Landscape Design
Landscape Designs are built for a variety of reasons -- visual appeal as well as useful purposes -- and enhance a garden with their many attributes. Several key factors go into an effective landscape design that enhances the home and suits the needs of homeowners. At Environmental Construction Inc. we are here to help you think through your options, check out our consultations by clicking here.
Purpose and Goals of Your Landscape Design
Define how you intend to use your yard. Entertaining, play space for kids, outdoor living rooms, vegetable gardens, and poolscaping all factor into elements needed in the landscape. Establish goals like low maintenance, increased privacy, or accentuating architectural features. This guides the design and you can find more ideas on how to implement those concepts by clicking here.
Home Style and Architecture in Your Landscape Design
The landscaping should complement your home's architectural style. A cottage garden fits a quaint craftsman while contemporary, geometric designs suit modern homes. Steer clear of overly fussy or ornate landscaping on simple home styles. Repeat shapes, materials and colors from the home into the landscape. Because we can do full outdoor construction we can help you bring your dreams to life! Check out what we can offer by clicking here.
Yard Size and Topography
Design for the proportions of your property. Larger yards offer more flexibility than smaller urban lots. Maximize smaller spaces by dividing areas into zones like an intimate patio, vegetable garden and play lawn. Account for elevation changes, slopes and drainage patterns. Use landscaping to soften sharp inclines. There is a lot to consider in this area, check out more info on landscape design by clicking here.
Lifestyle and Needs in Your Landscape Design
Tailor the design for how your family uses the yard. Kids and pets call for play lawns. Low maintenance plants work for busy professionals. Vegetable gardens, compost bins, and fruit trees suit green thumbs. Think about what will enhance daily life.
Soil, Sunlight and Climate
Know your yard's microclimates and select plants that thrive in those conditions. Consider the direction the house faces and how sunlight reaches different areas. Test the soil pH and composition like sand, loam or clay. This determines what can grow well and irrigation needs.
Plant Selection in Your Landscape Design
Choose plants suitable for your zone, site conditions and design aesthetic. Include a mix of evergreen and flowering plants for year-round color and screening. Use trees strategically for shade, privacy and to define spaces. Mass groupings of plants make high visual impact.
Hardscaping
Incorporate paths, patios, arbors, fences, gazebos, water features, decking and pools into the design. They enhance usability of spaces and provide visual structure. Use hardscape materials like stone, brick or gravel that complement the architecture of your home. Define distinct zones. For more infomation on Hardscaping click here.
Focal Points
Strategically place plants or features to draw the eye through the landscape, like specimen trees, arched trellises, statement fountains or an ornate bench. Locate focal points near entrances or areas used most to maximize enjoyment and give the design polish. Of course, this is easier said than done. The expert landscape designers at Environmental Construction Inc can help you get just the look you want.
Sightlines and Vistas
Frame attractive views like gardens, mountains or other landscape features using hedges, trees or trellises. Use gradual slopes, low hedges or ground covers to allow unobstructed sightlines. Curved paths extend the view.
Lighting in Your Landscape Design
Outdoor lighting illuminates spaces used after dark and adds ambiance. Up lights in trees, path lighting and decorative lampposts enhance safety and extend enjoyment of the landscape into the evening. It can be difficult to imagine what your lighting plans will look like, check out what we offer here for landscape lighting and rest assured our landscape design experts have successfully overcome any lighting issues you might run into.
By thoughtfully incorporating these elements into your design, you can create an outdoor space that perfectly complements your home and lifestyle. The ideal landscape will become an extension of your living space.
Fine craftsmanship is essential when creating a beautiful Northwest garden. Environmental Construction Inc. designs and builds unique landscapes in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Lynwood, Bothell, Sammamish, Issaquah, Renton, and surrounding areas.
Category: Landscape Design