Landscape Design Principles
Understanding landscape design principles can be a complicated task. Luckily we are here to help! Stick with us and we will help transform your outdoor space into an environment with a true sense of purpose.
Old houses are being rebuilt to look new age and modern. Property is being purchased all over the state to make way for a new age in frontier house design. The majority of these demographics are retired couples who finally have the resources to build their very own dream backyard. To build a sanctuary, a refuge, a garden of zen, from the convenience of their own home. Another opposing, but positive trend for us at EDI, is the new up-and-coming young families that are coming from out of state. These families are looking for houses and properties with that nuanced look that mixes harmoniously future aesthetics with nature, and want to know how to accomplish such equilibrium.
At EDI, we thrive on accomplishing such projects. We go above and beyond with award-winning standards. Every detail to every corner is taken into consideration. As Colorado’s top commercial and residential landscaping company, our primary goal is to exceed the expectations of our customers. We have landscape design principles that we tend to follow when it comes to outdoing every design we create. With this article, we will give you the information you need to help you pick a great landscaping company that will partner in your vision and the details needed to consider when it comes to picking a great design.
Materials & Supplies
Let’s start with something simple, picking materials and supplies that are locally sourced. Doing so will not only save you money, but it will also save you time. If you have the financial capability to place special orders out of state, then by all means go ahead and spring for expensive material. Whether it is granite boulders in front of your property to give your guests an earthy impression or imported grass to make your backyard comfortable to walk around barefoot, the smart decision, and our recommendation, is to choose materials that are locally sourced.
Colorado buff boulders and flagstone are great examples of why choosing locally sourced materials is best. Not only do we love to support local businesses and contribute to our community, but it can also mean that you get the design done quicker. It is also important to note that the transfer of plants from a local botanical business makes the transition easier and better when it comes to the health and wellbeing of the plants. Furthermore, picking material that is already accustomed to the climate of where you currently reside is always a plus.
Gardening
Mulch, fertilizer, and compost are also variables that need to be considered when choosing materials. As the professionals doing the installation, we know exactly what should be considered and it is our duty to pass the information along to you. As a local company, we have the advantage and necessary knowledge needed on what and how to maintain whatever is being installed. Not to mention, the excitement and humility that comes along with helping our community. You will get the best customer experience and knowledge from your local landscaping, material provider, and maintenance team.
Another factor to consider when you hire us as your landscaping company is that we are passionate about helping our fellow business owners. We will make sure to recommend local companies we’ve worked with in the past that have done great work. We all help each other out and it is an amazing community of local businesses starting a beautiful collective, all to make the world a happier and greener place, literally.
Hardscapes
Speaking of using local materials such as rock and boulders, it is important to pick appropriate hardscapes that are built to last. This is a variable that can be very overwhelming to someone who is collaborating with a professional landscaper. Hardscapes would be considered walking pathways, patio decks made of sediment, structures of water features, and/or fire features. Does the residential project look good with a stone pathway leading from the grill to the pool? Will the placement of the firepit agree with the zoning of what the designer had in mind? Does the material agree with the soil of the property? There are so many aspects to consider when it comes to this difficult part of the construction. Sure, it looks pretty on paper, yet the process can be strenuous and many changes to detail should be made in case there was a factor that was not seen or missing. A professional eye for this process is needed, but it doesn’t hurt to make suggestions and/or push for the vision that you have instilled in your property. Don’t be afraid to give your input and expect great customer service, but it’s best to work alongside us professionals.
Plants
Another decision many of our clients find difficult is selecting plants, because they must consider the mature size, placement, and so on. When it comes to selecting the correct plants for landscape design, there are many things to consider. What are the factors that go into picking the right plants? The grass is an important decision; will it agree with the soil that you have, how much fertilizer is needed, how much maintenance must be done, how often should you irrigate, what can grow on the grass or around it, is it hardscape friendly, can it withstand the climate of where you currently reside. Grass alone can be very overwhelming. And it goes way beyond the question: “is it green?”. However, with EDI by your side, all queries will be taken into consideration.
Another plant dilemma most untrained people have nightmares about is trees. Especially for homeowners, trees can be very tricky. If the plant is not native to your region, then trouble with maintenance can be expected. How much should the trees be watered, how far apart must they be to assure full maturity, will there be blooms on the trees, will they spread seeds, how often would they have their branches cut, etc. This leads to the next variable to be considered when choosing plants.
When one considers grass, trees, and flowers, there is the exterior outlook that needs to be taken into account; the color coordination, the tone you would like to set, and what they can provide to other plants and animals. Overall, the big outtake in choosing the right plants is “Does it look good”. Big, important decisions need to be made when it comes to selecting the right plants, and there is so much detail that goes into choosing what is right and what looks right. Most often, we will recommend to use plant varieties that are suited to this climate (cold and drought tolerant). A good example is ornamental grasses, tall grass that can be used for decoration, or an economic alternative to building walls around your property. Some tall grasses can tolerate dry seasons and can dish out the cold, even stay in bloom during the snow. Other ornamental grasses require more maintenance, pruning, and irrigation than others. Non-native species require more water and others none at all. Floral designs can also be tricky. Some flowers do very well when placed amongst other plants and shrubs. Other flowers must be spaced out or planted far away from hardscape installations for maximum maturity. Most flowers must be potted and monitored to be installed amongst the other plants or stay isolated. So many variables can go into plant arrangements and it can be a confusing and frustrating process if you don’t know what you are doing. It’s best to be well informed and prepared when it comes to these difficult decisions. Environmental Designs can make this decision an easy segue to your ideal backyard/front yard.
The Blueprint
Now, let’s say everything is in place. A design has been made, all factors have been calculated, and the best material has been chosen. You may have some special orders here and there, there may be some installations that need a pipe connection, and some plants have been placed to provide shade and nutrients to other plants. The next step is to make the blueprint of what you want your property to look like. Roses on one corner of the backyard, and a stone water feature at the base near the entrance of the backyard. The ending result has exceeded your expectation and all you can do is cross your arms and take in the hard work and difficult decisions that have gone into scaping your ideal view for your property. Just sit back, relax, enjoy the bloom, and walk through the custom brick pathway that you have chosen with the shrubs that go along the outlines of said pathway. How can this design that has been constructed stay like this for a long time?
Maintenance
Considering the maintenance aspect of a design, the project can be easily maintained in the future to promote longevity. To people with a green thumb, this seems more of a DIY hobby. A weekend activity to ensure that soil is up to par, pruning and de-branching your plants, and irrigating the grass. Yet, with many homeowners, there isn’t simply enough time to put so much care into the design that has been created. Tree care and landscape maintenance is key, especially when it comes to preparing for the distinct seasons; this is especially true for Colorado. Some plants must be covered when it snows, other plants must be irrigated constantly during drought season. The long-term view is something that most amateurs don’t even think about when it comes to picking a great design for their landscape. That is where we come in–our company can provide the services needed to maintain your landscape design. Companies who do landscaping maintenance anticipate the needs of what a property must be prepared for. Which will lead to the final aspect of the finer points of landscaping.
Irrigation & Water Needs
The common rule in any business aspect is “Location, Location, Location”. To a landscaping company, the number one rule is “Water, Water, Water”. Proper irrigation installation combined with adequate run times to water the landscape efficiently can make all the difference. As said before, some non-native plants require more water than others, while others none at all. A common mistake a lot of untrained landscapers make is overwatering. Irrigating should be timed perfectly, to ensure the full maturity of plants, grasses, and trees. Especially during the dry seasons (depending on the climate you reside in). Not only is it important to implement the proper irrigation schedule, it is also important to take climate into consideration—the warmer months will require more water due to evaporation while the colder, rain-heavy months will require less. Most often, our professional landscapers will go the extra mile when it comes to setting up an irrigation system, placement, and installing timers–they will make sure the right amount of water is being used to hydrate your plants.
Professional vs. DIY
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when it comes to maintaining a lush, lively garden, residential or commercial. And, with enough information, simple, DIY projects, though time consuming, can be accomplished. If you decide to go that route, take notes and learn. Ask as many questions as possible about the plants and their upkeep, make sure you get a good irrigation schedule down to the t, and learn about plant and tree maintenance to keep your botanical life healthy and happy. However, when it comes to bigger projects, it doesn’t hurt to search for a professional opinion. If that’s the case, feel free to give us a call to set up to get a free quote. Build that utopia you’ve been dreaming about. If you decide to hire a maintenance team make sure to follow along, learn, and ask questions just in case it’s up to you to use your newfound green thumb knowledge for a bit of upkeep.