearth can easily be done right out your back door. That’s why incorporating an outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or fire element has become increasingly popular over the past ten years.

Wood, natural gas, or propane can all be used to fuel your inferno. Depending on your preference, these structures are available in kits for ease of installation or can be custom designed to fit specific needs. Natural stone, clay brick, or manufactured block and veneer are all used in construction. Whether it be warmth, utility, or just plain beauty, adding fire to your backyard will entice everyone to your outdoor space.

Fluidity  

The sound of flowing water has a calming effect which can be a tranquil addition to any area. Waterfalls, fountains, and ponds each have unique attributes in providing a soothing atmosphere. Waterfalls can be even be incorporated into swimming pools and ponds to drown out nearby vehicular traffic or an overly noisy neighbor.

Ponds can bring an entire mini living ecosystem to your property by including aquatic life and plants. Many homeowners looking for low-maintenance structures have pondless water features. These range from boulder/stone waterfalls to decorative bubbling urns spilling into underground collection basins with recirculation pumps.

Water has even made its way into built-in patio misters to keep your guests cool on those hot summer days. The introduction of moving water can transform an average outdoor space into a dynamic, relaxing environment.

A well-thought-out plan, qualified contractor, and flexible budget (of course) can blend all three of these elements. Now is the perfect time to plan your spring/summer outdoor projects and get ahead of the rush. Forget the travel agent. Create a private resort oasis and create new memories right in your own backyard instead by incorporating the 3 F’s. Give us a call to learn more at 856-753-1944.

01 Nov 2021
landscape design

How Can You Develop a Comprehensive Landscape Design Plan?

Every great plan begins with just an idea.  Maybe it’s a concept of an outdoor entertainment space, complete with fireplace and bar top, or a plan to arrange landscape plantings to complement the style of your home. However, it’s the next steps that are so important in transforming this idea into a reality.  Site evaluations, conceptual drawings, and final site plans/3D imagery all compose the path leading to your ultimate “staycation.” Before jumping into this process, the undoubtedly most crucial aspect is determining a BUDGET.  This mystical number will help guide the direction of the plans and how they are composed.

Site Evaluation

This initial step highlights any limiting factors present on your property to be considered in the plan.  Drainage (water flow) should be evaluated not to introduce any landscape/hardscape features that could impede flow or redirect water in an unapproved fashion.  Sun exposure will dictate if a roof or pergola structure may be a nice addition to beat the heat or simply the variety of plants that will thrive. Town building/zoning codes need to be researched to be aware of what is allowable within your municipality.  Most towns have lot coverage and setback codes which may limit the extent of your project.  Conduct a soil analysis to determine if there is a high clay or sand content present.  The soil will directly affect how certain hardscape features are constructed (footing depth, base material, etc.) and the type of plant material utilized.  Spend some time studying the dynamics of your property to lead you in the right direction.

Conceptual Designs

Exterior landscape/hardscape design is a very fluid, ever-evolving process that should not be rushed. Take your time and allow the spaces to be sketched out so that all “wish list” elements be accounted for and located.  This planning will help in deciding spatially what can be incorporated and what can’t. This step helps examine the possibilities.  An old-fashioned #2 pencil with a fat eraser, in conjunction with trace paper, is a great way to create overlays and optional features.   This stage is the time to be creative, so if one idea doesn’t work, erase it or sketch over and try again.

Final Site Plan/3D Imagery

This last step is typically reserved for certified/degreed landscape architects and accredited landscape designers; however, computer programs are available if you feel up to the task.  A home survey is a valuable document you most likely already have to develop the base map of existing structures.  The survey is a scaled drawing that is either enlarged by hand drafting or importing into a computer program.  The conceptual images are now drawn in at the exact dimensions of the proposed project.  This is the plan which will be used for construction, so precision is key.  All structures, hard surfaces, bed lines, plant material, etc., should be included in these plans.  For those who have trouble envisioning overhead site plans, 3D imagery is available to create a realistic representation of the project’s appearance before a shovel is put into the ground.  Specific vantage points can be manipulated and viewed through these images.

The comprehensive landscape/hardscape design process is the necessary starting point to elaborate on that “million-dollar” (or maybe just a few thousand) ideas and provides piece of mind in your investment.  So, when you see those accreditations and abbreviations listed next to a designer’s name, know they come with the value and the ability to help professionally. So now that your design is complete, it’s time to start planning the best feature….  how you’re going to relax and enjoy your newfound outdoor space once construction is complete!

Need help planning your next landscape project. Our experienced, accredited team can help. Call us to schedule a consultation at (856) 753.1944.