Tag Archive for: Landscaping Ideas

5 Small Landscaping Upgrades that Produce Luxurious Backyard Feel

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With all the stresses of contemporary life, making your home a comfortable, gracious, and relaxing retreat is a high priority for many people. Luxury landscaping can transform bland outdoor spaces with clever use of garden features. Focal points using high-quality natural materials such as stone and wood can enhance, while colorful, extravagant décor can make a real style statement in tasteful measures. Check out these five small landscaping upgrades that will produce a luxurious backyard feel at your home.

1. Create Clever Garden Focal Points

Taking the drab away from your backyard may be as simple as creating some focal points. Choose plants that have a distinctive shape and attractive foliage. So that they will stand out and attract the eye, you will need to ensure other plants do not crowd them out. You may need to do some clearing of plants and then consider whether other garden items can help enhance the space. For example, you can strategically place seating, pots, and planters nearby to draw the eye to the garden feature.

Another luxury landscaping technique uses a central structure such as a sculpture, garden arch, or fountain. Surrounding the main element with low plantings and cleared space makes an attractive scene.

2. Aim for Lush Greenery and Flowers

One of the relatively easily achieved small landscaping upgrades is to have a garden with the appearance of lush growth. Many suitable plant and flower combinations can bring an opulent feel to your backyard in all but the harshest climate environments.

Healthy, rapidly growing leafy green plants of differing shapes and heights can soon give your backyard that lush effect. Use flowering plants to provide contrast and break up any monotonous green patches. It’s remarkable how a splash of bright color in small doses can enhance your plantings. Round off this scene with one or two eye-striking garden décor pieces for visual impact.

If you lack the green thumb for the project, reach out to your local luxury landscapers who can help with design, planning, planting, and maintenance.

3. Use Paving to Provide a Luxury Landscaping Feel

Whether used undercover in patio spaces, pool surrounds, viewing platforms, or walkways, paving materials make a strong style statement. Large functional pavers make walking safe in uneven landscapes while giving a visual impression of widened space. In addition, your choice of tile color can provide a pleasing neutral effect with soft grays, light browns, or white tones.

Rough textured pavers can impart a rustic feel, while slate shows expensive taste and style. Porcelain pavers are durable and available in many colors and shades. Limestone pavers can provide an elegant bright look.

Add sumptuous-looking outdoor furniture in colors that complement the paving for a stunning finishing effect. Some brightly colored contrast can be achieved with plump cushioning and throws.

4. Create Symmetry for an Elegant Effect

Creating symmetry in your garden gives a classical formal feel to your outdoor spaces. It creates visual balance using mirror imaging of features and geometric shapes. Hedging is one traditional way to assist in creating symmetry. For example, hedging can be planted along both sides of a driveway or a pathway, framing the space and emphasizing existing straight architectural lines.

You can plan garden beds, hedges, garden décor, trees, and shrubberies to achieve symmetry at focal points outdoors. Symmetrical plantings around entertainment areas also enhance the existing paving and structures.

5. Refreshing Water Features and Restful Spaces

Other small landscaping upgrades that can enhance your backyard include restful nooks and crannies. Place benches under trees or near shrubberies to encourage people to sit down, relax and drink in your garden’s color, fragrance, and style. Adding small water features such as ponds, cascading water bowls, small fountains, or even bird baths bring a relaxing feel to the area. Strategically placed in your garden, these little oases of calm can be lit up at night for entertainment and a lovely ambiance. Solar floodlights can be focused on specific garden features, while fairy lights wrapped around trees give a beautiful sparkly effect.

Make Your Outdoor Spaces State of the Art

Some creative thinking, high-quality materials, and the know-how of experienced professional landscapers can transform bland outdoor spaces and backyards with luxurious landscaping techniques. At State of the Art Landscape in Northern Virginia, we can help with any aspect of garden and outdoor design, building, installation, or maintenance you require.

With extensive experience helping homeowners bring out the best in their properties, why not contact us today to discuss enhancing your outdoor living spaces?

7 Tips for Eco-Friendly Commercial Landscape Design

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Sustainable landscapes are finally having their moment to shine. Everywhere we turn, there are more companies and owners wanting to make their properties environmentally friendly.

And, not only do these upgrades have a significant impact on the landscape around them but it actually saves the owner’s money, requires less maintenance, and protects the area from ruin.

So, if you’re thinking of making some green upgrades consider giving our tips below a try.

1. Use Pollinators

Create a robust ecosystem around your landscape by using pollinators in the garden and flower beds. That’s because insects such as moths, bees, and butterflies rely on these types of plants as a food source. So, it’s important these animals have access to them to prevent species decline. Additionally, pollinators are a great way to support crops and produce growth as a tonne of flowering plants rely on them to produce seeds. 

2. Choose Native Plants

If there are trees or plants on your property, it’s best to choose ones that are native to the area. That’s because, native plants support local wildlife, and are acclimated to the weather, climate, and rainfall patterns. Meaning, that they will require less maintenance as they won’t need as much fertilizer, pesticides, or water to stay alive. In turn, making a smaller eco-footprint.

3. Consider Synthetics

There are many different types of hardscapes and synthetic materials available instead of plants, trees, and grass. Installing something like artificial grass over an area actually requires less maintenance, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and water. Making its impact on the surrounding environment much less harmful.

4. Mulch

Another idea to make a landscape more environmentally friendly is to use mulch. Any type of organic mulch such as wood chips, leaves, pine needles, and bark helps to keep the environment intact by regulating soil temperature. In turn, working to keep plants alive and healthy for much longer. It does this by breaking down over time and releasing nutrients back into the soil.

This makes it the perfect material to place at the root areas of the trees and plants as they will keep them healthy.

5. Harvest Rainwater

One of the simplest ways to give back to your landscape is to harvest rainwater. When rainwater is used on things like plants, flowers, and vegetable gardens, it will greatly reduce the amount of water used to maintain the property.

So, consider capturing rainwater from places like roofs and gutters. Both of which also prevent pollution from entering the water supply. To do this, consider the use of cisterns, rain chains, or barrels. Even some decorative items like watering cans can be used to capture it.

6. Green Roofs

There’s no reason to stop at the landscape when it comes to upgrading a property’s green space. For owners that really want an eco-friendly upgrade, consider installing a green roof. A green roof is a great option for owners who might be short on space but want to maximize what they have. That’s because an eco-friendly roof reduces the energy use of a property by adding insulation. This insulation keeps cool and warm air inside. In turn, requiring less energy throughout the year to maintain.

Additionally, a green roof minimizes water runoff. Water runoff can be harmful to the surrounding environment seeing as it could contain harmful pesticides and herbicides. But, with the help of a green roof, this risk is minimized.                                                                                                             

7. Use Natural Products

Making a space ‘green’ doesn’t stop at what is planted and installed. It extends to the maintenance and products that are used for it throughout the year. That’s why it’s important to only use natural pest control and herbicide options.

Otherwise, products that are full of chemicals can be detrimental to both the environment, local wildlife, and a person’s health. Certain products have been known to cause adverse reactions, especially to things like insects and bees. So be sure to use natural sprays, or techniques (such as hand-removal of weeds) to ensure your space remains eco-friendly.

Eco-Friendly Commercial Landscape Design

At State of the Art Landscaping, we know how important it is to take care of your outdoor space. That’s why we believe in using eco-friendly methods and designs. We can assess, customize, and build you the outdoor green space you and the environment deserve.

So, if you’re interested in seeing how your property can be upgraded with eco-friendly designs consider getting in touch with a member of our team today by contacting us today.

Take Your Property Look to a Whole New Level With the Right Turf Solution

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The right turf solution can take an outdoor space to a whole new level. Not only can it elevate a space’s design, but it can improve its functionality all while providing a lower-maintenance alternative to grass.

But, with so many turf options to pick from, how do you know which solution is right for you? That’s where we come in. As outdoor experts, State of the Art knows the ins and outs of turf options.

That’s why we’ve outlined the best solutions below and how they can enhance your property.

1. Gravel

For a fluid and low-maintenance option, gravel is your best bet. Gravel provides owners with a quick and simple tuft solution that’s super easy to install.

Gravel also seamlessly meshes with a bunch of design styles; fitting in easily with both traditional and contemporary looks. However, we recommend it’s best to keep it to small and enclosed areas. That is because large open spaces filled with gravel tend to be boring and impractical.

So, for best results, we recommend using it in smaller garden areas (such as front yards), or areas where mowing can be difficult. We also suggest adding plenty of plants and flowers to the space so there will be some color and interest.

2. Bark

If there are areas of your yard that struggle to get sunlight and end up dry and dying, consider adding bark. That’s because bark won’t die even in the darkest corners of your yard (such as under trees, or in between structures). So, for a natural-looking option, we suggest choosing a natural stripped pine bark and adding as much greenery as possible.

To install, simply spread eight to ten centimeters over the soil. But, keep in mind that bark does require regular maintenance as it will likely need a topping up every year.

3. Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is a favorite when it comes to a turf solution. That’s because this option provides a natural look without all the hassle that comes along with maintaining real grass.

Just remember that all varieties of artificial grass aren’t made the same. So, be sure to shop around for color and style that works for your space as the shades can vary.

It might also be a good idea to consider what the space will be used for and how much direct contact you might have with it as many find it less comfortable underfoot.

If you do decide to proceed with the installation, it’s important to note that the larger the space the more likely you will need to hire professionals to help. That’s because bigger spaces require the ground to be leveled and paved.

4. Smart Paving

Another turf solution that owners may want to consider when redoing their space is smart paving. Materials like stone, brick, or even concrete make a great alternative when it comes to traditional grass. That’s because these alternatives can make a great base for a courtyard. In turn, drastically changing the space to be more functional by being able to put down more seating areas, gathering spaces and dinner tables.

Given how many paving options there are, owners can match the building material to their unique sense of style; choosing a design that works for them. For traditional patios we suggest opting for more natural textures like sandstone or limestone. Whereas more modern properties can experiment with different styles by using things such as concrete and quartz.

Regardless of what you end up choosing, we always suggest avoiding the use of multiple materials in a single space. Otherwise, it can end up looking busy and cluttered.

5. Decking

The final tuft solution to consider is decking. Not only is decking a great way to define a space and create a more livable area but it is actually a perfect solution for sloping or awkwardly shaped lawns. That’s because it can help to level out an area without all the hassle and money it takes to do it to the ground.

Instead, installing a deck is a cost-effective and quick way to create a usable surface that’s perfect for dining, lounging, or gathering. Plus, there are plenty of decking materials that owners can choose from ranging from hardwoods to no-maintenance composite lookalikes.

Ultimately, whatever turf option you decide to opt for, it’s guaranteed to transform your space. If you’re an owner and are considering upgrading your space, speak with a member of our team today by calling 703-421-3666 or emailing admin@stateoftheartlandscape.com.

Summer Landscaping Ideas for 2019

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Mindful ecology, organic gardening, pollinator and wildflower meadows, outdoor wellness, staycation, and low-maintenance are the keywords in landscaping design summer of 2019. If you’re looking to refresh your yard, or you’re finally getting around to transforming your backyard into an outdoor oasis, here are the latest trends to keep in mind when landscaping in North Virginia.

Inviting Mindful Ecology Into Your Backyard

It’s important to be mindful when dealing with any aspect of the environment, and that includes our gardening. At the core of mindful ecology landscaping lie concepts such as soil ecology, carbon sequestering, sustainable watering, the principles of organic gardening, and pollinator meadows.

Pollinator & Wildflower Meadows

One of the biggest trends of the year is the firm transition towards eco-friendly landscaping. Wildflower or pollinator meadows, consisting of indigenous grasses and native flowering perennials, create a healthy habitat for bee and butterfly populations as well as a beautiful landscape.

To attract pollinators to your garden, choose a variety of nectar and pollen-rich flowers. Consider as many plants native to your area as possible. Native plants evolve closely with native insects and are well-suited to meet their needs. Bear in mind that some pollinator species are entirely dependent on the existence of specific native plants. By adding these plants to your landscaping in North Virginia, you can help dwindling populations rebuild.

It’s All About Low-Maintenance

Simplifying one’s life seems to be what everybody is after these days, and why should your landscaping in North Virginia be any different?

Living in such fast-paced times, with little or no time left for pruning, weeding, and watering, a low-maintenance garden is on likely on your wish-list. Think of these pro ideas to keep your yard as low-maintenance as possible:

  • Perennial plants: Go for perennial plants and even group them based on their watering needs. Choose evergreen shrubs that don’t require much attention as well as dwarf shrubs. Dwarf shrubs are resilient plants with low-maintenance needs and well-suited for smaller gardens.
  • Performant Irrigation System: Invest in advanced irrigation technology because it now allows homeowners to control the quantity of water delivered to plants, encouraging a smart, eco-friendly investment.
  • Set Up Raised Beds: They create less work. There are less weeding and dead-heading involved, and they are a complementary extension for modern backyard landscaping.
  • Painted Structures: If you’re on a shoestring budget and still looking to upgrade your relaxing space, then painting your fences, sheds, and your summer houses will liven up your garden, without much maintenance involved. Tip: Dark grey, green, and blue fences are on trend this summer.
  • Potted Plants: Pots are life-saving landscaping ideas as you have minimal weeding to do and good control over the size of the plant.
  • Artificial Grass or Lawn Alternatives: Instead of a traditional lawn, plant grass mixes that don’t need to be mowed, like Habiturf® and other prairie-type grasses.
  • Choose the Cottage Look: Embrace a natural look with a wildly lush cottage garden! Letting your yard run wild is the best thing you can do for low-cost landscaping. To get that savage, charming cottage look, allow your garden to grow unhindered, but plant large amounts of contrasting grasses and plants of different scales and colors throughout your yard.

Go on a Staycation!

Set up your own staycation hub. As outdoor wellness is already becoming a custom and a must in our hectic society, people are looking for more ways to enjoy a staycation in the comfort of their own garden.

To make the most of your backyard plans for landscaping in North Virginia, consider the best spots to create a hangout area. Set distinct spaces; for example, comfy lounge chairs, decadent hammocks, a lazy swing, and more. No matter how small your area is, arrange the seating in a conversational position. Include lighting to make your outdoor spaces easy to access and inviting even as the sun sets.

To make your space even more welcoming and entertaining, set up a weatherproof speaker system to enjoy music while you’re outside. And if cooking relaxes you, consider an outdoor kitchen in your designs for landscaping in North Virginia. For those looking to make their backyard a true oasis at home, a pool could be the perfect addition to your yard. You’ll never want to leave again!

Is it time for a backyard makeover? Let us bring our craftsmanship and experience to create your outdoor paradise. Request an on-site appointment with one of our passionate landscape designers today!