With cities being locked down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family requirement for a safe space and a backyard to ?get away? without leaving home has never been more important. Extending the family living space to the outdoors can give you the feeling of a ?get away? without leaving your own yard.
We are all hearing phrases like ?locked in your home? which well defines the typical family unit today.? With schools being shut down, parents have added a new role as curriculum builders, time schedulers and full time teachers in their own homes.? Jobs, whether you have one or not have added completely new level of stress to the family unit. Basically the feeling of being “locked in” is stress from not having a chance to step away from everything new that has come up from the health issues surrounding us today.? Family members have had to adapt work and school spaces within the house and depending on the size of your indoor living space, there may not be proper spaces to have a ?get away? from others. Going beyond the new day to day schedule, let?s add the question whether or not we will be able to safely take our families on holidays or camping for an actual get away. .?
We all can imagine the feeling of snuggling outdoors by an outdoor fireplace, making s?mores, golfing, sipping wine on a patio , reading a good book in the sun or having a nap in a lounger with the sound of trickling water from a nearby creek or pond.? These dreams can all be attained within our own yards with a beautiful landscape design and construction. ?
Landscaping companies that offer full service landscape design and construction are your best choice to ensure you create properly functioning yards with sturdy retaining walls, water drainage issues solved, creative designed areas with design flow, privacy, low maintenance and the added features that will bring you peace and happiness.? ?
Whether your goals are to make new family memories resembling weekend getaways or to create new private spaces for a peaceful mental break, there might not be a better time to create these new outdoor living spaces in your own yard.
Retaining walls are much more than a decorative feature of your yard, they serve a very practical purpose: to prevent soil from moving downhill by the force of gravity. Nevertheless, you can certainly turn them into a decorative aspect of your home. A retainer can be practical, as well as aesthetically pleasing?you just need to appreciate all the functions it serves and consider how you can enhance it. Here are a few reasons why you might need a retainer, and what you can do to maintain and improve it.
Your Home is Close to a Fault line
If your home is located close to a soil fault line, you are at risk of being adversely affected by soil erosion. In the event of an earthquake, the soil will move away from the fault line and and create instability over the ground where your home is. A retainer can stabilize the soil?s movements in your yard. You might not think that an earthquake is likely, but it is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
Minimizes Soil Erosion
If erosion is already a problem for you, then a retaining wall can certainly minimize the damage. A retaining wall holds keeps the soil at bay and reduces the level of descent. The flatter the surface the less damage soil erosion can do.
Improves Water Runoff
When it rains heavily, water spills onto the streets and from there to nearby rivers. Wall retainers can help slow the flow of rainwater. Retaining walls are particularly useful in areas that are prone to flooding.
Critical for Houses Located on Slopes
If your home is located on a downhill slope, a retaining wall might be necessary. A sliding hill is the last thing you need for your home, as it can threaten its very foundation. A retaining wall is a good buffer against soil that is moving downwards.
Provides Arable Land
Retaining walls have been used for farmers by centuries. They provide good soil for them to plant crops and provide a level area to operate on. While you won?t be engaging in any large-scale agricultural production, a retaining wall can create the conditions for a garden.
Building and Maintaining Your Retaining Walls
Your retaining wall requires some degree of maintenance to keep it functioning; it also requires a bit of thought if you want it to be a well designed addition to your home. Rather than having it straight, try experimenting with curves. The materials can also be designed for better appearance. How much you want to put into aesthetics depends on your personal taste and budget. If you are planning to build a wall for the first time, the first thing you should do is check the city office for the appropriate building codes-especially if you are planning to build a tall retaining wall. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
Proper Terracing Retainer walls can be terraced for design and extra strength. The task is best performed in increments so that adjustments can be easily made if necessary.
Work with Standard Blocks It is much easier to work with a set of standard manufactured blocks when building a retaining wall. It also provides the wall with a more unified look.
Prepare a Solid Foundation The wall will be no good without a solid foundation. Dig the base a few inches below grade and fill it with gravel (or appropriate filler).
Plan for Drainage A retaining wall should have drainage at the base as it will be collecting a lot of water, in addition to stopping the soil. A fabric-covered drainage pipe is ideal since it prevents clogging.
Materials to Use The most common materials for building blocks tend to be timber, concrete and stone. These materials have varying levels of durability, with timber being the least durable. Stone is the most expensive, but is the most durable material and has the best design. If you are willing to spend a little extra, the stone retainer is well worth it in terms of both practicality and style.
Conclusion
Retainer walls can be both protective and stylish with some forethought and investment. If you live on a hill or in an area prone to flooding, it makes sense to build a retaining wall. If you are building one for the first time, or you are looking to refurbish your current retaining wall, then it might be a good idea to consult with a professional who can give you advice on appropriate materials, methods, and cost appropriate to your budget. Get in touch with us today and see how we can help you make a better choice for your garden and outdoor needs.
With the climate constantly shifting, droughts are becoming more and more prevalent. Preparing for a drought isn?t easy, especially if you are looking to?maintain a beautiful landscape. You don?t know exactly when a drought will occur, leaving you with a shriveled landscape that looks like a desert wasteland has taken up residence on your property. In order to create a drought-tolerant garden and greenspace for your property, any decent landscape design company will recommend xeriscaping. This is a special technique that involves meticulous insight, but yields incredible results. Below you?ll find important tips for a drought-tolerant landscape design that will ensure that your plants and greenery flourish even when rainfall and water sources are scarce.
Planning Your Landscape
Take a look at your yard. Identify the shady spots and any existing vegetation that cannot be removed. When you understand the space you?re working with, it?s easier to come up with drought-tolerant landscape ideas. Keep an eye out for areas where the ground naturally slopes because these areas will play a key role in the natural drainage system of your landscape. Furthermore, determine the purpose of the entire area. Determine where the most foot traffic will be, and if it?s necessary to create a path for people to walk on. Stone paths can compliment any landscape and don?t need to be watered.
Analyze the Soil
Most custom landscape services involve soil analysis. This gives you an idea of the type of soil you?re working with, so you know how much improvement is necessary. A soil analysis also helps determine which types of plants will flourish in your space and which ones won?t grow at all.
Go Native
Once you have an idea of the type of soil you?re working with, you can select plants. A good rule for creating a drought-resistant landscape is to stick with native plants. Any plant that naturally grows in the region will require less watering and be well adapted to the local climate. When you bring in seeds from other places you?re looking at more watering and maintenance to help them grow.
Learn to Strategize
Group plants together based on how often they need watering. You should also come up with a watering strategy. For example, only water plants in the morning when the weather is cool, so that when the sun comes out, the water doesn?t evaporate. Moreover, avoid watering plants at night, because it can result in the growth of mould and fungus which are hard to get rid of during a drought. Finally, water your plants at their base, so there is less chance of evaporation.
Mulch Organically
Use organic mulch to help cool the plants? roots and slow down the water evaporation process. Organic mulch is compatible with any soil and retains moisture efficiently, so if there is a drought, you can rest assured that your landscape won?t suffer.
Limit the Turf
Unless you are landscaping a soccer field, you should limit the use of high-input turf grass. This is only ideal for sports fields and not particularly drought-resistant. Although high-input turf may always seems to be a sparkling emerald green, it is difficult to maintain, and cannot stand up to a drought.
Collect Water Where You Can
Because a drought can hit without warning, you need to collect water when you can. This involves installing a rain barrel to capture rainwater, and taking advantage of downspouts. You can also collect water from basement dehumidifiers and pools. However, if there is a drought, you probably won?t be filling up your pool.
Weather Controlled Irrigation Systems
Weather controlled irrigation is the ideal solution for areas that experience frequent dry periods ? and a strong investment for your property. These systems are programmed to irrigate at certain times per day when the soil will use the water most efficiently. The most advanced of these systems are connected to weather reports and will not turn on when it is predicted to rain.
Custom Landscape Services to the Rescue
The most effective way to design a drought-tolerant landscape is to take advantage of custom landscape services. Hiring a professional landscape design company will help you get the garden and foliage that you want, without sacrifices. Any reputable landscape design company will create the perfect drought-tolerant set-up for your property, whether it?s for a commercial space or your home.
Maintenance is Key
A little maintenance goes a long way. If you are trying to maintain a large property, you will probably want to hire a professional landscaper to handle upkeep. Even if you?re not dealing with a commercial space, custom landscape services are probably the best way to maintain your greenery. The better maintained your landscape is, the more drought-tolerant it will be.
With the cold, snow, and ice out of the way, it is time to reclaim your outdoor space with some spring gardening and?residential landscaping?as you prepare your home for summer or resale. In fact, reports suggest that landscape design can increase the resale value of your home by as much as 20 percent, provide an ROI of over 50 percent, and make your home sell faster.
If you are looking to sell your home, experts argue that you should invest about 10 percent of the total value of your home in landscaping. Even if you have no intention of selling your home, you can still?add a dose of charm to your yard?with these simple spring landscaping ideas.
Planting Shrubs or Trees. You can plant one tree or shrub or as many as your yard can handle, taking into consideration the correct spacing for a mature tree. Planting a single tree can provide you with a nice shaded area that you can enjoy in the years to come.Taking care of several trees is not very involved, as long as you provide basic care, which includes watering, trimming, mulching, leaf and branch removal, and for fruit trees, fertilizing. However, you should make sure to choose shrubs or trees that offers the greatest aesthetic value, in terms of shape, colour, and even texture. A good choice for nearly all climates is the Japanese maple, which can enliven any landscape with its colour and form. Other common options include eastern red cedar, northern red oak, and Colorado blue spruce.
Colourful Mulch. Since most yards already have a few trees, plants and a lush lawn, you can easily add colour and texture by applying mulch. For instance, mulch in a dark, roasted coffee bean colour can offer a beautiful contrast to a green lawn. For a landscape featuring flat lawns and well trimmed low shrubs, you may consider introducing some pine cones to add texture.Other interesting mulch colours for giving life to your bland landscape include cedar, gold, red and even black. It?s easy and cheap to add mulch to your landscape. Simply choose a colour and texture, dump it on your garden, spread it evenly, and leave it. However, mulching should be done away from the house and other structures, as it can hide insects and trap moisture that rots wooden surfaces.
Clear Garden Pathways and Fencing. A neat yard can make a huge difference for the beauty of your landscape. If you have overgrown shrubs or flowers that seem to be spilling over from the garden beds and onto the walkways, then edging could help to perk up the landscape. You could also do some pruning and cutting just to restore order.You could go a step further to mark the boundaries of your garden and walkways in a creative way. You can use large rocks, bottles planted neck down, or some other item that is readily available, provided they go the entire path. Alternatively, you can plant low-maintenance groundcovers, such as vinca, pachysandra, lamb?s ears, or lily of the valley to add colour and texture to the walkways.
Outdoor Lighting. Installing fancy outdoor lighting can dramatically enhance the appeal of your landscape without breaking the bank. Proper outdoor lighting will allow you extend your outside activities even after the sun sets. Lighting can also increase the security of your home, help to accent the beauty of your garden and lawn, and make your home more marketable and attractive to prospective buyers.
Creating a Focal Point. Residential landscaping ideas can be inspired by your own passions and desires. You can discuss your design ideas with a skilled and experienced contractor to find ways to bring your vision to life, and create a focal point that is meaningful to you.For instance, you can choose to install a statue, fountain, pond, patio, or anything else that will give you pleasure every time you look at your lawn. Water features such as hot tubs and swimming pools can also blend into the natural landscape. Decks and patios are the most common landscape installations because they increase the value of your home by about 12 percent. These projects are quite expensive, so it is important that you hire a skilled contractor who will maximize the comfort and beauty of your outdoor space and ensure that everything harmonizes with the landscape.
Spring residential landscaping can mean the difference between selling your home sooner and at a greater profit, and waking up to the same bland landscape through spring and summer. There are many different ways to improve your outdoor space, depending on your design needs and budget. Whatever softscapes and hardscapes you choose to invest in, make sure that you work with a skilled landscape professional who can bring your vision to life within your budget.
A great way to improve your home is through landscaping. With so many landscaping option out there what should you choose? Do you go with a new patio or add a swimming pool? What about a colourful garden or space for the kids to play? Are you looking to cook more outdoors or cultivate a relaxing atmosphere? We?ve come up with ten ideas for better landscaping solutions that look great and compliment any home.
Stone Path Dividers Whether it?s your back or front yard you?re looking to improve, stone paths can be used to divide any area. Adding stone paths or walkways to separate certain areas of your yard allow you to keep certain spaces separate from others. For instance, if you have a stone path that divides your yard into two areas, you can have a barbecue station in one and a swing set for your kids in another. Or, you can have stone paths around your home that connect the back and front yards. No matter what you choose, stone paths are proven landscaping solutions.
Outdoor Kitchen Do you host a lot of barbecues? Do you like having people over for meals? Why not try this ultimate landscaping solution: the outdoor kitchen. You don?t have to install a full kitchen but speciality appliances like brick stoves and pizza ovens work great outdoors. It is also a good idea to install an outdoor sink to make cleaning up after barbecues a breeze.
Meditation Garden If you?re looking to create a zen-like atmosphere in your backyard, a meditation garden will do the trick. Meditation gardens don?t necessarily need to be used to meditate. They?re actually stylish and offer a tranquil aspect to your yard.
Swimming Pool The perfect landscaping solution for your home might be a swimming pool. Besides giving your family a place to cool down when the sun?s out for revenge, a pool is like an at-home gym because swimming is a great overall body workout. You don?t have to have an in-ground pool, an above-ground one with a deck built around it is a great landscaping option.
Water Features If having an in-ground or above-ground pool isn?t a good landscaping option for your property there are other water features you can install that take up less space. Ponds, waterfalls, ceramic and stone fountains all make for beautiful landscaping ideas. You can even have fish in your pond to create an idyllic scene. Just remember that the fish will need a home in the winter when your pond freezes over.
Privacy Shrubbery One of the more practical considerations of landscaping is ensuring that you have enough privacy from your neighbours. Traditional fencing is fine but if you?re looking to spruce up your property, try privacy shrubbery instead. Evergreen shrubs, bamboo plants?basically any tall hedge?will work to keep your home separate from your neighbours?. However, some shrubs will lose their greenery in the winter, so keep that in mind when choosing your plants.
Kiddie Corner If you have kids, don?t neglect them when it comes to landscaping. Swing sets and jungle gyms can be incorporated into your backyard but if you really want to keep your kids busy for hours on end go for the fun option with a sandbox. Since you will already be dividing your backyard with beautiful stone paths, you can keep the sandbox separate from the ?adult? areas of the yard like the outdoor kitchen and pool.
Deck and Patio Depending on the size of your property, a deck or patio may be the right landscaping solution for you. You can go with a gorgeous stone patio or try the brick option. On the other hand, a treated-wood deck could look great in your yard. It all depends on the space available and what your tastes dictate.
Theme Garden Another landscaping solution for your home is to add your own spin to a traditional garden. Theme gardens allow you to explore different colours and plant species. Everything from tropical to woodland to beach to rock garden is up for grabs and since this is your property, whatever theme you choose for your garden is perfect. You can match the rest of your yard to your theme garden for a little symmetry.
Fireplace A simple landscaping option would be to add a fireplace or firepit to your yard. Fireplaces and firepits add a cozy feeling to your property and are easy to maintain. Plus, with a firepit or place you can entertain outside all year round.
If you are planning on undertaking a large landscaping project for your home, seek professional assistance. There are a great many things to consider, not the least of which being that many aspects of landscaping work can be dangerous. Contact the professionalsat Infinity Gardens instead to help you every step of the way.
If you?re planning on selling your home, there are certain things you can do to increase its resale value. Even if you?re simply looking to do some renovations, it?s never a bad idea to add a few special touches to your property. When most people think of resale value home tweaks, they often concentrate on the inside of the house; however, it is the backyard that can give your property a good financial boost.
If you?re not sure where to begin, try one of these five property value increases:
Adding fencing along your property provides security and creates boundaries. Fences make your house more secure and have the added bonus of keeping out pesky animals that will eat and dig up your grass and garden. Fencing, unless it is chainlink, adds value to your home, but remember that you will need to check with your city?s bylaws to see what height is acceptable.
These special walls add colour and texture to your backyard. They can double as walkways and offer stability to a deck or patio. Retaining walls also offer an option to get rid of useless backyard space and limit erosion caused by water runoff.
Decks and patios create an extra room, except instead of being inside, this room is outside of the house. Patios and decks add space to barbecue, and provide a place to entertain and hang out. With wood and stones, you can add a long-lasting deck or patio to your property that can increase its value by up to 80%.
Proper Irrigation
When it comes to backyards, many people ignore irrigation. There?s only so much that rain can do to keep your lawn and garden hydrated. Installing a proper irrigation system adds value to your home and keeps your lawn and gardens looking fresh, so when your property is shown to potential buyers, they?ll be impressed by your gorgeous, lush lawn.
Total yard makeovers are a great value add for any property. Landscaping can even increase the total square footage of your home and make a smaller property appear bigger.
Although it may be tempting, do not add a pool. They are not cost-effective and actually decrease your property?s value. Unless you live in a climate that allows for year-round swimming ? which our Canadian weather does not ? adding a pool doesn?t make sense.
When it comes to construction and home renovations, it?s always best to use the services of a professional. For more information and resale value ideas, contact us. Let Infinity Gardens provide your home with the right add-ons to start a bidding war over your property.
Being able to separate yourself from the constant buzz of the city is good for both mind and body. Whether it?s going out and enjoying a lazy weekend on the lake or spending quiet time alone in the woods, no matter the destination or the amount of time, cottages give you the ability to unwind and let loose.
There are a number of key necessities that no cottage owner should be without if they?re looking to add a little luxury to their woodlands lifestyle.
Outdoor Kitchen
During the warm summer months, there?s no better way to spend time with one another than being outside and sharing a meal. By having an outdoor kitchen, no one has to be separated from the group because they?re busy inside cooking. Consider a built in grille, area for cutting and preparing food, and finally a table and chairs for serving. The entire setup will provide countless hours of fun.
Hammock
There are few places that speak of peace and solitude more than a hammock resting quietly between a pair of trees. If there are not any trees available, there are plenty of options that include posts or setups that do not require being attached to any existing foliage. If you plan to visit your cottage with your special someone, look for the extra wide options to include them in your relaxation.
Furniture
Spending time outside of your cottage is always enjoyable, but there are times when Mother Nature won?t let you. Picking furniture then is important as a backup for those nasty days. Try to find pieces that add rustic charm while still being comfortable for everyday use. Look inside antique stores or try refurbishing old dressers and couches to give them that old world feel.
Music
Listening to the sounds of nature is nice, but if the chirp of crickets and the sounds of water lapping against the dock don?t suit you, consider putting in a batch of speakers for your outdoor amusement. Being able to play music in the background of your dinner or while playing outside with friends will perfectly set the surroundings.
Beverage Dispenser
Having a beverage dispenser available will help hydrate your guests without forcing them to move through your cottage, and hydration should be a priority on hot summer days. They can be simple glass containers or colorful ceramics with intricate designs; either option allows you to customize the atmosphere of your cottage and make it truly your own.
Patio
There?s no better place to hang out and enjoy every part of your luxury cottage then on your masterfully built patio. A simple design meant to match the surrounding woods or a stunning stone masterpiece that will leave people speechless will enhance your entire experience while in cottage country. No matter what choice you make, the patio will become a main area for everyone to spend time and enjoy each other?s company. You can improve your patio further with additions like outdoor fireplaces or designer yard work.
Windows
The area surrounding your cottage is as important as the cottage itself. When you?ve finally selected your ideal location, you need to be able to enjoy it as much as possible. Line your cottage with plenty of windows so that you will be able to view your new surroundings from almost any angle.
For more ideas on how you can create the perfect cottage atmosphere, contact our team today!
When you build a home, you know that you are going to be putting in a kitchen, living room, bedrooms and bathrooms. Often people get so caught up on the interior, they forget about the exterior. Your backyard is truly an extension of your home (a phrase you will hear me say over and over again) and it should be treated as another space. Would you forget to put couches in your living room? A counter in your kitchen?
Now what you can add to your outdoor space will depend on your needs and budget. A general rule of thumb is your backyard budget should be 10% of the value of your home. If you entertain often, an outdoor kitchen and large patio is a good choice. If you have a hectic work schedule and enjoy your time alone, a small work area, zen garden and a hammock would be an idea. If you are a nature lover fill your yard with tall trees, privacy screens and beautiful gardens to fully benefit from your yard. A yard is as unique as your home and it should reflect you and your family.
Some people are worried about paying extra money to get a landscape design. Would you buy a house without a drawing? Landscape designs are necessary unless you are just laying sod. The wow factor comes with planning exactly where to put something, what the grade will be, the materials, and perfectly fitting everything you want into a space. This allows you to see your yard BEFORE it is built, and make the changes you need at that time. I believe a landscape design will end up saving you money in the end, instead of dealing with the costly changes mid-project for something that you could have foreseen with a plan.