landscape design ideas

High end modern landscaping adds tremendous value to both residential and commercial locales. What differentiates these landscapes from standard modern and contemporary designs is their very intentional use of geometric shapes, exceptionally high-grade materials, and thoughtful selectivity when it comes to choosing plant species for gardens and ground cover.

Where we see the modern landscape designer seeking to support architecture from a complimentary point of view, the high-end landscape architect strives to create an outdoor world that works as a veritable three-dimensional mirror to the geometry and size of the home, building, or office it surrounds.

In the commercial realm, the clients we work for who require a specific type of exterior presence to create a strong impression of their offerings and value production. Art galleries need landscapes that look like art. Museums must look very sheik in order to emphasize their ability to properly preserve and showcase the rare finds of history contained within their walls.

Colleges need to convey a sense of progress and forward motion, and modern buildings need to set themselves apart as leaders in their industry who always stay at least one step ahead of their competition.

While we have worked on many such commercial projects, the majority of high-end modern landscaping we have done as been in the residential arena. Exterior World creates high-end modern landscapes throughout Houston neighborhoods such as Tanglewood, Rice Village, West University, The Woodlands, Bellaire, Royal Oaks, Hedwig Village, Memorial, and River Oaks.

Any home built in a contemporary or modern style can be transformed into the virtual equivalent of a new home with the right high-end modern landscape design. Clients who want to add property value to their home investment should consider this as one excellent means to this end.

High-grade materials and sophisticated structures are the key to success in high-end modern landscaping. Water features play a major, if not predominant role, in many of these projects. Reflecting pools and infinity pools can be built as focal points on either commercial or residential landscapes. These unique, magnificently geometric water features add dimension and movement to any environment.

Stainless steel structures are often installed near the water to magnify its reflectivity and create new shapes that move along its surface. Glass is used heavily in contemporary high-end landscapes as both a way of creating “windows” into special points of interest or as optical prisms that bend the light and scatter its colors onto steel, glass, water, and tile.

Special concrete forms and gravel patterns create layers of hardscape that blend of natural stonework and planned, deliberate concrete forms.

Indeed, our use of special forms of paving is essential to developing the overall aesthetic of a high end modern landscape. Pavement establishes large spaces that alternating patterns of stasis and transition. Patios and walkways can be even constructed at slightly staggered elevations to create a sense of journey.

Steps here will be built at the exact height as the human footstep is long. This makes it feel as though a person walking here is not even climbing stairs. Small architectural walls can then be built along these walkways to connote special importance and a sense of controlled, focus movement. Arches can also be constructed where patios intersect with walkways in order to establish entrance and importance to a special area of interest and activity.

Vegetation is always maintained at a minimum in high end modern landscaping. The old literary adage “less as more” is also the modern of the high-end contemporary landscape design professional. While it is true that we never want to make the landscape appear sterile, we want to generate a feeling that Nature as a presence works to support man’s evolution-not compete with its progress as a separate realm. Vegetation should be chosen that is very tall, and that can grow in tight spaces that are typically preferred over lush foliage. Bamboo is ideal for this, as well as several species of small, exotic trees.

Ground cover should be dark in order to compliment stones and concrete and special grasses should be used that grow slowly in shaded areas and graveled areas as opposed to more abundant, hardy species that spread quickly into all areas of the yard.

About the Author

Jeff Halper has a passion for landscaping and landscape design, for more information visit Modern Garden Design you can read more about High end modern garden design or Outdoor Landscaping Design

When it comes to using wood for exceptional quality in outdoor furniture, I first think of cedar. Cedar is a beautiful wood that is very durable and outdoor porch swings and other items made out of cedar will last for generations. It is naturally resistant to decay, insect and weather damage. We regularly go to the Oregon coast for family vacations, and homes with cedar siding are very prevalent. This is because the cedar lasts under the harsh conditions of living right by the ocean. It starts out in a beautiful red / brown color and ages to a rustic soft silver gray, giving the home a wonderful rustic look. Cedar is also commonly used for split rail and full wood fences. The use of cedar for siding and fences is a testament to its superior durability.

One of my favorite benefits of cedar is its strength to weight ratio, which in layman terms means that the wood is exceptionally strong without being overly heavy. Basically, cedar furniture is easy to move around, you don’t have to hire the neighbor’s teenage boys when you want to rearrange your patio furniture. This is one down side to teak, another great and common out door wood, teak is just plain heavy!

Another great thing about using cedar for outdoor porch swings is that it does not shrink or warp like other woods can do. Other woods are normally pressure treated to avoid this problem, but then you are exposing your family to chemical preservatives that may be harmful to their health.

I am also really excited about cedar because we finished landscaping our back yard last year, and this spring we will be getting some new outdoor furniture. I knew I wanted cedar because besides all the benefits mentioned above, I simply like the way it ages, I think it gives a garden a truly homey look.

Last year I found a company that sells cedar outdoor porch swings and garden furniture is called Rustic Natural Cedar Furniture Company. They have been specializing in manufacturing cedar products for the both in and out of the home for over 30 years. They use both Northern White Cedar and Western Red Cedar for outdoor products. We bought a wonderful swing for our front porch made of the Northern White Cedar, which starts out a beautiful creamy white color before it changes to the traditional gray. I really wanted to go with them again so that our backyard furniture matched our outdoor porch swing, and they had some great options.

We could go with a basic garden swing, they had them in a variety of sizes. But the footprint is larger than I want, plus we already have the porch swing. Another option they have are gliders, both single and loveseat gliders as well as glider benches. They also have a great double glider with a table between the two gliders all on a cedar stand. Great for out door socializing, and there are optional canopies.

Well, spring is starting to tease us here in north Idaho, we had a beautiful spring like day on Wednesday, but then a snow storm the next day. But it is still the first hint that I must decide soon on what great cedar pieces I want to grace our back yard.

About the Author

MJ writes for ClickShops Inc. where you can find a great selection of outdoor porch swings at www.porchswings.us.com.

Lawns are a huge source of waste. There are all sorts of petroleum based products and emissions that come from the goal of a nice green lawn that most people desire. There are many changes that you can make with your lawn to help it become a more environmentally friendly process.

The first thing is to make sure that you are using natural grasses over ones that are not native to the area. When the grasses are native to the area, this means that they are going to grow well without extra fertilizers or extra water. This saves on something that you really don’t need. Additionally, look for plants that are more native to help cut back on water for these as well.

Add a garden to your yard and cut back on what needs to be mowed. Try to grow this garden with organic methods. You can attract beneficial insects to it which will help take care of pest problems in your yard.

Stop excessive watering of your lawn. There is quite a bit of water that is wasted on trying to keep grasses alive that aren’t designed to grow in the climate. If using water, try to use rain barrels and catch the water for use on your yard in the spots that need the extra water.

Try to mow a bit less often that you normally would to cut back on emissions. You can also consider switching to a classic push mower instead which doesn’t use any energy source.

Try to use less pesticides in the yard. There are times where these are used for a reason, but keep your yard in a condition where these are not needed too often.

Go for human powered tools over gas or electric models. While it’s a bit more work, you get exercise and are not causing any emissions at all.

If you want an environmentally friendly lawn, there are many changes that need to be made. Learn what these are to get the results that you are looking for.

About the Author

Find the latest info on Stihl Chainsaw and on Stihl Chainsaw Hearing Protection for your chainsaw needs.

One of the best things you can add to a garden or your backyard is a fish pond, and having a pond added to your garden ideas will require a bit of planning. There are a number of ideas you can use when you are planning on putting these structures in your backyard, and these ideas can be easily worked on as long as you know what you are getting yourself into. Basic ideas for building and maintaining a pond filled with fishes should include the design of the pool in correlation to the surrounding garden, the type of fish you want to have in it, the size of the structure, and even the design elements that you want to add to it.

When you want to add a pond to your existing garden, you will need to find an ideal spot where you intend to put it. Some of the suggestions you might want to consider include areas where the pond is visible from the house or areas that need the added attraction of a fish pond in it if your yard is way too big. Another thing you will need to consider would be the construction of such an addition to your garden and what kind of materials and designs you should choose. There are many ideas you can use when you decide to put a pond in your garden. Some of the choices people make for the pond include plastic basins, wooden barrel type constructions, concrete pools, and even those ponds that are lined with tiles for easier cleaning.

When planning your pond, you will need to have a diagram and a list of the construction materials. Included in the list of materials are the other elements that you will need to make your little fish haven look good and this includes the plants, rocks, and other decorative pieces you may want it to have in and around it. Your fish pond will need to have a water source that you can easily gain access to. Your fish home would also need to have a place in your yard where leaves will not constantly fall into it and that there is still some shade for it to be protected from direct sunlight during certain times of the day.

When it comes to choosing the fish for your fish pond, you will need to follow certain suggestions that most fish pond experts have on the subject. Most of the people who design and build fish ponds often suggest that koi and goldfish are two of the best kinds of fish to have in your pond. There are many types of goldfish and koi that you can choose from when it comes to putting fish in your little fish pool, and the choices include goldfish breeds such as the oranda, fantails, black moors, and ryukin. When it comes to koi, you will find that they come in many different types that include hi utsuri, kohaku, cha goi, and asagi.

About the Author

Create a good looking pond from the many fish pond ideas that you can get from fish pond experts.

Have you heard the rumor regarding the spruce and pine tree myth? Most people think that their damaged or dead lawn is caused by acidity in their spruce tree needles. This is not true. Extensive testing has been done and evergreen needles do not alter the ph of soil. The damaged lawn is likely caused by a lack of sunlight. Colorado blue spruce, pine trees and other evergreens can grow to be huge trees. In Calgary, Colorado blue spruce are the most common, and can be seen everywhere, specifically in the older Calgary neighborhoods. At Chinook Landscaping Calgary, we have at lease 5 phone calls a week related to the damage these trees cause to yards. The best way to repair your lawn is to not have any lawn underneath your tree. Allow the branches to brush the ground or trim them up. Create a border around the perimeter and directly under the branches. Use plastic edging, pre- fabricated stone, or natural stone as a border. Add mulch or crushed rock to the interior of the border and presto, no more damaged lawn! These borders can b a really attractive landscape feature on your front or back yard. They end the battle between your trees and lawn and they can be very inexpensive to create. You will want to water the lawn area outside the border thoroughly throughout the summers as the tree will continue to draw a lot of moisture from your entire yard. As well, be sure to clean up the needles on your lawn and discard them each season.

For pine and spruce solutions or for any landscaping project you may have contact David Abbott at Chinook Landscaping in Calgary.

To learn more about
Spruce and Pine tree damage visit: Landscaping Calgary

About the Author

Website: http://www.landscapingcalgary.org
David Abbott has been in the landscaping industry for over 20 years. As the owner/operator of Chinook Landscaping in Calgary and Medicine Hat, he is also the creator of http://www.landscapingcalgary.net The leading on-line landscaping resource in Calgary

Choosing the right paver contractor to install your paver patio can be a challenge. There are a number of questions you should have answered before you commit to a contract.

Here’s a few things to consider when deciding who you’ll choose to install your paver patio.

Before your first meeting have in mind how you intend to use your patio and a budget. Do you want a paver patio for entertaining? A fire pit or barbeque grill station? Do you need a retaining wall to keep you patio level? Budgets are important because they give a contractor guideline to work within. The more information you’re able to give your paver contractor the better he’ll be able to plan your patio project and provide you with an accurate cost of your paver patio. If you have photos of ideas you like keep those available too.

In the initial meeting you will want to find out as much as you can about the paver contractor. Below are some questions you should ask.
* How long have they been installing paver patios similar to your?
* Do they have a list of references? It is a great idea to call these references and if possible get permission to go see these projects and talk to their customers.
* Paver base preparation is a key factor in every paver project. Ask them how they handle the base preparation. Drainage is also a key factor in every landscape job. Ask them how they plan to handle the drainage.
* Do they offer design services?
* What is their paver training background? How are their employees trained? Do they attend manufacturer training sessions?
* What warranty do they offer? Do the products they recommend have a warranty?
* Have they provided you with any manufacturer’s literature and paver pattern options?
* Will subcontractors be used on your paver patio? Who are they and how long has the paver contractor been using them?
* Do they have liability insurance and are they covered by Workers Compensation? Don’t let a paver contractor’s inexperience, mistake or accident be your responsibility.
* Are there any permits required for this job? Whose responsibility is it to get these permits?
* What is their timeline and schedule for installing your paver patio? Will the crew that is working on your job be working on another at the same time?
* If your paver patio needs a retaining wall does it need engineered due to the soil conditions or unusual loading conditions?
* What is their clan-up routine?
* Do they have a website?

Research the reputation of the contractor you’re considering. Call their references, check the Better Business Bureau and view recent portfolios.

When receiving an estimate be sure to GET IT IN WRITING. Be specific on all your wants and needs to avoid lots of unexpected extras adding up the cost at the end. Don’t forget to get detailed warranty and guarantee information which could save you money in the future.

When comparing paver patio estimates from different contractors review the cost breakdowns carefully. Make sure you’re getting quotes that are based on the same work and materials. Differences in brands, plant sizes and installation procedures can adjust pricing. Also, be sure to verify that all the preparation and clean up routines are similar.

Ask questions. Your goal is to find a contractor who is experienced at installing paver patios similar to yours. Don’t be intimidated to request more information to ensure you understand exactly what is being done and what your final cost will be. A legitimate contractor will be very happy to confirm that you’re comfortable with your arrangement.

Remember, do your homework and enjoy your patio!

About the Author

Steve Combs is the owner of MyPatioDesign.com and has over 11 years of experience in designing and installing paver patios. MyPatioDesign.com has a large library of pre-designed patios available for download. Each download includes fully dimensioned design, material list, color palettes and how-to’s.

How to choose a landscaper. There are many landscape architects available if you do a simple search in a search engine, but which one do you choose? Not all landscapers have the same experience and skill. Follow these steps and you will be on your way to finding the landscape designer that is right for you.

First off you need to define your budget. I don’t mean that you need to itemize everything you plan to have like $200 for trees, $350 for flowers and shrubs, etc. Just come up with a number that you can afford and you feel good about. There are so many options when it comes to landscaping that you can easily spend $30,000 or more if you do not have a budget to begin with.

Once you speak with your chosen landscaper, they will be able to tell you what they can do while still staying within your budget. Your budget may change based on what you really want, but if you start with a maximum amount of money you can afford, you will know where your boundaries are in the beginning.

Do some research. It is always easier for the landscape architect if you have some ideas of what you want. Go to the library and look at landscaping books to get some ideas. You will be able to find many pictures online that can also spark some imagination in you. Look at the layouts, walkways, and types of flowers and shrubs. Pay special attention to the materials used. You may like stone better than brick or vice versa. Also look at the color combinations. You will notices how different colors and sizes can compliment each other to bring out a wonderful display of variety, while still keeping a peaceful feeling.

Determine a timeline. Nobody wants to have the never ending project and in fact we tend to put things off until the end anyway. Have you ever had a research paper due in 4 weeks only to actually write it the night before? The timeline should be long enough to get the work done correctly, but not too long as to drag on and only finish baby steps at a time.

The best times for landscaping are spring and summer. You don’t want to do it too early during the rainy season or too late when the temperatures drop. By planning ahead you can secure your project with the right landscaper and won’t have to settle for someone that has too much free time.

Good landscapers are in high demand and they often work multiple projects at one time. Don’t worry if this happens. There are many steps to landscaping that require waiting – waiting for concrete to dry, waiting for an area to dry, waiting for settling, etc. Your landscaper should inform you of the different phases along the way so you know what is happening at every step.

Choosing a landscaper. Most people choose a landscaper by referral. This is the easiest way, but isn’t always the best. Everyone has a brother-in-law or cousin that knows someone that has installed a sprinkler system, but this does not make a good landscaper. Check out the referrals you do receive and ask to see some of their work. If they are just starting out and don’t have any pictures than you shouldn’t let them test the business out on your dime.

Here are some things you should find out before agreeing to anything:

• How long have they been in business
• How many employees will be working on your project
• What languages do they speak. It is important that you will be able to communicate with everyone if there is a problem.
• What are their specialties and what other services do they provide. If you want a waterfall, they should have done waterfalls in the past and if not they should refer someone to you that has the experience.
• Get their contact information and hours of availability
• Are they licensed and insured? This is very important in case they cause damage to something or someone can get injured and it would be your responsibility.
• Ask for references and check them out.
• They should provide a written contract before they start working to make sure you both understand what is going to be done and the terms of the agreement.

Inspect the work along the way. You really should be present for most of the work that is done so you can check the quality and make sure the work is done as you expected it to be. If a part of work is finished and you decide to make a change to it, they will charge you for the changes which can add up. If you are checking the work along the way you can make changes that often will not cost extra.

About the Author

Utah county landscaping has changed. There is now a clear leader in innovation and design among landscapers. Vision Landscaping has the quality and experience you require for your next landscaping project. Find them on the web at http://www.MyVisionLandscaping.com

Oak wilt within Austin, Texas has become quite prevalent over recent years. With this prevalence, unfortunately, comes the loss of many oak trees. However, there are several diseases which can affect oaks, the effects of which can be similar to that of oak wilt and perhaps even a bit confusing. Oak decline is one such disease. Let’s examine ways in which to differentiate oak wilt and oak decline.

Oak wilt is a disease which produces a fungus that essentially clogs the water-conducting vessels of an oak. Without the fluidity of this vital element necessary for its survival, an oak will succumb to wilting–hence, the disease’s namesake–and eventually death. Generally, the disease is spread in one of two manners. First, interconnected root systems are frequently responsible for spreading the disease to healthy, previously unaffected oaks proximal to the diseased tree. Second, sap-feeding beetles are responsible for picking up the spores that produce the disease while feeding on an infected tree and transporting them to previously unaffected, but wounded trees when their feeding site changes. The spores are introduced to the wounded tree, thereby exposing it to the devastating effects of the disease. Spore mats, found under areas of cracked bark, are generally evidence of the exposure of a tree to oak wilt through the presence of sap-feeding beetles Although the timeline for the demise of a tree affected by the disease can vary based on the species, it typically succumbs quickly.

Oak decline is a disease in which several injurious stressors simultaneously affect and lead to the decline of a tree. These stressors may include prolonged drought, late spring defoliation, root fungi, and wood-boring insects. The most notable indicator of the presence of oak decline is deterioration of the canopy. Additionally, unlike oak wilt, trees affected by oak decline tend to retain their leaves, even after their death, and the leaves do not reflect the same patterns of necrosis that leaves of trees affected by oak wilt display. If removed, a dark stain on the outer bark of an affected tree gives visual to the site affected by the wood-boring insects. Another noteworthy and defining difference is that trees affected by oak decline may show evidence of the decline over an extended period of time, often years. If questions remain, an Austin tree trimming professional can assist with the examination of a tree’s branches and leaves to help determine the correct diagnosis.

Although there are notable differences between oak wilt and oak decline, there are also similarities that may cause some confusion. Consult an Austin tree care service for professional assistance in diagnosing your landscaping oaks.

About the Author

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading provider of Austin tree service in Central Texas. Certified ISA Austin arborist services including: tree trimming, tree removal, tree care and oak wilt treatment.

Each one of us desires to give our lawn an appealing look! The techniques for taking care of your lawn should be tuned from season to season. Lawn maintenance isn’t that easy; instead it involves innumerable steps. Your prime aim lies in preparing a neat and tidy lawn.

It’s true that installing as well as maintaining a lawn is a time consuming process; but the end result is quite satisfactory. On the flip side, taking inadequate care of your lawn may give rise to innumerable negative consequences. In addition to giving your lawn a dirty look, it may even turn out to be a reason of property seizure.

Now you may ask “What is the use of lawn maintenance and why should I work so hard for it?” Well friends, a properly maintained lawn not only helps people in different ways, but is also considered to be environment friendly. In simple words, a well maintained lawn is a boon to the environment!

The benefits of a well maintained lawn is not restricted to one. Conversely, a lawn that is not properly maintained (may be due to overuse of fertilizers and pesticides or negligence) may prove to be a bane to the environment.

As mentioned previously, the benefits of a well maintained lawn is not restricted to one. Come let us take a look at them:

* Healthy lawns are the key behind lowering pollution levels in your neighborhood. They play a major role in removing pollutants from the air, thereby lowering noise pollution.

* Lawns even play a significant role in increasing your property’s value. Marvelous looking lawns add to the beauty of your house.

* Your air-conditioners bill must have been low this time; isn’t it? Why? Well having a lawn in front of your house must have cooled the surrounding temperature to a considerable extent. As a result, you didn’t feel the need to switch on the air conditioner! Now, how is this possible? Well, the moisture evaporating from the grass plays a significant role in maintaining a cool air temperature.

* Your kids will simply love the idea of playing in the lawn!

* Lawns help in improving the quality of water. The thick sod (formed by the grass) helps the water to soak into the soil. This helps in reducing or removing run off that carries soil as well as other impurities found in the waterways.

There are certain things that need to be considered prior to obtaining a clear idea about the ways for growing a lawn.

* Ensure being aware of the suitable climatic conditions that helps in the proper development of your lawn.
* Check which soil type is ideal for your lawn

Last but not the least, find out the grass variety that grows well in your lawn.

About the Author

Next, I would like to invite you to download your copy of caring for your lawn. Plus, receive more tips on taking care of your lawn. – Keep in touch, follow me on Twitter @ ScottMFree

It’s family night, and everyone wants to sit out on the deck and enjoy the evening. There’s no better companion than the warmth of a nice fire to settle in and relax next to. It doesn’t matter if it’s summer, spring, or fall, a fire is always captivating and quite comforting during most of the year.

However, the only thing available to light up the family fire in is the old, rusty, clunky fire pit sitting over in the corner with a leg nearly falling off. Why bother?

An alternative to use is a Patina fire pit. Patina products fire pits come in all different sizes for most everyone.

A fire pit is a large bowl-shaped piece of metal. It has space for wood to be laid in the bottom and holds the fire. It comes in many sizes and styles. Some of the patina products are just a big bowl on 3 or 4 legs. Other styles are smaller and have sides, making it easier to put them on a table or deck.

The benefit of using Patina fire pits is that it doesn’t run the risk of causing a wild or brush fire. The first is completely contained. When the fire is down to embers and put out it doesn’t leave any coals lying around since they are all on the bottom of the pit.

People who have a backyard can use one of the larger pits in their backyard. But not everyone has a large enough backyard or they only have a deck or balcony. This is where one of the smaller Patina products comes in handy. They have fire pits that are small enough to sit on a table or deck so that no matter what people can have their fire to sit around.

Another benefit to owning a patina fire pit is the portability. They can be taken on visits to family and friends, or anywhere suitable for a comforting fire. They can also be taken on camping trips. However, some campgrounds may require that fires be burned in pits that the campground provides. Additionally, because some campground provided pits are in such poor condition, they will cause a camper more hassle than they care to deal with. However, if they own their own Patina fire pit, good pits or bad pits, aren’t a worry. All one has to do is pull out their handy pit and fit it up

Not everyone wants to use wood in his or her fire. However, some of the pits are equipped for propane. For the propane user, several places conveniently carry propane tanks in a variety of sizes. Furthermore, due to the scarcity of firewood in many urban areas, the common local grocery store will typically sell mini propane tanks year round.

For people who love a nice fire out on the deck, or a special outing on the beach or common campground, get the stories & the s’mores ready! A Patina fire pit is a great addition to any social setting.

About the Author

Welcome to YourFirePitPlace, inside you will discover an amazing selection of low priced and excellent quality patina fire pits.