When you plan your new House Design it is also a good time to consider Landscaping around your House and property. Just like choosing the right House Design, Landscaping decisions will ultimately affect how your new home will look and affect your property value. A well Designed garden will also Complement your indoor/outdoor flow, save you time in your garden, and of course add value to your new home. Here are some tips for Landscaping your new home. Some people choose to use a professional landscape Designer when planning their new garden. We recommend this if it is an affordable option. A professional landscaper will understand your vision for your new garden and give you drawings and options about what plants and features will work best to realise that vision. They will also be able to recommend what plants do or don't grow well in particular climates, locations and soils, which can save you time and money in the long run. A professional landscape Designer will make sure you meet ground level requirements and be able to advise you when Council permits may be necessary. If you plan to undertake the work yourself have a checklist in place for all the key items in your garden such as clothesline, shed, rubbish bins, and compost. After this take some time to think carefully about how you want your new home to flow into the outdoors. Decking will often be needed for entertainment areas, you may like to continue this decking around the main part of the House, or have separate private decks for where you have doors opening from bedrooms. Garden boxes and paths help keep your property tidy, and for easy maintenance you may wish to use raised garden beds for your vegetable garden too. Water features can include fish ponds, solar powered fountains or a spa pool. Just like a House Design, with Landscaping there is no end to your imagination. Country cottage, formal, modern, or native - your garden plan can express your personality as well as be an extension of your new home. If you don't have any fixed ideas, or a struggling with your plan, try gardening magazines and books to stimulate ideas. You will often find layouts and features that you had not thought of, as well as being able to see photos of finished gardens. Once you have decided your Design you can then plan the materials you want to use. For paving and pathways you have wooden decking, tiles, stones, pebbles etc. Lighting can include effect lighting using solar powered lights as well as security lights. Plants can be low maintenance plants or flowers such as roses. Don't forget to add interesting sculptures and art for a point of difference. By having a garden plan in place, when you move into your new home you will have peace of mind that the dirt surrounding your House will soon be a perfect setting for you to enjoy.
Creating an Outdoor Oasis Through Landscape Design
As the northern New Jersey weather turns warmer and area homeowners make their summer plans, many are opting to stay at home to enjoy their time off - a trend that has helped coin the phrase "staycation." Adding to this local vacation flavor, one recent poll found that two-thirds of homeowners say they would rather have a barbecue or cookout at home than eat at a restaurant. Taking advantage of both of these trends as people search for a relaxing place to escape to this summer is the ability to create an Oasis in their own backyards. Whether they are seeking solace from the maddening crowd or just want to enjoy relaxing with family and friends, there is potential located just beyond patio doors to transform any Outdoor space into a personal retreat. The solution is what the industry is calling "Patioscaping," which is essentially the art of transforming a simple backyard into an elegant Outdoor Oasis. Patioscaping offers the advantage of Creating a beautiful Outdoor patio space without having to make a significant investment in remodeling. As homeowners consider investing in an Outdoor living space, here are some tips that will make a big difference in the look and functionality of a property: * Know a home's style. It's important to have an understanding of a home's architectural style when Creating an Outdoor room, so that the Outdoor patio space complements the indoor living space. Whatever theme is carried Outdoors, it should reflect the home's style, whether it's a Victorian, a Craftsman or a ranch-style home. * Determine the use of the space. Once the general architectural style of a home and, by extension, a patioscape, is determined it's then time to think about the activities that will take place there. If the family likes to entertain, consider planning a food preparation area or built-in counter to serve as a buffet or serving space. If the homeowner wants to lounge and read in blissful silence, include a hammock, chaise lounges or wooden benches with pillows covered in durable Outdoor fabrics. Make a sketch using scale-model drawings of furniture that would look good and fit this purpose. * Set the stage with the right door. The entry to an Outdoor patio space creates the impression of what's to follow on the other side. And because summertime barbecues, pool parties and picnics funnel traffic through a home's patio door, make it a pleasant experience - avoid irritating traffic jams, frayed screens and cloudy glass by installing doors that can stand up to the high traffic and look good over time. For example, patio doors made with fiberglass offer an ideal blend of beauty and durability and they come in a variety of styles. Fiberglass patio doors are Designed as a complete system with components that work together to form the tightest seal possible, Creating an energy-efficient envelope. * Make a green space even greener. While shrubs and trees can add important texture to green space, homeowners don't need to completely re-Landscape their yards. Colorful flowering plants around a patio's perimeter can create a dramatic effect and serve as a visual boundary from the rest of the yard, Creating an intimate space that evokes an actual room. * Let there be light. Another inexpensive way to add atmosphere to an Outdoor patio space is to install accent lighting. String lights in festive colors and shapes; add drama by lighting a pathway to the garden, pool or pond; accent trees with lights at ground level or in the branches. There is nothing more beautiful than candlelight Outdoors - just be sure to use sturdy candle holders that won't tip over. Plus, a well-thought-out exterior lighting Design delivers 360-degree home security for your exterior. * Allow for family fun. Many families use the patio as a playground equipped with toys, swings, basketball hoops and wading pools. Add a clean storage area to protect bikes and toys when not in use, as well as indoor/Outdoor floor coverings to protect children from scrapes and bruises. By following these patio planning basics in Creating the perfect Outdoor patio space, any backyard will be transformed into a private Oasis that families will enjoy all summer and for many years to come.
Factors You Must Consider Before Hiring a Landscape Design Company
Looking out for a Landscaper? Perhaps knowing what and where to look for a reputed Landscaper will help you derive the maximum out of your money. A Landscaper will have the expertise, creative insight and knowledge required to convert your simple yard into an oasis. ReDesigning the yard from the scratch can be a daunting task; the only way to simplify the process is by having a reputed Designer at your side who can guide you through the process. Compiled in this article are guidelines to select a qualified Landscape Designer. Experienced Experience counts in every field. Look for a Landscape Designer with some level of knowledge and expertise in the field. From conceptualization, Designing, installation to maintenance, a Designer will be responsible for every minuscule detail. So beforehand verify the level of experience of the Landscape Designer, their track record, work history, ask for referrals, cross check clients testimonials and accordingly make a choice. A tried-and-tested way to discern if the Company is capable of handling your scale of project is by pursuing their work samples. Short list Landscape Designers A good way to find qualified Landscape professionals is by asking close friends and local gardening centres for recommendations. A simple search conducted on the Internet will provide you with a classified listing of top ranking Landscape Designers across your area. Narrow down the list based on the level of experience, qualifications and training that each prospective Company boasts of. Arrange for personal interviews with the candidates that seem the most promising. Take time to view their websites, which will provide all the information you could possibly need to know about the Company. Budget The budget is a major aspect that Factors in while hiring a Landscape Designer. Prices charged by different service companies vary to the great extent. Shop around to find best prices on the services. Get price quotes from multiple sources and compare rate to get value for the money invested. It is good idea, to opt for a Company that offers all services from installation, Designing to maintenance under one roof, this way you will be able to save exorbitant sums of money. Important questions to ask As a client, you are bound to have many questions that are best cleared before you could commence on the project. It is advisable to ask the Company beforehand for a timetable for completion of the work. During the time of the interview, make it a point to clear all the doubts you might have. Once you have shortlisted who you want to hire, get a written contract ready. A legal binding contract is imperative to protect the interest of all the parties involved. Blueprint Before getting started with the Designing process, it is important to chalk out the basic plan and then start the Designing process adhering to the plan. During the Designing process, a Landscape Designer will assiduously assess the clients unique requirement, desired amenities, available outdoor space and existing Design of the property, based on which will create the blueprint of your Landscape.