How To Choose The Right Landscaping Company
The best way to find the right Landscaping Companies Harrisburg PA for your needs is to look at past client testimonials and work portfolios. You should also inquire about their reliability and how quickly they respond to emails or phone calls.
A great landscaping company should also have consistent communication throughout your project. This is important in ensuring that the results you want are achieved.
Experience
Whether you’re designing a new landscape or just looking to have your lawn mowed, the right landscaping company can make all the difference. However, there are many contractors out there and it can be challenging to figure out which one is best for your project. Luckily, there are several tips you can follow to help narrow down your options and find the best landscaping company for you.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a landscaping company is their level of experience. A landscaper with extensive experience will be familiar with the best practices and techniques for creating a functional and beautiful outdoor space. They will also have a strong understanding of local construction codes and regulations. In addition, they will have the skills necessary to handle a variety of different projects, from laying bricks and installing pavers to planting trees, shrubs, and flowers.
It’s also a good idea to check out a landscaping company’s portfolio before making a decision. This will give you an idea of their style and the quality of their work. In addition, it will help you determine if their services are within your budget. A reputable landscaping company should be able to provide you with a cost estimate and site demonstration. If they are hesitant to do this, it may be a sign that they are not confident in their pricing or may have hidden costs.
When choosing a landscaping company, you should always compare their prices to those of their competitors. You should also pay attention to their reputation. Look for online reviews and recommendations from friends and family. It is crucial to choose a company that has the experience and expertise to complete your project on time and within budget.
Once you have narrowed down your options, ask each landscaping contractor the same questions so that you can compare them side by side. Ask about their experience, what types of projects they have worked on, and if they have any examples of landscaping work they are particularly proud of. Also, ask each landscaper about their process and how they will work with you to ensure that your vision is met.
Licensing
Many people who work in the green industry dream of transforming outdoor spaces, and cooperating with Mother Nature to bring their visions to life. However, the licensing requirements for launching and operating a landscape company can be confusing. It’s important to understand what is required to grow a landscaping business with confidence and protect it from risk.
Most states and municipalities have some type of licensing requirement for businesses that perform landscape services. This typically includes a business license and proof of workers’ compensation insurance for employees. In addition to the required licenses, many companies also obtain a commercial general liability insurance policy that will protect their business from common business risks such as damage to property or customer injury.
Landscaping is a dangerous job, so it’s important to be properly insured. It’s also important to choose a landscaping company that is licensed and bonded to meet certain state requirements. If you’re not sure what requirements your state has, do some research and make sure to factor the cost of required certifications, licensing, and insurance into your startup costs.
The National Association of Landscape Professionals has a variety of different certification options that are tied to experience and passing a testing exam. These include certified managers, exterior and interior technicians, horticultural technicians, and lawn care technicians. In addition, several professional associations offer insurance packages for their members. If you aren’t sure what your state’s requirements are, check with your local licensing department to find out more.
A surety bond is a three-party agreement between you, the surety that issues your bond, and the state or municipality that requires you to be bonded. A surety bond acts as a financial guarantee that you will fulfill your obligations to clients and the licensing department. A surety bond is expensive, but it’s necessary to get a license in many states.
A good landscaping company will be experienced, have the proper licensing and insurance, and be able to give you a quote for the job upfront. You should do your homework and interview a few landscaping companies before choosing one to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Insurance
A beautiful lawn can add a great deal to your curb appeal, but it takes time and energy to keep it looking good. That’s why so many homeowners, property managers, and business owners turn to landscaping companies for help. However, it can be difficult to choose the right company. There are so many landscapers out there, with each offering something different. Here are a few things you should consider before hiring a landscaper for your project.
The first thing you should look for is the experience of the landscaper. The more experience they have, the better. This will give you confidence that they can handle any challenges that may come up during the project. It’s also important to find out what types of projects they have worked on in the past. Ask them to provide references from previous clients and check out their online portfolio. You can also visit gardens they have designed to see their work for yourself.
Another factor to consider is whether the landscaping company is licensed and insured. This will ensure that if someone is hurt on your property while they are working, you will not be held liable. You can also ask them to provide you with a copy of their insurance policy.
You should also make sure that the landscaping company you hire has workers’ compensation and liability insurance. This will protect you if one of their employees is injured while working on your property.
In addition to the above, it’s important to find out whether the landscaping company has any industry certifications or memberships. This will ensure that they are up to date on the latest trends and technology in the landscaping industry. This will help them offer the best possible services to their clients.
It’s also a good idea to ask the landscaper about their pricing structure and what they can do within your budget. It’s also a good idea to get quotes from several different landscaping companies and compare them. This will help you make an informed decision about which company to hire for your landscaping project.
Portfolio
Choosing the right landscaping company can make all the difference in how well your yard looks. You want to choose a professional who has the experience and expertise to get your project done right the first time around, avoiding any costly mistakes that could arise in the future. To find the best landscaper for your needs, you should take the time to browse online portfolios and other resources to see examples of their work.
While a landscaping company may boast about their expertise and quality of work, the proof is in their portfolios. They should be able to provide you with a comprehensive list of their previous projects, complete with images and descriptions. You can use these portfolios to compare projects and decide which one is the best fit for your property.
In addition to visual samples, a good portfolio should also include a statement of philosophy, a resume, or other important documentation, such as certifications, awards, and professional memberships. If a contractor is not willing to share their portfolios or other resources, this is a red flag and should be avoided at all costs.
Once you’ve compiled a list of contractors, be sure to ask them for references and request copies of their portfolios. You can then use the information provided to narrow down your choices and select a landscaping company that is best suited for your needs.
It’s also a good idea to have a general understanding of the type of landscaping that you would like for your home or business. You can start by browsing online portfolios, idea books, and other resources to find inspiration and better understand the types of landscaping that would look best in your space. It’s important to match your aesthetics with a landscaping design professional, so you should try to find someone who has similar taste and style.
Having a clear picture of what you want to accomplish will save you time in the long run and make it easier for you to directly compare the landscaping solutions that each contractor proposes. In the end, this will help you choose the right landscaping company to help transform your property and enhance its curb appeal.
Lawn Care Tips
A well-manicured lawn not only looks good but provides many environmental benefits. It contributes to community green space, beautifies neighborhoods, creates oxygen (a 50-foot by 50-foot lawn produces enough for a family of four), prevents soil erosion, and improves water quality.
Grass also helps reduce cooling costs and absorbs rainwater six times better than pavement. Watering correctly is essential; water in the early morning so it doesn’t evaporate as quickly. To learn more, visit https://www.primecutlawnky.com/.
Weeds are unwanted plants that grow where they should not be, in the lawn and garden, competing with desired grass and other plants for water, nutrients and light. Proper weed control eliminates competition so that desirable plants have the resources they need to thrive.
Regular lawn care including weed control will ensure that your property has the lush, healthy appearance that increases curb appeal and will help increase the value of your home when it is time to sell. If a potential buyer sees an untended, poorly maintained yard with overgrown weeds and patches of crabgrass, they may assume that other problems exist. A well-groomed and weed-free yard tells the viewer that the entire property has been cared for and is well-maintained.
Annual weeds die after their yearly growing cycle and are replaced by new growth. Biennial weeds survive two growing seasons and reproduce either by seed or vegetatively by creeping stems (stolons and rhizomes) or fleshy roots. Perennial weeds can persist for years unless killed or removed.
Weed control can be done by hand-pulling, spraying with a hose or using a weed eater. The best time to control weeds is before they are fully grown so that the herbicide can be translocated throughout the plant and kill it effectively. Different types of weeds require different treatments so you will need to make sure the right type of weed control is used.
The most effective weed killers are nonselective, systemic herbicides that move through the plant and kill it from the inside out. These products are generally sprayed with a liquid or granular formulation and must be absorbed into the weed’s cells in order to kill it. This can take a few hours or several days.
Weed control is an ongoing process and must be performed regularly to maintain a pristine landscape. It is important to hire a professional weed control company that has the knowledge and experience needed to provide high-level service and use professional-grade products. Choosing the wrong product or applying it at the wrong time can result in a failed weed treatment and damage your lawn.
Fertilization
Lawn fertilization is a critical component of any lawn care program, as it provides the nutrients that grass needs to thrive. Fertilizers contain the essential elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) that grasses need to grow strong and healthy. Grass that is adequately fertilized will grow thicker and denser, leaving less room for pesky weeds to take over.
A thick and healthy lawn is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also protects against environmental stresses and deters unwanted pests. In addition, a nutrient-rich soil will attract earthworms and other beneficial microorganisms that help to aerate the ground and break down organic material. This, in turn, can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides.
Nitrogen and other essential lawn nutrients are typically absorbed from the soil. However, natural processes such as mowing, watering and natural erosion can deplete the soil of these nutrients over time. Lawn fertilization supplements the soil with these nutrients, allowing it to continue thriving.
Fertilizers are available in liquid and granular forms, each with unique application methods and benefits. Liquid fertilizers are sprayed directly onto the soil and are absorbed quickly, whereas granular fertilizers require spreading with dedicated equipment and release their nutrients slowly over an extended period of time.
Whether in liquid or granular form, fertilizers need to be applied according to the label directions. It is important to choose a high-quality fertilizer with a balanced mix of nutrients that will provide your lawn with the best results. Before applying your fertilizer, it is a good idea to thoroughly irrigate the lawn so that the grass seed will be saturated. This will allow the fertilizer to be absorbed by the roots of the plant, rather than being washed away by rainwater.
Regardless of which form of fertilizer you select, it is important to follow a regular lawn maintenance schedule. By choosing the right nutrient ratios and scheduling your applications, you can ensure that your lawn will be a beautiful and functional part of your home or business.
Aeration
If you think your yard looks a little spongy and brown, aeration may be the answer to restoring your green lawn. Aeration is the process of mechanically poking holes into the ground to loosen up compacted soil and increase natural aeration. It also helps thatch break down and encourages grass to grow deeper roots. Aerating is one of the best lawn care practices to promote healthy, lush grass that resists heat, drought, and cold temperatures.
The main reason to aerate is to relieve soil compaction that prevents air, water and nutrients from reaching the grassroots. Foot traffic, kids’ play equipment and even garden maintenance machines can cause soil to become dense and hard, which restricts root growth and leads to a host of problems like disease, runoff, weeds and dead grass.
To avoid this, aeration breaks up and eliminates thatch, allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. The aeration process uses a lawn aerator tool that has hollow tines or “spikes” that penetrate the turf and pull out small plugs of dirt and thatch. This is called core aeration and it’s the method preferred by professionals, because it allows for better soil cultivation and improves the health of your lawn over time.
Aeration is generally done once or twice per year, depending on the climate where you live. The best time is in the spring or fall for cool-season grasses and late summer through early autumn for warm-season grasses.
It’s also a good idea to aerate once every two to three years, or at any sign of stress on your lawn. After aerating, water the lawn well and apply a light application of lawn food to jump-start the flow of nutrients from the soil to the roots.
Keeping your lawn in tip-top shape takes work, but the reward is worth it. When you invest the time and effort in lawn care, your outdoor living space will feel inviting and be a source of pride for the entire family. So whether you’re looking to make your yard the envy of the block or simply want it to be a healthy, lush and beautiful oasis for your family and guests to enjoy, start with these basic steps.
Mowing
A lawn that is mowed properly can help it stay healthy. The key is to cut the grass at the right time and with the correct settings on your mower. Mowing at the proper height promotes deep rooting, discourages weeds and reduces evaporation from the soil. In addition, regular mowing will encourage new grass shoots to replace old, weak or damaged ones.
Most lawn care companies will offer mowing services as part of their package options. However, it is important to note that not all companies are created equal. Some focus only on treating visible problems while others have a more holistic approach to the health of the turf and soil. If you choose a company that focuses on improving soil health, you will see better results over the long run.
Weed control is another important service that a lawn care company can provide. This includes pulling or spraying the weeds that are detracting from your yard’s appearance as well as applying herbicide to the areas where larger weeds are growing. While weeds are natural parts of any garden, they should only be removed when they become too large and interfere with the healthy growth of the turf.
Pest control is also included in many lawn care packages. However, it is important to select a company that only uses safe and organic methods. This is especially important for those that use nematodes or earthworms to manage pest populations instead of chemical insecticides. The use of insecticides in lawns can actually harm the grass, creating resistant strains that are more difficult to manage.
All in all, the benefits of hiring a lawn care company are numerous. They can save you time and money, as well as help you get healthier, greener grass that improves your home’s curb appeal. In addition, most lawn care services are recurring, so you can schedule them weekly, monthly or bi-weekly depending on your needs. This allows you to customize your plan at any time, and most companies will allow you to add or remove treatments as needed. If you’re considering hiring a lawn care company, take the time to find one that offers the right package for you.
Landscape Lighting – Using Path Lights, Floodlights, and Spotlights to Enhance the Landscape
Lights can be used to highlight pathways, define boundaries, and accentuate trees, and other landscape elements. There are also techniques like grazing, cross-lighting, and uplighting that can enhance the landscape.
When choosing your landscape lighting, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as power, installation, and fixture type. We recommend consulting with a professional when installing a high-voltage option. Visit https://orlandolandscapelighting.net/ for more details.
Often the first landscape lighting element people notice, path lights provide an attractive way to illuminate walkways and garden paths. They are also a great choice for drawing attention to grade changes and highlighting plant material that can’t be effectively highlighted by down lighting from the home’s eaves or a nearby tree or wall.
While any kind of fixture can light a pathway, some types work better than others. Traditionally, sconces or lanterns are used along pathways. These fixtures often have a low profile that makes them hard to see until you walk up to them, making them more unobtrusive than larger fixture styles. They can be grouped together or staggered to create appealing pools of light that illuminate the path without overpowering it.
Other fixtures that can be used to light pathways include recessed lighting fixtures that can be flush mounted into the ground or built into structures such as walls, steps and patios. They are often made of cast aluminum with powder coated finishes that can resist corrosion. They have hoods or other shields to prevent glare, and many come with directional options to direct the light where it is needed most.
Another useful path light technique is silhouetting. This is achieved by illuminating the backside of an interestingly shaped feature such as a tree trunk, a stone wall or climbing ivy. The resulting silhouette emphasizes the shape and texture of the features while eliminating unwanted glare.
Step lights, designed to safely illuminate stairways and walkways, are also common landscape lighting fixtures. These are often incorporated into the risers of stairs or beneath the lips of the treads, where they can be easily seen and help to prevent accidents.
Path lighting fixtures are available in a wide range of styles and finishes, so it is important to choose ones that complement your landscaping. A professional can help you blend your landscape lighting with the style of your house, as well as taking into account ambient light from street or neighborhood lighting, sunlight reflecting off the moon and clouds, sky glow and other natural sources to create a cohesive look.
Spotlights
The right landscape lighting can enhance the visual appeal of your home and garden at night, making it more inviting to guests and family members. You can use a variety of different techniques to achieve the effect you’re looking for, including highlighting, washing, grazing, silhouetting and shadowing.
Spotlights are often used to highlight plants, statues and other interesting features in your landscape. They typically provide a narrow beam of light that can be adjusted for direction and intensity. This type of landscape lighting is best for uplighting, where the light is pointed upward at a plant or other structure.
This can highlight the shape, color and form of the feature, drawing attention to it from all angles and enhancing its presence in your yard. Depending on how close the spotlight is to the feature, it can also create a silhouette of that object. Another technique, known as grazing, involves using the light to enhance the texture of walls or other structures by casting a wash over the entire surface.
Floodlights are similar to spotlights but they have a wider coverage range, allowing them to illuminate larger areas of your yard. They’re useful for illuminating a driveway or patio from above, and they can also be aimed at other structures in your yard to provide a dramatic look.
These fixtures float in ponds and other water features, illuminating the foliage around them and highlighting their color at night. They can also be aimed at the underside of tree canopies to create an effect called uplighting, which highlights the shape and texture of a tree in a way that looks very natural.
When choosing these types of landscape lights, it’s important to make sure that the bulbs and fixture are rated for outdoor use. If you use a fixture and bulb not meant for outdoors, it may be subject to weather damage and the finish may deteriorate over time. Also, using a higher-wattage bulb than needed can cause an excessive amount of heat, which is not good for your landscaping and could potentially damage it.
Floodlights
As the name suggests, flood lights illuminate a large area with a wider beam of light than spotlights. They’re often used to complement spotlights in a landscape lighting design by providing an overall wash of light that highlights other features like trees or shrubs. They’re also good for lighting up paths or illuminating the sides of buildings, and can help to provide more ambient light for those who enjoy outdoor activities after dark.
When used in landscape lighting, LED flood lights can be implemented using several different techniques. Uplighting shines light in an upward direction to softly highlight or accent distinct plants and trees, while cross lighting uses two floodlights pointing up at the same time to fully illuminate tree canopies. Mirror lighting illuminates a background scene so that it appears to be reflected on a surface such as a pool or pond. Wash lighting illuminates outdoor walls or fences to add depth and enhance the visual appeal of your home’s exterior.
Flood lights can also be used to draw attention to particular elements of a landscape in a highly artistic way. Generally, they’re not as visually appealing as the small pools of light that spotlights produce, but they can make a space more functional and are an effective alternative to more utilitarian lighting options.
In general, floodlights are a better choice than spotlights for illuminating large areas because they provide a more even distribution of light. However, this can sometimes cause glare, which can be problematic for those with impaired vision. It’s best to consult a professional when choosing the right landscape lighting fixtures for your project.
Do-it-yourselfers may be tempted to install their own landscape lights, but we recommend hiring a professional for any work that involves electrical wiring. In addition to being safe and reliable, professional installation ensures that your new lights are properly wired and functioning correctly.
Lightkiwi’s selection of landscape LED flood lights offers a wide range of color, shape, pattern and arrangement possibilities that can help you achieve the perfect look for your landscape. They’re also incredibly energy-efficient and built to last, and can cut your energy costs by up to 50 percent.
Uplighting
Landscape lighting brings your property to life after the sun goes down. It highlights architectural elements of your home, draws attention to prized plants and trees, and creates a warm glow that illuminates pathways for safety and security. But how do you know which type of lighting is best for your goals? The key is to have a professional implement an overall lighting design that uses uplighting, spotlights and floodlights in conjunction with each other for maximum impact.
While many people think that landscape lighting involves only uplighting or downlighting, the truth is that every aspect of your outdoor space is fair game for this type of lighting. This includes entryways, walkways, decks, patios, and more. There are also a variety of effects that can be achieved, each with its own unique purpose.
One of the most popular effects is silhouetting. This technique involves placing a light fixture at the base of a feature, aiming it towards an adjacent wall to create a dramatic silhouette of the object. This works well with large trees, statues and other features that are easily recognized.
Another common effect is grazing. This is a technique that can be used with a pathway or around the edge of a fountain. Typically, the light moves across a surface to highlight its texture and depth. This is particularly effective with ponds and water features.
For walkways, landscape lights can be used to accentuate steps and risers. This helps to improve safety and visibility, especially for people who might be using mobility aids after dark. For a more subtle effect, lighting can be used to highlight the natural stone or wood grain of a step or walkway.
Whether you are looking to highlight your home, create a stunning outdoor living space, or improve safety on your property, the possibilities are endless with landscape lighting. Choosing the right light fixtures, striking a balance of brightness and shadows, and taking into account the layout of your property are all aspects that require a professional touch.
Good Solid Advice About Leadership That Anyone Can Use
Leadership is a word that anyone in the business world is familiar with, but few understand what it really takes to become a great leader. It takes time, effort and a lot of education. Here we have compiled information from some of the greatest leaders of all time in order to guide you on your path to becoming one of them. Continue reading and learn all you can about leadership.
Make ethical choices. Ethics is a part of any successful business. Customers respect a company which has strong values. When you give your employees moral responsibilities and expectations, you help make sure that they follow those rules.
If you have an employee that goes above and beyond the call of duty, do not hesitate to give them extra praise and rewards. Even though it may seem like you are playing favorites, you are giving them what they deserve. be open with other employees about it so they are aware of what rewards come with hard work.
Learn to delegate nonessential tasks to your employees. Delegation allows you to focus on the essential things that must be done to make your company successful. Additionally, delegating tasks to your employees gives them a sense of pride and ownership in the company. Although it is tempting to try to do everything yourself, delegation is beneficial to your company.
Know your competition just as well as you know your own company. Business isn’t just about what’s happening between the walls in your space. You need to make decisions based off competitive movement. If you can’t make decisions because you don’t know the competition, then expect your employees to see it as a weakness in leadership.
If you are in the business world, you most certainly know what a great leader is. If you are trying to become a great leader, the tips in this article will most certainly help guide you on your path. Refer to them anytime you are struggling with a leadership challenge, and use them to enhance your ability to achieve greatness.
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Fun And Unique Landscaping Ideas
Using flower gardens and cacti in your front yard landscaping is a way to show off a unique personality. Cacti need little upkeep but are eye-catching and fun.
Use old furniture and other items as planters. Repurpose tin letters to deliver a welcoming message for plants and visitors alike.
Sloped Backyards
Sloped backyards often look dramatic, but they can also provide opportunity for unique landscaping ideas. You can use a variety of materials for your sloped garden, including gravel and rock mulches that keep unwanted weeds from sprouting up. They’re also a great choice for holding back soil erosion, as well. Add some low growing shrubs with colorful foliage, like clematis or coral bells, and you’ve got a beautiful garden that will bloom all summer long.
Another way to help control soil erosion on a slope is by creating a garden in tiers. This can create flat areas where you can plant vegetables, flowers or even a vegetable and flower garden. To make the garden more interesting, use a mix of different textures in the plantings, such as stone or pavers, mulch and groundcover plants. You can also incorporate a retaining wall to hold back the hilly terrain, while creating a terraced garden with integrated steps or walkways.
Some people prefer a more wild backyard landscape, where the natural elements are in full control. Sloped yards are a perfect place to let nature take its course, but you can also impose some order by building a series of stairs that lead up to a grassy entertainment area. This design idea uses wood steps and gravel, with simple lighting fixtures and plants that blend into the surroundings, like clumping grasses and evergreen shrubs.
If you have a very steep slope, it may not be practical to build stairs down the whole thing. If that’s the case, a simple and attractive solution is to create a rock garden at the bottom of the slope. It can be filled with rocks of any size, or a mix of stones and pebbles. You can then plant rock loving plants with colorful foliage, such as heuchera or clematis, to give the garden a bit of color.
Water features are a fantastic option for any garden, but they’re particularly striking in a sloping backyard. A natural waterfall, babbling stream or fountain can be an eye-catching focal point and create a calming, relaxing vibe in your backyard.
Backyard Entertainment
Backyard entertainment areas can add value and liveability to your home, but you don’t need a huge yard to create a comfortable, inviting outdoor lounge. If your space is limited, work with an experienced landscaper to come up with a creative idea to turn a corner of your garden into a fun area for relaxing and entertaining.
If you love to cook with friends and family, consider installing an outdoor pizza oven. Guests can roll their own dough and add their favorite toppings in this fun social activity, while the wood-burning oven bakes perfect crusts. If you prefer to entertain outdoors without cooking, a bubbling fountain is an easy and eye-catching way to keep your guests entertained. Not only will the sound of water create a soothing soundtrack for your outdoor parties, but it’ll also encourage wildlife like birds, bugs, and frogs to visit your garden.
A backyard movie theater is a fun and unique landscaping idea that’s sure to impress. To set up your backyard cinema, you’ll need a projector and an outdoor movie screen. You can purchase freestanding and hanging models that are easy to set up and take down when not in use.
Another easy and surprisingly effective backyard entertainment idea is an outdoor gaming area. Whether you opt for classic outdoor games like cornhole and bocce ball or get creative with a giant Jenga stack and huge chess set, you’ll be amazed at how much your kids and guests will enjoy a dedicated backyard gaming zone.
Even something as simple as a comfy hammock can turn your backyard into a restful oasis. If you have trees, you can hook up a hammock or invest in a stand. Just make sure to include plenty of cozy blankets and pillows so you can truly relax in your new backyard retreat.
Don’t let your party go dark as the sun goes down. Light up your backyard with twinkling lights to create a magical atmosphere. From solar-powered stake lighting and lanterns to string lights and tiki torches, you can create a fun and welcoming mood that keeps the party going all night long.
Backyard Hideaways
If a party garden isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors in your own backyard by creating a cozy hideaway. Whether it’s an intimate nook that gives you the privacy to read or relax, or a space where you can lounge with friends and family, these gardens can be an escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Creating an outdoor refuge doesn’t require an expensive building project, though. You can start small and work your way up to a more elaborate grotto or retreat by making gradual additions. Libraries and bookstores have a wealth of books devoted to garden design, and many gardening magazines feature gorgeous private gardens that you can use for inspiration. Studying these pictures and taking notes on what you like can help you develop a plan for your own garden hideaway.
The furniture you choose to add to your backyard hideaway should reflect how you plan on using the nook. If you’re planning on spending most of your time alone, a simple Adirondack chair is perfect. On the other hand, if you’ll be sharing your garden hideaway with others, built-in furniture can save space and prevent a tiny area from feeling too cramped. Furniture that can be easily moved around also allows you to reconfigure your nook for a variety of uses.
Consider the flooring of your garden hideaway as well. Backyard rugs are a comfortable option that also adds warmth to an outdoor nook. If you’re planning on hosting parties or other gatherings, however, carpeting the floor with tiles or vinyl can be easier to maintain.
If you’re not ready to commit to permanent furniture, try a versatile movable garden hutch or parachute tent. These repurposed structures are quick and easy to set up, can be used as kids’ sleepover shelters or party lounges, and can be disassembled and stored when not in use. This kind of flexible garden hideaway is much more cost-effective than a full-blown gazebo, and you can use it year after year to meet your changing needs.
Kids’ Areas
Kids and adults often have very different tastes in landscaping but there are some elements that can appeal to both groups. For instance, a fun walkway can be constructed of landscape pavers that alternate between natural and stone materials and lead to a cozy kid’s play area. Alternatively, you can create a racetrack with a dotted road divider for them to zoom their cars around on. Another fun option is a climbing wall. This is a great way for them to build strength and stamina. It also helps them stay active instead of spending too much time sitting around the house.
If you have a large yard in Hopewell Junction, NY, you can build a special place for the kids to play that blends in with the rest of the landscaping. A sandbox is one option but it can be turned into a unique children’s area by recessing it into the ground and adding wood steps. A framed chalkboard, seats and organization pockets that hold their projects make this an inviting and useful spot.
Creating a kid’s play area can be a good way to encourage them to spend more time outdoors without feeling like they have to entertain themselves. If you’re looking for a more unique idea, consider building a treehouse getaway, complete with a ladder and branches that they can use to hang from. This is an affordable way to make a play space that will delight the whole family.
While it’s important to include a play space in your landscape, don’t forget about plants. Kids love touching and playing with plants, rocks and dirt. If you plan to scale back your plantings for a kid-scape, choose soft-leaved shrubs and perennials that tolerate basketballs and footsteps as well as kids’ kicking and throwing. Avoid plants that have thorns or spikes and position them away from paths or play zones. Also, keep in mind that children will spill things so make sure you incorporate plenty of storage zones to keep toys out of sight and out of mind.
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